But there was much joking and raillery about the evident and notable
pair-ship of Ludovico and Bianca; and it came to pass that, almost
without any special intention on their own part, they were thrown
much together, and danced together frequently. And this, under the
circumstances, was still more the case than it would have otherwise
been, in consequence of the Marchese Lamberto not dancing. It was a
long time since he had done so. There were many men dancing less
fitted than he, as far as appearance and capability, and even as far
as years went, to join in such amusements. Nevertheless, all Ravenna
would have been almost as much surprised to see the Marchese
Lamberto dressed in mumming costume, and making one among Carnival
revellers, as to see the Cardinal himself doing the same things. He
had made for himself a social position, and a life so much apart
from any such levities, that his participation in them would have
seemed a monstrosity.
It may be doubted, however, whether on this occasion, at least, the
dignified Marchese was satisfied with the position he had thus made
for himself. It would have been too absurd and remarkable for La
Bianca to have abstained from dancing and attached herself to him in
the ball-room, instead of consorting with the younger folks. Of
course that was entirely out of the question.
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