I have mixed a good deal in society in Rome since my return from Naples. Among other acquaintance I must particularly distinguish Mme Dionigi, a very celebrated lady, possessing universality of talent.[110] She is well known all over Italy, for the extent of her litterary attainments, but more particularly for her proficiency in the fine arts, above all in painting, of which she is an adept. She also possesses the most amiable qualities of the heart, and is universally beloved and respected for the worth of her private character, and for her generous disposition. She has all the vivacity of intellect belonging to youth, tho' now nearly eighty-six years of age,[111] and of a very delicate physical constitution; in short she affords, and I often tell her so, the most striking proof of the immortality of the soul. There is a _conversazione_ at her house twice a week, where you meet with foreign as well as Italian _litterati_, and persons of distinction of all nations, tongues and languages. Her eldest daughter, Mme D'Orfei, is an excellent _improvisatrice_, and has frequently given us very favourable specimens of the inspiration which breathes itself in her soul. I have likewise witnessed the talent of two very extraordinary _improvisatori_, the one a young girl of eighteen years of age, by name Rosa Taddei. She is the daughter of the proprietor of the _Teatro della Valle_ at Rome, and sometimes performs herself in dramatic pieces; yet, strange to say, tho' she is an admirable _improvisatrice_ and possesses a thorough classic and historical knowledge, she is but an indifferent actress.