All kinds of stories were told of her
boundless power of fascination. In crude language, again,--such as
her own countrymen never used concerning her,--the reputation of "la
diva Lalli" was tout soit peu, a reputation de scandale. And it will
be readily imagined that the enthusiasm in her favour of the young
frequenters of the Circolo at Ravenna was none the less vehement on
this account.
It must, however, be added that she undoubtedly was a very admirable
singer. Had this not been the case, the Marchese Lamberto di
Castelmare would not have interested himself so much as he had done
in the plans and negotiations for bringing her to Ravenna. The
Marchese was not a man to be much influenced by the prima donna's
reputation for beauty and fascination. But he was "fanatico per la
musica." He was the acknowledged leader in all matters musical in
Ravenna; the most influential patron of the opera in the city; and
all-powerful in the regulation of all theatrical affairs.
The Marchese Lamberto held a rather special position in the social
world in Ravenna. His fortune was large; and the nobility of his
family ancient. But it was not these circumstances only, or even
mainly, that caused him to hold the place he did in the estimation
of his fellow-citizens. He was a bachelor, now about fifty years
old; and during some thirty of those years he had always been before
the public in one manner or another, and always had in every
capacity won golden opinions from all men.
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