"
"E Lei dunque e il Marchese Lamberto di Castelmare?" said the lady,
in the sweetest possible of silvery tones, and with an air of humble
wonder at the greatness of the honour done her, mingled with
grateful appreciation of it, that was inimitably well done; and held
up two exquisitely-gloved slender little hands, as she spoke, half
joining them together in thankful astonishment, and half extending
them towards him with an almost caressing movement of appeal.
"Si, Signora; I am the man you have named; I am fortunate that my
name should have reached your ears; more fortunate still in having
had a part in making the arrangements that have brought you here;--
and most fortunate of all if I shall be so happy as to make your
sojourn among us agreeable."
"Signor Marehese! Lei e troppo garbato,--troppo buono; ma troppo
buono, davvero!" said the pretty creature; and the appealing eyes
looked into his with the semblance of a tear of emotion in them.
"Will you allow me the pleasure, Signora, of conducting you to the
city in my carriage?" said the Marchese, with a graceful wave of his
hand towards his handsome equipage. "I have thought it might
possibly be agreeable to you to place it and myself at your
disposition on this occasion."
"Ma come? It is too great an honour, davvero. But to make my first
appearance in your city under such auspices will go far towards
assuring me such a success at Ravenna, as it is my most earnest wish
to attain.
Pages:
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227