Her mother, Lady L'Estrange, had but one idea in life, and that was indulging her beautiful daughter in her every caprice.

Proud, beautiful, and wealthy, when she most needed her mother's care that mother died, leaving her sole mistress of herself.

She was but seventeen then, and was known as one of the wealthiest heiresses and loveliest girls of the day.

Her first step was, in the opinion of the world, a wise one; she sent for a widowed cousin, Lady Peters, to live with her as chaperon.

For the first year after her mother's death she remained at Verdun Royal, the family estate.