Still more astonishing was her rich and varied knowledge.

Whether conversing with a Spaniard, Frenchman, Italian, or German, she spoke to each in his own tongue; but the beautiful Italian language assumed additional sweetness on her lips.
When presented to the old Deodati, she took both his hands and spoke to him so tenderly and affectionately that, overcome by emotion, he could only say a few grateful words in acknowledgment.
Passing by Simon Turchi, she said cheerfully: "God be praised, Signor Turchi, that your health is so soon restored! I am happy to see you here this evening.

I am sincerely grateful to you, signor, for the friendship you manifest to the nephew of Signor Deodati.
You have a good and generous heart, and I thank God for having given so devoted a friend to Geronimo and his uncle!" The gentle words of the young girl were intolerable torture to Turchi; the wound on his face, betraying his emotion, became of a deep-red color.

And yet it was absolutely necessary for him to appear calm, and to reply cordially to the kind salutation of the young girl; for there were at least twenty persons near him and within hearing of what passed.
By a powerful effort he mastered his emotion, referring it to the impression made upon him by her appearance.

He spoke also of sacrifices, which, even when voluntarily made, painfully wound the heart; of a self-abnegation which could find its consolation in the happiness of a friend, but which failed not to leave a sting in the soul that had cherished fallacious hopes.
Mary understood him, and was grateful for his kindness.
"Thanks, thanks, signor," she said, warmly, as she passed on to salute other guests.
When Mary approached the piano, and addressed a few kind words to Master Christian, many Italian gentlemen begged her to favor them with a _canzone_.
With her father's permission, the young girl consented to gratify the guests.