f gold that had been paid to
him on Camilla's account he found himself in actual distress at the
breaking up of the Sontag combination. With reasonable prudence they
could have saved enough to enable them to retreat to the more prosperous
field in the Northern States. As it was Camilla was obliged to begin
again, and slowly, and painfully win her way back alone to the North and
to happier days. An agent was found to take her through the Southern
cities and thence by the way of the seaboard to New York. It was not a
happy trip. There was no longer a great singer to attract attention,
there was no obedient and skillful business man traveling ahead to
prepare the way and secure hotel comforts and financial success.

Camilla's violin was the only attraction, and to fill out the programme
they were obliged to call in the aid of such local talent as they could
find in the various cities they visited. Mobile, Savannah, Charleston,
and other places were visited and after a slow and disagreeable journey
they arrived in Baltimore in the Spring of 1855 almost without a cent.

Here came a singular episode in Camilla's life that will illustrate the
perfection of her schooling at the Conservatory of music at Paris. A
gentleman and a public singer heard of Camilla's difficulties and
arranged a concert for her benefit. At this concert Camilla for the
first and only time laid aside her violin and appeared as a singer. No
one had thought of her in this character and her duet from the opera of
L'elisir d'Amore, by Donizetti, was a great surprise. She exhibited a
fine, clear voice almost as well trained as her fingers. The performance
only showed how thorough had been her instruction in solfeggio at the
Conservatory. Every true artist is a singer. No matter what his or her
instrument may be, no matter how skillful their fingers may be with bow
or keys, singing must form a part of their education. This is the theory
of Camilla's study in music. The practice of solfeggio gives clearness
and accuracy to the ear, and teaches the eye to read with certainty and
speed. Much of her understanding of music has come from such practice
and it should form a part of every musician's education.

Finally father and daughter reached New York after an absence of nearly
nine months, and almost as poor as when they started. The Summer season
was at hand and there was very little opportunity for concerts. In
company with her father she then went to Canada and