But Violante was not aware that if the
beauty had been there the devotional aspirations would not have been
there! That, which causes more deeply implanted in her nature than
she knew of were impelling her to desire and to yearn for, the
imperfect teaching of the world around her had led her to imagine to
be unattainable save by the gifts of personal beauty. And, knowing
that if that were so there was no hope for her, her bruised heart
had sought the only refuge which seemed to be open to such
misfortune.
The Signora Fagiani's first attempt at finding a remedy for this
state of things consisted of a vigorous endeavour to persuade her
pupil that her own estimate of her personal appearance was
altogether a mistaken one. All the former experience of the old lady
led her to consider this an easy task. And she was much surprised to
find that her insinuations, assertions, and persuasions on this
subject were totally thrown away on her pupil. The precious gift of
personal vanity had been denied to poor Violante; and she saw
herself somewhat more unfavourably than others saw her.
Then the duenna changed her tactics; and strove to point out how
very little a pretty face signified to any girl in the position of
the Contessa di Marliani. To a poor girl, indeed, whose face was her
fortune, it was another matter.
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