ociety there. The
engagement had been made by the Marquis di Zampieri, between whom and
the Belgian artist there was some feeling of mutual aversion, growing
out of a misunderstanding and a remark of the marquis which had wounded
the susceptibilities of the other. The consequence was that on the day
of the concert De Beriot sent a note, saying that he had a sore finger
and could not play.

Marquis Zampieri was in a quandary, for the time was short. In his
embarrassment he took council with Mme. Colbran Rossini, who was then at
Bologna with her husband, the illustrious composer. It happened that Ole
Bull's lodging was in the same palazzo, and Mme. Rossini had often heard
the tones of the young artist's violin in his daily practicing; her
curiosity had been greatly aroused about this unknown player, and now
was the chance to gratify it. She told the noble _entrepreneur_ that she
had discovered a violinist quite worthy of taking De Beriot's place.

"Who is it?" inquired the marquis.

"I don't know," answered the wife of Rossini.

"You are joking, then?"

"Not at all, but I am sure there is a genius in town, and he lodges
close by here," pointing to Ole Bull's apartment. "Take your net,"
she added, "and catch your bird before he has flown away." The marquis
knocked at Ole Bull's door, and the delighted young artist soon
concluded an engagement which insured him an appearance under the best
auspices, for Mme. Malibran would sing at the same concert.

In a few hours Ole Bull was performing before a distinguished audience
in the concert-hall of the Philharmonic Society. Among the pieces he
played, all of his own composition, was his "Quartet for One Violin,"
in which his great skill in double and triple harmonics was admirably
shown. Enthusiastic applause greeted the young virtuoso, and he was
escorted home by a torchlight procession of eager and noisy admirers.
This was Ole Bull's first really great success, though he had played
in France and Germany. The Italians, with their quick, generous
appreciation, and their demonstrative manner of showing admiration, had
given him a reception of such unreserved approval as warmed his
artistic ambition to the very core. Mme. Malibran, though annoyed at the
mischance which glorified another at the expense of De Beriot, was too
just and amiable not to express her hearty congratulations to the young
artist, and De Beriot himself, when he was shortly afterward introduced
to Ole Bull