The Marchese Lamberto, who, among many other avocations and occupations, all of them contributing in some way or other to the welfare and advantage of his native city, was a great lover and connoisseur of music, and patron of the theatre, had been mainly instrumental in bringing La Lalli to Ravenna.

The engagement had been a most successful one.

The "Diva Bianca" had sung through the Carnival, charming all ears and hearts in Ravenna with her voice, and all eyes with her very remarkable and fascinating beauty.

And now, on this last night of the festive season, she was the cynosure of all eyes at the ball.
Bianca had, as it so happened, also chosen a Venetian costume of the same period as that of Ludovico--about the middle of the sixteenth century.

In truth, it was mere chance that had led to this similarity.
And neither of them, as it happened, had mentioned to the other the dress they intended to wear.