In crude language, again,--such as her own countrymen never used concerning her,--the reputation of "la diva Lalli" was tout soit peu, a reputation de scandale.

And it will be readily imagined that the enthusiasm in her favour of the young frequenters of the Circolo at Ravenna was none the less vehement on this account.
It must, however, be added that she undoubtedly was a very admirable singer.

Had this not been the case, the Marchese Lamberto di Castelmare would not have interested himself so much as he had done in the plans and negotiations for bringing her to Ravenna.

The Marchese was not a man to be much influenced by the prima donna's reputation for beauty and fascination.

But he was "fanatico per la musica." He was the acknowledged leader in all matters musical in Ravenna; the most influential patron of the opera in the city; and all-powerful in the regulation of all theatrical affairs.
The Marchese Lamberto held a rather special position in the social world in Ravenna.