Moreover, if you say that the contessina did not act like a statue in the sequel, I will argue that if you put marble in the fire it will take longer to heat and longer to cool than clay; only clay is made to be put into the fire, and marble is not.

Is not that a cunning answer?
The contessina is a foreigner in every way, although she was born under our sun.

They have all sorts of talents, these people, but so little ingenuity in using them that they never accomplish anything.

It seems to amuse them to learn to do a great many things, although they must know from the beginning that they can never excel in any one of them.

I dare say the contessina plays on the piano very creditably, for even Nino says she plays well; but is it of any use to her?
Nino very soon found out that she meant to read literature very seriously, and, what is more, she meant to read it in her own way.