grand scheme a failure?

Yes. It was all over. Everything had failed.

The whole party was utterly stupified and hadn't a word to say. What
should they do? Where were they to go? The disaster was too great for
comprehension. They hardly knew what to say much less what to do. The
American could do nothing. He had not a dollar in the world.

CHAPTER VII.

"CAMILLA URSO HAS ARRIVED."

What were they to do next? They could not speak a word of English and
had not a dollar. They would gladly return to France could they manage
the tickets. It was impossible. Something must be done. A concert or two
must be given. Camilla would surely succeed if she had a hearing. The
American must not desert them utterly. He might, at least, act as their
business agent and assist them in giving a few concerts.

They could repeat the plan that they had tried with such success in
Germany. Camilla might play before some of the wealthy families and then
give a concert. It did not meet their expectations. The customs of the
country were different, and though she visited Commodore Stevens, then
living at Hoboken, and played for him, nothing came of it. He was
greatly pleased with the child and on taking her to a jeweler's bid her
select such a ring as she fancied. A ring with a variety of stones, a
sentiment ring, took her girlish eyes and she chose it in preference to
a more costly one.

And that was all that came of it. Her visit did not lead to a concert
and their fortunes seemed as desperate as ever. M. Urso went everywhere
among his countrymen and told his story and endeavored to find a chance
for Camilla to play. He could not give a concert on his own
responsibility. Some artist must be found to bring Camilla out before
the American public.

Fortunately, Madam Alboni was in New York about this time and through
her kindness an opportunity was found for Camilla. Three concerts were
arranged in which Camilla might make her bow before the American people.
Child violinists were not unknown in New York. Paul Julian had played in
the city and had attracted much attention. The announcement that a new
child-artist--a girl and a violinist would appear only roused curiosity
and people were eager to see how she compared with the boy Julian. They
called her Camilla--Camilla Urso. Who was she? Where did she come from?
No one seemed to know. Madam Alboni was to bring her out. The child must
have some talent to be patronized by such an artist