soon lost himself in the music he loved so well, so
that before he had half finished he had quite forgotten his audience,
and half started at the boisterous applause which followed. He bowed his
acknowledgments, but found this would not do.

He was forced to play it a second time, greatly to the apparent
satisfaction of the audience. It was clear that, whatever might be
thought of Professor Riccabocea's recitation, the young violinist had
not disappointed his audience.

Philip could see, in a seat near the stage, the beaming face of his
friend Morris Lovett, who was delighted at the success of his old
acquaintance, and anticipated the reflected glory which he received,
from its being known that he was a friend of the wonderful young
musician.

Professor Riccabocca came forward again, and recited a poem called "The
Maniac," each stanza ending with the line: "I am not mad, but soon shall
be."

He stamped, raved, tore his hair, and made altogether a very grotesque
appearance.

Philip could hardly forbear laughing, and some of the boys in the front
seats didn't restrain themselves, Some of the older people wondered how
such a man should be selected by the Prince of Wales to instruct his
sons in elocution--not suspecting that the newspaper paragraph making
mention of this was only a daring invention of the eminent professor.

Next came another musical selection by Philip, which was as cordially
received as the first.

I do not propose to weary the reader by a recital of the program and a
detailed account of each performance. It is enough to say that Professor
Riccabocca excited some amusement, but was only tolerated for the sake
of Philip's playing.

Naturally, our hero was better received on account of his youth, but
had he been twice as old his playing would have given satisfaction and
pleasure.

So passed an hour and a half, and the musical entertainment was over.
Philip felt that he had reason to be satisfied. Highly as he had been
heralded, no one appeared to feel disappointed by his part of the
performance.

"Mr. de Gray," said the professor, when they reached the hotel, "you did
splendidly. We have made a complete success."

"It is very gratifying," said Philip.

"I felt sure that the public would appreciate us. I think I managed
everything shrewdly."

"How much was paid in at the door?" asked Philip, who naturally felt
interested in this phase of success.

"One hundred and forty-five dollars and a