of a person now living among us. These are the excuses for
its existence.

The facts and incidents were supplied by Madam Camilla Urso herself at
such stray moments of leisure as could be found during a busy concert
season at Boston, in the months of January and February, 1874; and the
work was done at such spare moments as the writer could find in the
midst of journalistic cares. Such events as could be noted in one
evening having been written out, they were read aloud before Madam Urso
and others, and when brought up to the exact truth in every detail, and
fully approved by such persons as were entitled to an opinion, were
given to the printer.

So the book came to be. If it leads one reader to see the value of a
life devoted to art,--if it helps one lonely student struggling for a
musical education, by the splendid example of a life of toil and poverty
crowned by a great reward,--the work will not be wholly vain, nor will
it want excuse for being.

The author would express his thanks for the kind assistance of the Urso
family of New York, and Mr. John S. Dwight and others, of Boston.

THE AUTHOR.
BOSTON, September, 1874.

PART I.

CHAPTER I.

BEFORE DAWN.

About thirty miles from the sea, on the River Loire, in France, stands
the quaint, sleepy old town of Nantes. The Erdre and the Sevre, two
smaller streams unite with the Loire just here and the town is spread
out in an irregular fashion over the islands, the little capes between
the rivers, and the hills that stand round about. The old part of the
town is on the hill-side and occupies the two islands called Freydean
and Gloriette, the more modern city has spread over the surrounding
country among the groves of chestnut, and the vineyards that fill every
available spot where the grapes can get a good look at the sun all
through the long sunny days.

The river runs swift and bright through the town and flashes under the
handsome bridges with their long rows of stone arches. In the river are
boats, ships, and steamers, for the good people there spend much of
their time in commerce and in catching and curing the silver-white
pilchards that swim in such great schools in the neighboring sea.

The broad quays that skirt the river are planted with trees, making a
most delightful walk, and near the eastern end of the town one of the
quays ends at what remains of an old chateau or palace. The hous