I think Anthony is more afraid for me than I am for myself; and since I have been riding with him, I have been obliged to be more careful, because he is so nervous about me.' Caterina made no reply; but she said to herself, 'I wish she would go away and not talk to me.

She only wants me to admire her good-nature, and to talk about Anthony.' Miss Assher was thinking at the same time, 'This Miss Sarti seems a stupid little thing.

Those musical people often are.

But she is prettier than I expected; Anthony said she was not pretty.' Happily at this moment Lady Assher called her daughter's attention to the embroidered cushions, and Miss Assher, walking to the opposite sofa, was soon in conversation with Lady Cheverel about tapestry and embroidery in general, while her mother, feeling herself superseded there, came and placed herself beside Caterina.
'I hear you are the most beautiful singer,' was of course the opening remark.

'All Italians sing so beautifully.