They are two of our richest heiresses, for they have no brothers.

Their mother died soon after the birth of Giulia." "They both look very young," Francis said.
"Maria is about sixteen, her sister two years younger.

There will be no lack of suitors for their hands, for although the family is not politically powerful, as it used to be, their wealth would cause them to be gladly received in our very first families." "Who was the middle-aged lady sitting between them ?" "She is only their duenna," Matteo said carelessly.

"She has been with them since they were children, and their father places great confidence in her.

And he had need to, for Maria will ere long be receiving bouquets and perfumed notes from many a young gallant." "I can quite fancy that," Francis said, "for she is very pretty as well as very rich, and, as far as I have observed, the two things do not go very often together.