He has since told me he was much astonished at the way Nino sang the love song at his lesson; and he was instantly convinced that in order to be a great artist Nino must be in love always.

Besides, the maestro is as liberal in his views of life as he is conservative in his ideas about government.

Nino is everything the most straight-laced father could wish him to be, and as he was then within a few months of making his first appearance on the stage, De Pretis, who understands those things, could very well foresee the success he has had.

Now De Pretis is essentially a man of the people, and I am not; therefore he saw no objection in the way of a match between a great singer and a noble damigelia.

But had I known what was going on, I would have stopped the whole affair at that point, for I am not so weak as Mariuccia seems to think.