Men might dispute her claims to beauty--but no one could deny that she was, in the common phrase, an interesting person.

Grace and refinement; a quickness of apprehension and a vivacity of movement, suggestive of some foreign origin; a childish readiness of wonder, in the presence of new objects--and perhaps, under happier circumstances, a childish playfulness with persons whom she loved--were all characteristic attractions of the modest stranger who was in the charge of the ugly old woman, and who was palpably the object of that wrinkled duenna's devoted love.
A travelling writing-case stood open on a table near them.

In an interval of silence the girl looked at it reluctantly.

They had been talking of family affairs--and had spoken in Italian, so as to keep their domestic secrets from the ears of the strangers about them.

The old woman was the first to resume the conversation.
"My Carmina, you really ought to write that letter," she said; "the illustrious Mrs.Gallilee is waiting to hear of our arrival in London." Carmina took up the pen, and put it down again with a sigh.