The attitude certainly showed the svelte perfection of her
form to advantage; and from the unavoidable circumstances of the
position, it also showed one of the most beautifully formed feet
that ever was seen, together with the whole of the exquisite little
bottine that clothed it, a beautifully turned ankle, and perhaps as
much as two inches of the silk stocking above the boot.
The mere chance that caused the lady to bethink herself of
presenting her father just at that moment, was thus quite a piece of
good fortune for the young men on foot and on horseback, who were
standing around, which no other combination of circumstances could
have procured for them.
Then the Marchese handed her with graceful gallantry to his
carriage, took the place in the back of it by the side of her; and
the little cavalcade began its return to the city. At a small
distance from the walls, they found the band stationed, and thus
preceded by music, and passing through all the elite of the
population in the streets, the Marchese conducted her to the Palazzo
Castelmare, and handed her up the grand staircase to the great
saloon, where all the theatrical world of Ravenna, and many of the
more notable patrons of the theatre, were assembled to receive her.
Signor Ercole Stadione, the little impresario, was there of course,
and in high enjoyment of the triumph of the occasion, and of the
importance which his share in it reflected on him.
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