"
"But that is an offence which, in the nature of things, cannot be
committed against the Signora Bianca Lalli," retorted Ludovico, with
a low bow, half earnest and half in fun, and a look of admiration
that was entirely sincere. "But the fact is," he continued, "that I
really was impatient to be the first to make you my compliments on
last night's immense success. To tell you that I never heard a part
sung as you sang that of Amina last night would, perhaps, appear to
you to be saying little. But I do assure you the whole city is
saying that there never was anything like it. It was superb!
Perfect! Perhaps the praise of all Ravenna is not worth very much to
one who has had that of all Italy. But, at all events, my uncle is a
competent judge--and he is not an easy one. And I do assure you he
was moved as I never saw him moved by music before."
"He is very good--too kind to me. He was good enough to see me to my
carriage at the theatre last night; and he said some word that makes
me think he purposes doing me the honour of coming here to give me
the advantage of his criticism on last night's performance," said
Bianca, who was anxious to let her visitor understand the
desirability of avoiding being caught there by his uncle.
"Yes, I am sure he would not fail to bring his tribute of admiration
this morning," returned Ludovico, carelessly; "but he will not be
here yet awhile.
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