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. Very tall,--
perhaps your lordship or I might say too tall. But--on the stage the
prejudice is in favour of a degree of tallness that we might not
admire off it. Gestures, bearing, and the movement of the person
equally capable of expressing majestic dignity, or heart-subduing
pathos. A most graceful walk.
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