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5 February 1892 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Friday. 5th February [1892]. One of the Misses West came to tea & told us very interesting things about Italian country life in the Veneto. She & her sister give English lessons in the best Italian families here & are very much liked. In the summer they are asked to stay with different families in the country & see their every day life. Miss West described an old house belonging to the Michiel as having every thing of the last century—old embroidered curtains dropping with age—old glasses—& furniture– All the rooms opening upon a huge court yard in the midst of wh was a well surrounded with huge sculptured horses. There were no lamps or candles except the old Italian silver lamp or . The effect at night was ghostly & uncanny. However lately the whole effect had been spoilt by a billiard table wh had been put up with a petroleum lamp suspended over it. She described the last of the Martinengo family an old spinster of 80– When in the country she every eveng played tresette with the maid, the head gardener & the 2 gardeners. After her dinner these men come & stand inside the drawing room door while coffee is being served & of wh they are allowed to partake. After wh at a sign from the Countess they approach the card table & sit down to play. I went this afternoon with Ida Bel: to call on the Bella Contessa Morosini being her day. She keeps her rooms almost dark & smothered with scent. We were glad to get away. | |
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