Italian castles and country seats . was nine oclock, and I heard before-hand that Her Majesty was giving quite a large recep-tion, and was told that Countess Gianotti and HerSerene Highness Princess Ernestina Ratibor, whomHer Majesty knew to be special friends of mine, werebidden, as well as several of Queen Elenas Ladies-in-Waiting. When I arrived at the door of the greatstate reception room, Del Grillo hastened to meet me,but Her Majesty did not wait for me to be brought toher, but came forward herself, and after a most charm-ing and cordial greeting, took my hand and led meto the Duc
Italian castles and country seats . was nine oclock, and I heard before-hand that Her Majesty was giving quite a large recep-tion, and was told that Countess Gianotti and HerSerene Highness Princess Ernestina Ratibor, whomHer Majesty knew to be special friends of mine, werebidden, as well as several of Queen Elenas Ladies-in-Waiting. When I arrived at the door of the greatstate reception room, Del Grillo hastened to meet me,but Her Majesty did not wait for me to be brought toher, but came forward herself, and after a most charm-ing and cordial greeting, took my hand and led meto the Duchess of Genoa, with the remark,Mamma, I want you to know Mrs. Batcheller, shespeaks such delightful Italian; and we are going tohear her sing this evening. Then Her Majesty tookher seat and asked me to sit near her. After a fewmoments conversation with the Queen, her mother,and various friends, she asked if I were ready to beginthe programme. She had greeted most pleasantlyBustini and Setaccioli, as Her Majesty is never fail-[380]. MARCHESE CAPRANICA DEL GRILLO G e n 11 e m a n - 0 f - II 0 n 0 r of II. M . Queen Margherita i AND COUNTRY SEATS ing in her courtesies and kindnesses to artists, be theyprofessional or otherwise. I began under the happiest auspices, for everyonein the room was thoroughly musical, and Her Majestygraciousness itself. A large platform had been raisedat one end of this great room, and a perfect Steinwaypiano placed in position, together with the most con-venient arrangements for the flute. There was not aflower anywhere that had an odor, although masses ofazaleas were arranged artistically with palms in differ-ent parts of the room. It would seem that Her Majestyknew every small wish of a singers heart, for no detailhad been omitted to make my surroundings perfectlycomfortable. I began with an aria from the Nozzedi Figaro and followed it by another .of my belovedMozart arias, the Re Pastore. Setaccioli playeda delightful obligato, and I much prefer the
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectitalydescriptionandt
