She herself playfully disclaimed any resemblance to Savonarola.

But, although such resemblance was very distant--Savonarola's peculiarly unbalanced countenance being a strong caricature of hers--some likeness there was.
Her speaking voice was, I think, one of the most beautiful I ever heard, and she used it _conscientiously_, if I may say so.

I mean that she availed herself of its modulations to give thrilling emphasis to what was profound in her utterances, and sweetness to what was gentle or playful.

She bestowed great care too on her enunciation, disliking the slipshod mode of pronouncing which is so common.

I have several times heard her declare with enthusiasm that ours is a beautiful language, a noble language even to the ear, when properly spoken; and imitate with disgust the short, _snappy_, inarticulate way in which many people utter it.