and
receive instructions in singing. Camilla's instrument was the violin.
She could sing with more than ordinary skill and in perfecting her
phrasing and in improving her style in vocal music Madam Sontag
insensibly improved her violin music. All of Camilla's music was
examined by the great singer and in those stray hours picked up between
the demand of concerts and travel much of art and happiness was enjoyed.

Camilla was the favorite of the entire company. There was Pozzolini, the
tenor, fat Badially, the bass, jolly Rocco the buffo singer and Alfred
Jael the rising young pianist, merriest of them all. With each Camilla
was a pet. Every one seemed ready to please the young girl and in their
society life passed happily. Freed from anxiety and the excessive and
wearisome practice her nature expanded and she began to show that sweet
and amiable character that so brightens her maturer years.

Giving concerts at every city the party took their triumphant way down
the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans. The brilliant concerts, the
strange people, the mighty river, the life on the palatial steamboats,
the perpetual change of scene awoke Camilla's fancy and imagination and
developed her character rapidly. The publicity, the glare and the
excitement only brought out her intellectual and artistic power. Most
young people would have been upset and spoiled by vanity. Her young
days in the orchestra at Nantes had accustomed her to public life, and
the poverty and trial she had gone through served as good ballast to
keep her steady when riding on the topmost wave of success.

The tour ended at New Orleans with even greater triumphs. Camilla
appeared eighteen times in company with Madam Sontag and each concert
was a perfect success in every sense.

Then in a moment the bright dream came to an end. Madam Sontag and her
opera company set out for Mexico, leaving Camilla and her father in New
Orleans. She would return soon and in the mean time Camilla could wait
and by study and practice prepare for a new tour through the Northern
States in the Spring.

In a few weeks came the dreadful news that the good and amiable woman,
and the great _artist_ was dead. She had died after a brief illness in
the city of Mexico and all of Camilla's hopes were destroyed. Again she
was without employment and without money. Her father was not
distinguished for sound financial ability. He was too generous and
liberal, and in spite of the large sums o