'I never thought of it. Is Madame Bonanni a good type of them?'
'No,' Logotheti answered, after a moment's reflection. 'I don't think she is. None of the great ones are. They all have something original, personal, dominating, about them. That is the reason why they are great. I was thinking of the average singer you will have to do with if you really sing in opera. As for Madame Bonanni, she has a heart of pure gold. We are old friends, and I know her well.'
'I can quite believe that she is kind-hearted,' Margaret answered. But don't you think, perhaps, that she is just a little too much so?'
'How do you mean?'
'That she might be too kind to tell a beginner just what she really thinks?'
'No, indeed.' Logotheti laughed at the idea. 'You would not think so if you knew how many poor girls she sends away in tears because she tells them the honest truth, that they have neither voice nor talent, and will fail miserably if they go on. That is real kindness after all! Have you sung to her?'
'Yes,' answered Margaret.
'May I ask what she said? I know her so well that I can perhaps be of use to you. Sometimes, for instance, she says nothing at all. That means that there may be a chance of success but that she herself is not sure.'
'She kissed me on both cheeks,' Margaret said with a laugh, 'and she talked about my début.'
'Then I should advise you to make your début at once,' Logotheti answered. 'She means that you will have a very great success.'