In this installment of the Palliser series, Lizzie Greystock, a fortune-hunter who ensnares the sickly, dissipated Sir Florian Eustace is soon left a very wealthy widow and mother. While clever and beautiful, Lizzie has several character flaws, the greatest of which is an almost pathological delight in lying, even when it cannot benefit her. Before he dies the disillusioned Sir Florian discovers all this, but does not think to change the generous terms of his will.