" The
Tuscan "lucco," or long flowing gown, had at least the advantage of
concealing from the public eye much that the Apollo costume had
injudiciously exhibited.
Ludovico Castelmare had adopted the costume of a Venetian noble of
the sixteenth century; and very strikingly handsome he looked in
that most picturesque of all dresses. The Marchese Lamberto was at
the ball, of course, but not in costume. Perhaps the most striking
figure in the rooms, however, was one of those few persons who have
been mentioned as present, but not belonging to Ravenna, or to the
class of its nobles. This was a lady, well known at that day
throughout Italy as Bianca Lalli--"La Lalli," or "La Bianca," in
theatrical parlance--for she was one of the first singers of the
day. Special circumstances--to be explained at a future page--had
rendered it possible for remote little Ravenna to secure the
celebrated artist for the Carnival, which was now expiring. The
Marchese Lamberto, who, among many other avocations and occupations,
all of them contributing in some way or other to the welfare and
advantage of his native city, was a great lover and connoisseur of
music, and patron of the theatre, had been mainly instrumental in
bringing La Lalli to Ravenna. The engagement had been a most
successful one. The "Diva Bianca" had sung through the Carnival,
charming all ears and hearts in Ravenna with her voice, and all eyes
with her very remarkable and fascinating beauty.
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