, 1871-06-20

toabate the nuisance by one of those cr1el
coup de maia of which Frenchmen are
pre-eminently capable. The next night,
during the performance, when Delsarie
called, he was, TO his surprise and delight,
shown into the great mans presence.
"Well, sir, what do you want p
Pardon, monsieur. came TO seek
place at your theatre"
"TheTe is but one vacant, and you don't
seem capable of filling that. I want only
q call-boy."
"Sir, l am prepared to fill the position,
of premier s9jet among your singers"
"Imbet ice p
"MOnsieur, j my clothes are poor, my
art is genuine"
"Wtll, sir, if you will sing for me, I
will hear you shortly"
He left Delsarte alone, oveuoyed at
having secured the managers ca. In
few moments a surly fell1w told him he
was wanted below, and he soon found
himself with the manager upon the stage
behind the green curtain.
"You are TO sing here" said the di~
rector. There is your piano. In one
moment the curtain will be- rung up. l am
tired of your opportunities. give you
one chance to show the stuff you're made
Of II you discard this opportunity, the
next time you show your fece at my door
you shall be arrested and imprisoned as a
vagrant."
The indignation excited in Delsarte by
this cruel trick instantly gave way before
the reflection that success was a matter of
life and death with. him, and that perhaps
his last chance lay within his grasp. He
forgot his rags every nerve became iron;
and when the curtain was rung up, beg
gar with the bearing of prince advanced
to the foOt-lights, was received with de-
ri,ive laughter by some, with glances of
surprise and indignation by others, end,
with a sad aud patient smile on his coun-
tenancs. gracefully saluted the brilliant
audience. The courtliness of his manner
disarmed hostility; but when he sat down
to the piano, ran his fingers over the keys,
aud sang few bars, the exquisite voice
found its way to every heart. With ev-
cry moment his voice became more power
full. Each sradation of emotion was rem
dereG with an ease, an art, an expression,
that made every heartstring vibratr. Then
he suddenly stopped, bowed and retired.
The house rang with bTavos. The dress
circle forgot its reticience. and Joined in
the tumult of applause. He was recalled.
This time he sang a grand lyric compost
ton with the full volume of his voice,
aided in effect by those imperial gestures
os which he had already discovered the Sc
cret The audience was electrified. 1t
declared that Talma was resuscitated.
But when he was a second time recalled
his tragic mood had melted there. were
''teaIs in his voice as well as on his
checks.
After the fall of the curtain the director
grssped his hand, loaded him with cUm-
pliments. and offered him an engagement
for a year at a salary of ten thousand
francs. He went home to occupy his
wretched attic for the last time, and fall
ing on his knees poured forth his soul in
prayer.
The next day Delsarie, neatly dressed
paid visit to the directors of the Con
serSaoire.
"Gentlemen" said he, "yOr would not
give me a recommendation as chortsterj
the public have accorded me this"
And he displayed his commission as
Comedien dW Roe. Delsarte remained
upon the lyric stage until 1884, when the
failure of bis voice, which had been
strained at the Conservatory, compelled
him to retire. He continued, however,
the study ofmusic. and his productions,
particularly a Dies Ire, PLACED him iE tie
front rank of composers. At this period
of his life meditation and study resulted
in a firm religious faith: which never
wavered afterward.
He now applied himself to the task of
establishing a scientific basis for lyric and
dramatic art, and after years of patient
labor perfected system on which proba>
bly, his fame will ultimately rest. His
Couys for instruction in the principles of
art was first opened in 1889. From the
outset he was appreciated by the highly
cultivated few, nor was ii long before the
circle extended aud the new master won a
European reputation. Some Of his pupils
were destined for a professional career,
but many, men and women of rank and
fortune. sought to learn from him the
means of rendering their brilliant salons
yet more attractive. Ma.ibran, Rachel
and Macready were among his pupils, as
were also Soptag the cited Madeline