Connecticut western news., 1877-04-13
ROSENA SALVATI.


 nati, about mile outside of the beau tiful city of Naples, stood an humble cottage, the abode of a poor basket maker. The occupants consisted of all old man, Luigo Salvati, and his beauti- ful daughter, ROsina. The interior of the cottage was neat and clean, though scantily furnished. Baskets and osiers were piled up in one corner of the room, and seated on low stool, with troubled countenance, was the old man, with ROsina at his knee.
 My child. said the father, to- day our quarters rent is due, and have no money to pay it. Count Fernando will put us out, and then what will become of usq I care not for myself, but for you, my child.
 Do not be discouraged, father, answered Rosina; yet, if he does, we can gain living on the streets of Naples.
 Just then there was loud knock at the door, and the figure of Count Fer nando darkened the portal. He was 8 short, thick, disagreeable looking man, whose whole face betokened avalice, cruelty, and wickedness.
 We'll, my pretty dear. how are you to-day he said. addressing Rosina.
 The maiden made no reply, but turned her head away. Receiving no answer, he turned to the old man.
 Have you my rent to-day, Luigo9
 Count Fernando, 1 am sorry to say have not, answered the old man.
 Then out you go to- o-morrow! answered the count.
 Have mercy, noble sir, if not for me for Rosina.
 None, cried the count, unless you ac cede to what now propose to you. Give your attention, that you may hear all. Ihave long regarded your daughter with much favor, and would like to make her my wife. will not press you for an answer now, but will give you two months to decide. I will make an easy life for you and her. But if you refuse, out you go to find your living among the swine! Think we'll of this till 1 come for my answer.
 Then he left the cottage. mounted his horse, and rode away.
 For full five minutes not word was said by father or daughter, but at last the old man spoke.
 Rosina, my child, what do you think of this Offer7
 Father, said Rosina, the alternative is rather hard, but sooner than be the wife of Count Fernando I would gain our bread by singing on the streets of Naples. hope It will never come to that, but let us trust to God and our own exertions for the future. have 8 plan which l will now tell you. You know the brothers at the convent have often praised my voice. and told me l would become a great singer. 1 shall go tomorrow to Father Baptiste, the prior, and ask his advice.
 Little sleep came to the eyes of father and daughter that night. The next day Rosina went to the prior, and stated her case to him. He advised her by all means to go to Florence, and gave her money to pay her expenses. He also gave her letter to Signor Marti, conductor of the grand dukes opera, and then, giving her blessing, sent her home. The hardest thing of all was the parting from her father, but UuCU W ttS dU 11SUS 6OOu she was in diligence on her way to Florence. When she arrived there she at once presented herself to Signor Marti. After reading the letter, he gave her chair and invited her to sit down.
 It seems you have just come in time as am in a quandary. One of my sin gers fell i'll this morning, and am left without anybody to take her place. 1 see by Father Baptiste's letter that you have an extraordinary voice. Let me hear you sing, spoke the conductor.
 Rosina commencedt to sing one of those touching ballads for which Italy is so famous. When she had finished, the conductor almost overwhelmed her with his praises. This infused new vigor and confidence in Rosina.
 We rehearse ln few moments. spoke the conductor, and you will have to participate, so as to get used to your |; part. As you have no wardrobe, will procure suitable dress for you.
 After rehearsal, Rosina sought out an aunt of hers in Florence, and was soon among her relations. The day seemed long to her anxious mind, and she was impatient yet fearful for the night to come; but at length it came, and with it it's attendant excitement. She wen- ded her way to the theatre, where she was met by the conductor, who led her to the green room. She was nervous and trembling, being new to the situ- ation, and placed among a company who had been accustomed to the stage, whereas this was her first essay in this line.
 Soon the orchestra commenced the overture, and her excitement increased. Then the conductor went before the curtain. and informed the audience, that one of the singers was ill, and of Rosina's appearance in her place. The audience, with whom the absent songs tress was favOrite, and to whom Ros sina was stranger, met this announce ment with misses and groans. The con- ; ductor brought Rosina out in the midst of this storm of disapprobation, and introduced her to the audience. When she beheld that vast concourse before her she felt faint, and all her courage seemed to forsake her; but With mighty effort she recovered, and commenced to sing. The vast concourse grew still l as death, as if bound by spell; but t when she had finished, they found re ! lief in one grand outburst of applause, Rosina had achieved grand triumph; f and she was compelled to appear time = after time, until she could sing nc f more.
 3 Night after night this continued. un- 3 til Rosina had entirely supplanted their