My instructions were formal on that point, as your Excellency knows." "Good! quite right! And now what is she, this diva?
What is she like?
We know that Signor Ercole Stadione is as good a judge of the merits of the lady as of the singer ?" said the Marchese, with a smile.

"I don't ask you about her singing," he added.

"We have all heard all that can be said about that." "Well, Signor Marchese, if I am to speak my own poor opinion, I take the Signora Lalli to be decidedly the most beautiful woman it was ever my good fortune to see," said Signor Ercole, with a voice and manner of profound conviction.
"Paris himself, if called on to be umpire once again, could require no more conclusive testimony, my good Signor Ercole.

But that is not exactly what I mean.

Her mere beauty is a matter that does not interest me very keenly.