"Victoria di Loredani was the daughter of the illustrious Count Ardolph di Loredani, descended from one of the most ancient families in Venice, and endowed with all the wealth and consequence which result from high birth and immense possessions.The Count Ardolph was united, in the early part of his life, to a beautiful and accomplished woman, whose birth, though noble, was inferior to his own. By her he had two children; a son named Leonardo, and a daughter, Victoria. The former, by the singular beauty of his countenance and the fascinating qualities of his manners, was a favorite with all who knew him. The latter, possessing equal beauty, and even superior talents, was also equally a favorite; but her nature was ambitious and haughty, and her temper, always impetuous, was rendered still more so by a spoiled and misjudging indulgence."