Then there is the testimony of all Milan! And I succeeded in speaking with an old friend who had seen her the year before last at Naples, and whose report I can trust.

The opinion seems to be universal that few artists have ever possessed the gift of fascinating an audience to the degree that she does.

Your Excellency may take my word for it, she is a very clever woman.

My own interviews with her sufficed to convince me of that fact.

And I need not tell your Excellency, that little as some of the empty-headed young gentlemen in the stalls may suspect it, talent,--not only the special talent of song but general talent,--has much to do with the power of fascination that a gifted actress exercises." "Most true, mio bravo Signor Ercole; you speak like an oracle; and if she left on you the impression that she is a clever woman, I have no doubt in the world that she is so." There was no irony in the Marchese's mind when he said this; and the little impresario, highly gratified again, half rose from his chair to bow in return for the compliment.
"As for the specialties of her face and person," continued the impresario, "they appeared to me highly favourable.