The countess told her always that she should be free to choose one for herself within reasonable limits of age, name, and fortune.

Such an heiress, with such a fortune, said Matilde Macomer, could marry whom she pleased.

But so far as Veronica had been allowed to see the world, the choice seemed anything but large.
The count and countess had always been very careful in the selection of their intimate associates--they could hardly be said to have any intimate friends.

Since Veronica had come to them from the convent in Rome, where she had been educated according to her dead father's desire, they had been doubly cautious and trebly particular as to the persons they chose to receive.

Their responsibility, they said openly, was very great.