The whole
of the "society" were invited, and to be prevented from going by
illness or any other contretemps was a misfortune to be lamented
during all the rest of the year. At the Palazzo Castelmare people
really did expect to enjoy themselves. There was dancing for the
young, cards for the old, and eating and drinking for all. For the
Palazzo Castelmare was the only house in Ravenna at which suppers
were ever given. There three balls and three handsome suppers were
provided for all the society of Ravenna every year! And the first of
these always took place on the 2nd of January; the Capo d'Anno being
left for the state reception at the Legate's palace.
Well might little Signor Ercole Stadione say, what would become of
Ravenna if anything were to happen to the Marchese Lamberto!
All the people came much about the same time; and there was then
half an hour or so, before the dancing commenced, during which the
main object and amusement of the assemblage was to escape from
misfortune, which it was well known the Conte Leandro meditated
inflicting on the society. He was known to have written a poem for
the opening of the new year, which was then in his pocket, and which
he purposed reading aloud to the company, if he only could get a
chance! He was looking very pale, and more sodden and pasty about
the face than usual, from the effects of his excesses at the
Legate's the night before.
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