Contrary to what one would expect of a woman whose fame was based on her beauty,
Mrs. Langtry is an exceptionally intelligent person. She must read constantly
because she is able to discuss in detail any book, classical or modern, English
or American or French, that is mentioned to her. I know she isn't shamming,
because I questioned her in some detail, and she KNEW the books. She also reads
the newspapers, and doesn't bother with the trivia. She can talk about worldly
affairs or financial matters or whatever with the good sense one would expect
of a man who keeps up to date. She meets a stranger as an equal, and although
she's so pretty her beauty is blinding, and she doesn't rely on feminine charm.
She's what she is, and she expects one to take her or leave her. She is good
company with her friends, but it would be hell to be married to her. She's too
damn bright.
- quoted in Lillie Langtry, A Biography by Noel B. Gerson, p. 165. Primary
source currently unknown.
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