And this, under the circumstances, was still more the case than it would have otherwise been, in consequence of the Marchese Lamberto not dancing.

It was a long time since he had done so.

There were many men dancing less fitted than he, as far as appearance and capability, and even as far as years went, to join in such amusements.

Nevertheless, all Ravenna would have been almost as much surprised to see the Marchese Lamberto dressed in mumming costume, and making one among Carnival revellers, as to see the Cardinal himself doing the same things.

He had made for himself a social position, and a life so much apart from any such levities, that his participation in them would have seemed a monstrosity.
It may be doubted, however, whether on this occasion, at least, the dignified Marchese was satisfied with the position he had thus made for himself.