The Conte Leandro Lombardoni had a bilious headache the following
morning in consequence of overcramming himself with cakes and
sweetmeats. One active-minded old gentleman originated the remark
that the cold was greater than had been known in Ravenna for the
last seven years; and this fact, repeated again and again by most of
the company to each other, supplied the material of conversation for
the first half-hour. Then somebody, alluded to the circumstance
that, whereas it had been said that La Lalli was to have arrived
before the end of the year, the fact was, that she had not yet come:
and thereupon the Marchese Lamberto had authoritatively declared
that the lady had been detained by an unforeseen circumstance of no
importance, and would infallibly reach Ravenna on the evening of the
3rd.
And thenceforward this interesting news formed the sole topic of
conversation till the carriages were ordered; and all the finery was
taken home again to be laid up in lavender till that day
twelvemonth.
There was to be, also according to annual custom, the first ball of
the Carnival at the Palazzo Castelmare on the following evening; but
for this the state trappings reserved for the Legate's reception on
the Capo d'Anno, were not required.
The balls given by the Marchese Lamberto di Castelmare every
Carnival were the grand and principal gaieties of Ravenna.
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