Volume VI Part 3 (1/2)
There was a certain reserve about the manner of Mdlle Toscani, so I chiefly addressed myself to Madame Vestri, whose husband was not jealous, for he neither cared for her nor she for hier had distributed the parts of a little play which was to be given in honour of the duke's arrival It had been written by a local author, in hopes of its obtaining the favour of the Court for him
After supper the little piece was discussed Madame Vestri played the principal part, which she was prevailed upon to recite
”Your elocution is admirable, and your expression full of spirit,” I observed; ”but what a pity it is that you do not pronounce the dentals”
The whole table scouted my opinion
”It's a beauty, not a defect,” said they ”Itsoft and delicate; other actresses envy her the privilege of what you call a defect”
I made no answer, but looked at Madame Vestri
”Do you think I am taken in by all that?” said she
”I think you are much too sensible to believe such nonsense”
”I prefer a man to say honestly, 'what a pity,' than to hear all that foolish flattery But I am sorry to say that there is no remedy for the defect”
”No remedy?”
”No”
”Pardon me, I have an infallible reood hearty blow if I do not make you read the part perfectly by to- you read it as your husband, for exaive you a tender eood; but what must I do?”
”You must let me weave a spell over your part, that is all Give it toit to you to get my blow or my kiss, if your husband has no objection”
”None whatever; but we do not believe in spells”
”You are right, in a general way; but ood”
Madame Vestri left me the part, and the conversation turned on other subjects I was condoled with on my swollen hand, and I told the story ofme, and I went back to Baletti's in love with all the ladies, but especially with Madame Vestri and Mdlle Toscani
Baletti had a beautiful little girl of three years old
”How did you get that angel?” I asked
”There's her mother; and, as a proof of ht”
”I accept your generous offer; but let it be to-ht?”
”Because I shall be engaged all night in weaving ht that was a joke”
”No, I am quite serious”
”Are you a little crazy?”