She glanced roguishly at her sister when she began; and as she went on, Rosa could not help smiling at her musical antics.

The old teacher bore it patiently for a while, then he stopped trying to accompany her, and, shaking his finger at her, said, "_Diavolessa_!" "Did I make a false note ?" asked she, demurely.
"No, you little witch, you _can't_ make a false note.

But how do you suppose I can keep hold of the tail of the Air, if you send me chasing after it through so many capricious variations?
Now begin again, _da capo_" The lesson was recommenced, but soon ran riot again.

The Signor became red in the face, shut the music-book with a slam, and poured forth a volley of wrath in Italian, When she saw that he was really angry, she apologized, and promised to do better.

The third time of trying, she acquitted herself so well that her teacher praised her; and when she bade him good morning, with a comic little courtesy, he smiled good-naturedly, as he said, "_Ah, Malizietta_!" "I knew I should make Signor Pimentero sprinkle some pepper," exclaimed she, laughing, as she saw him walk away.
"You are too fond of sobriquets," said Rosa.