But the effect of it all was, that Laura was considered to be very wealthy and likely to be vastly more so in a little while.

Consequently she was much courted and as much envied: Her wealth attracted many suitors.

Perhaps they came to worship her riches, but they remained to worship her.

Some of the noblest men of the time succumbed to her fascinations.

She frowned upon no lover when he made his first advances, but by and by when she was hopelessly enthralled, he learned from her own lips that she had formed a resolution never to marry.