The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1875-03-26

WHICH were exceedingly ptiZZIiHS- SyiNaih
set to work to investigate concerning Kis-
lows pupils in Paris. He found that Kis-
lows classes were composed of girls and
young women exclusively; that he gave his
instructions for pay which was purely NOM
inal but in return exacted the most arbi-
trary conditions and was indeed exercising
over his pupils despotism which was as
bizarre as it was imperious. He dismissed
them at pleasure and without cause, as
suming right of arbitrary selection which
he would permit nobody to dispute. He
would have none but handsome girls and
women, and these must be blondes-the
fairer they were the more likely to be re-
tanned. He selected pupils from all classes
of society, but only in rare cases did he
give private instruction to persons OF the
higher social classes.
To offset all this, it must be confessed
that Kislov was an extraordinary teacher.
He was thoroughly accomplished in his art,
and very capable of imparting 10 others his
enthusiasm Where pupil was complete
ly to his taste he spared no time nor pains
to bring her rapidly forward He was
favorite with his pupils, too. His conver-
sational powers were very great, and there
was something of magnetic spell in his
presence, in the sombre mystery which
shrouded his bewildering eyes, and the
tender courtesy of his peculiarly sympa-
thetic manners, which made his susceptible
pupils advance most charmingly under his
/ guidance.
/ But as Sylvan presently discovered,
there was always eliminating period to
/ this progress when it was checked off sud
denly and the relation between master and
/ pupil came to an abrupt end. The pupil,
after almost confidential friendship with
the tutor, would be startled by sudden
| GOODNESS on his part, and Il dismissal rude
and SO peremptory as to admit of no quail
ificaton or else, she would be invited to
go TO slows apartments, 20 see Madame,
au3 to practise some unique music he had
there upon his own piano, the tone of which
was Incompatible. In the first case, the
pupil was never taught again. In the Sec
ond case, the pupil never returned to the
apartments to practice second time.
Sylvain personally investigated four or
five of these cases of the favorite pupils who
were invited to practise at KislCv's house,
and found that the main circumstances in
each were very nearly the same. Take,
for instance, the case of Mile. Swartz,
daughter of an Alsatian concierge. Mile.
Swartz was brilliant blonde, aged seven
teen, with very pretty voice, who was
preparing to go upon the stage i'll opera
bouffe. She was a plump pleasant crea-
ture, with a good deal of archuess in her
manners, and a frank insouciant grace
which promised 20 help her materially in
her profession. She was the picture of
joyous, rosy health-a laughing Hebe of
Saxon descent, with the blue eyes of Fran
COMA and the fair hair of English girl.
Mile. Swartz was RECEIVED in Kislov's
house with distinguished courtesy by the
teacher and easy quiet by Madame. The
room was shaded by curtains. which threw
a crimson color upon all objects, and there
was a strong tropical odor of perfume,
which was rather oppressive. Mile. Swartz
had an unbounded faith in and reverence
for heI teacher, who had made her advance
most rapidly, but this was tinctured with
not a little awe, and she felt rather confused
and dizzy when. after period of conver
sation, kislov advanced to hand her to the
piano. This confusion did not wear off,
but rather increased as she began to play,
at sight, the preliminary bars of piece of
strange mnsic, Kislov accompanying her
upoL his flute, and Nine. Kislov striking
few notes upon the litter Suddenly there
was a blank, and she was reused again by
finding herself by an open window, seated
in chair, and Nine. Kislov bending over
her with kind solicitude. ''Do you feel
better now 2" she was asked. ''Do not be
alarmed, my dear; the room was too warm
for you-it made you faint" Then Kis-
low, in his deep, mysterious tones, said
'tStarosta, you had better accompany Nile.
Swartz to her home in a car1iage;" all this
while Mile. Swartz scarcely noticing any>
thing, what with the dizziness and a strange
languor that possessed her. All she
thought of, all she spoke of, was her desire
TO be taken home and that was speedily
done
Mile. Swartz's appearance caused her
friends the greatest alarm when she was
brought home. Nine. Kislov explained
that her frigbtfu1 pallor was the result Of
fainting fit, and that she would be quite
well again on the morrow This, however,
was not the case. Mile. SwartZ kept her
bed for ten days, and it was more than
three months before the pallor left her.
Meantime note came from Kislov stating
his regrets that, owing to unavoidable cir
cumsiances, etc, he would not be able to
permit Mile. Swartz to resume her studies
and practise under his drection--a thing
which she had no intention of doing, for
herawe and reverence were now supplanted
by an invincible rnpugnance.
Sylvan found not less than four of Kis-
lows pupils whose experience were almost