started off in search of
fame and money. They must do something, and this seemed the most
feasible plan.

The first journey was a short one and they landed at the town of Verdun.
As soon as they were comfortably settled in lodgings Camilla and her
father started out to present their letters of introduction. These
letters were to wealthy amateurs who might be interested in the child
and her playing.

The good people received them politely and after they had made a short
call they were formally invited to call soon and spend the evening with
a few musical friends. This was all that was wanted. If the ladies and
gentlemen once heard Camilla play they would be pleased and perhaps
they would take tickets to her concert. Things move slowly in France and
several days, perhaps a week, would pass before the musical party would
come off. In the mean time Camilla lost not an hour. From six to ten
hours a day she went through her exercises and studied such pieces as
she intended to perform in public. Her father was constantly with her,
guiding her studies, overlooking her practice and aiding her in every
way possible.

When the important evening came her long, brown hair was braided in two
long braids and secured with bows of blue ribbon. With her new frock and
simple manners, large blue eyes and thin, pale face she presented an
interesting appearance. A little too quiet and sober for such a young
girl. She seldom spoke, and was reserved and thoughtful. Her life had
not been a very happy one. Had it not been for her intense love for
music, had her heart not been bound up in her violin it would have been
a sad, dull life, full of toil and wearisome labor. In after years, when
the showers that fell so steadily during her younger days, cleared away,
the bright, animated and merry side of her nature came out and the
demure little girl became a vivacious and sparkling woman.

It was small wonder that the two or three hundred people who met to hear
her play were delighted. She seemed so earnest, her large eyed intensity
of expression, the bold and striking method of playing, the masterly
sweep of her bow captivated and charmed them all. She gave such pieces
from memory as she thought most pleasing and then after some little
conversation about her music they asked if she would give a concert in
Verdun. Yes, in a few days. Would they not take some tickets? Oh! with
the greatest pleasure. They would all attend and bring their friends.