“No. Now do not be angry; if your husband does not tell you of these things————”
“Bravo, capital, and a thousand thanks; above all, let me congratulate you on the time you have selected for correcting my errors in French pronunciation. Instead of wishing me good-morning with a kiss, a caress, or a loving word the French professor gives me a lesson in language. Do you give it to me gratuitously, or what do you charge for it?”
“There you are, up on your high horse in a moment, and for such a trifle. You are a Tuscan and the u is hard and difficult for those lips of yours, which distil milk and honey; but another time be careful. People will say you do not know French.”
“But what French! I ask you if in the excitement of the music, or the torrent of notes, there is anyone who would notice if one said u or ou. And I do not speak of a vowel only. Who listens to the words? They can only be distinguished with difficulty.”
“There are those who notice. First of all, the French, who do not like to hear their language mutilated; then the envious, the spiteful. Now only see, each time you had to repeat the word dur, which you always pronounced dour, the Marchioness Vittoria smiled, and looked at her sister, who laughed and then pursed her lips to imitate you. Neither one nor the other was aware that I saw all their pantomime in the mirror.”
“How can you tell what they were laughing at? I know that I was very much applauded, and that my voice and method of singing were praised.”
“You certainly sing well, but remember
that in good society applause
is bestowed upon all, especially upon handsome women.”
“Yes, but only to those who know how to pronounce the u.”
“Shall I tell you all, since you are determined to take offence at the slightest observation which I make?”