In short, a persona tutta simpatica.
As for the head--magnificent hair,--blonde, which for choice I would
always prefer--the true Titian sun-tinged auburn,--a telling eye,
finely formed nose, and mouth of inexpressible sweetness!"
"Per Bacco, Signor Ercole, a Phoenix indeed! A Diva davvero!" said
the Marchese.
"Eccellenza, she'll do," said the little man nodding his head with
its top-heavy forehead three or four times emphatically. "If she do
not make such a sensation in Ravenna as we have not known here for a
long time, say that Ercole Stadione knows nothing of his
profession."
"Bravo! bravo!" cried the Marchese, gleefully rubbing his hands.
"And now, my good friend, I won't keep you from the bed and the rest
you so well deserve any longer. You may depend on it that your zeal
in this matter won't be overlooked or forgotten."
"Troppo buono, Eccellenza! But there was one word I wished to say to
your lordship," continued little Signor Ercole, dropping his voice
to a lower key, and speaking with some hesitation,--one little word
that I thought it might be useful, or--or--desirable to mention--"
"Yes, speak on, my dear Signor Ercole, I am all attention. What is
it? No drawback I hope!"
"Only this, Signor Marchese," said the little man casting a glance
round the room, dropping his voice still more, and bringing his head
nearer to the ear of the Marchese; "only this:--you see if there had
been nothing-disagreeable,--nothing untoward, as I may say--your
lordship understands, we should never have had La Lalli at Ravenna.
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