She made portrait busts in plaster that really were like the subjects, with occasionally an inspired success, and that without any teaching.

She showed genius in this work.

When a bust of her modelling was sent to Rome to be put into marble, the foremost of Italian sculptors, not knowing the maker, declared that nothing would be beyond the reach of the artist if _he_ would come to Rome and study technique for a year.

Mrs.Botta asked me to let her try to get my face.

That was delightful.