To her surprise Veronica had shown an irresistible desire to learn also, and had insisted upon being properly taught by the fencing-master.

The young girl had soon shown that she had far more natural ability and aptitude for the skilled exercise than Bianca had possessed when she had first begun.

Her lean young figure, long arms, and unusual quickness gave her every advantage with a foil, and her extraordinary tenacity and determination to do well at it helped her to progress rapidly.

Before she had practised two months, though by no means yet as good as Bianca, she had been able to sustain a long bout with her very creditably indeed.
Bianca had a very different temperament and organization.

She was never really strong, though exercise had developed her strength to the utmost.
She did many things well, but did nothing with that sort of conviction, so to say, which proceeds from conscious inward vigour.