But for the present her vivacity, her wit, her bright intelligence, no less than her beauty, charmed him.

And he was rejoiced to believe that she was quite as much ensnared by his own attractions.

He did not want any unhappy accident to mar the smooth course which was to lead up to the marriage in no distant future.

He did not need Drusus's money any longer to save him from bankruptcy.

The legacy would be highly desirable, but life would be very pleasant without it.