The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1862-06-28
THE NEW YORK SUN.
SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE %, 1862.
A Romantic Narrative.
The Story Of Lisa Massa.
fFrom CAdmbev's Jou,,sdl.)

70 ner enKnteGt Wish, onu was the kiHuest OF
step-fathers to me. lie was absent from home
nearly all day, giving lessons and attending re-
besrsAls, so that my mother devoted all her time
TO my improvement. A good piano was pro
cured for me, master engaged, and practiced
five or six hours daily, besides learning French
and Italian studies that Roussel pronounced
indispensable for my future success" lie was
delighted at the talent displayed for music, and
when the opera season commenced, took my
mother and me to hear Grisi and Mario. On
our return home, he was much astonished 70
hear me repeat, almost note for note, all the
songs those two great singers had sung during
the evening. Ny mother made . point Of sit
ting up for her husband when he went TO the
opera, and always provided some little dclcacy
tor his supper, Of which sometimes was allowed
to .partake. I was very happy then, though
living In frst-hoor In Compton street, every
thing appeared fright in my eyes, and even the
hours 'pent in practicing were pleasant to me.
When was fifteen, my step-tather took me to
an Italian named Pcrrctti, that be might try my
voice. Perretti pronounced II q mszzo-soprano,
Of superb quality, and thenccforth singing be-
came my chief occupation. In order TO stimu-
late me to cxertion, my mother and wen, re-
gulsrly to the opera, and there, in . corner Of
the gallery, At that time frequented by most re-
spectacle people, my taste was formed by hear
ing the best sin ;ers Of the day.
hbout tuAr tiiile, maui
. box OF books In . cupboard, and naturally
enough looked over them. They were mostly
French, and among them was Voltaires Essrs
sur les Moeus et leo Coutumss d,s Nations which
interested me greatly; but my mother, WHO had
y horror Of the name Of Voltaire, forbade mo to
go on reading the work, and in consequence !
was very much annoyed. l cried bitterly, and
| as was wiping my eyes, ROussol came home.
He said, the instant lie saw me; What 10 1t,
little one ?"
told him. He laughed at my mothers mar
row-mlnded scruples, and insisted on my being
allowed to read what liked.
My mother made no reply and he soon after
went out. As soon rs We were alone, my moth
cr said to me in gentle tone "My dear Lima,
you are old enough now to know the distinction
between right and wrong, and II Is with regret
that must make you Judge between my hus-
| band and myself In the first place, he has not
such strict notions ON certain subjects as could
wish. Foreigners, am sorry to say, are more
lax OF principle than we English. And though
! can make allowances for my husband, yet,
Lima, trust that my daughter will never belle
| her English origin. The only disputes | have
| had with my husband have been on this very
subject You remember that he wished to take
| you to Madame Morcior's 2"
"Pcristly, mamma, | replied, quite sub
| ducd by her earnest manner.
| 10 h. the co,nnsnion If n yir,nou. vu,,n,. ,,irl
| and yet your papa" Che had earnestly entrcated
Won to visit her bccsus. she had pJomi.ed TO
| give Won a diamond clasn and other mr., ,snts
having taken n ,,reat fancy In Won when she
met You at that morning concert. would not
allow you TO go near her, and my husband was
very angry with me ON that account. Was
| right. Lima ?"
| Eyes. dear mamma, " exclaimed: "and |
| will not look AT the book again"
| And kept INV word.
II was decided by INV step-fntber that should
become A public singer. NV name. Mason. must
be Italanized- Nassoni would do capitally.
| And INV voice improyed every Iay.
Ono evening. nv mother and myself were ait
| ting in our accusiome, corner in the gallery.
listening 10 Crsi as Norma. when n quiet mid,
de aged man. who WAS seated mex. TO INV moth.
er, asked her some questions respecting the
| singers Ills manner WAS 40 restecttui Tint my
| mother renlied 10 him politely. and somehov.
found herself on On red in A con yersation with him
II