She was not deficient in amiable qualities, but her soul was haughty, and her carriage not unfrequently contemptuous.
Her pride was nourished by the consciousness of her charms, by her elevated rank, and the universal adoration she was accustomed to receive.
Among her numerous lovers count Malvesi was the individual most favoured by her father, nor did his addresses seem indifferent to her.

The count was a man of considerable accomplishments, and of great integrity and benevolence of disposition.

But he was too ardent a lover, to be able always to preserve the affability of his temper.

The admirers whose addresses were a source of gratification to his mistress, were a perpetual uneasiness to him.

Placing his whole happiness in the possession of this imperious beauty, the most trifling circumstances were capable of alarming him for the security of his pretensions.