The morning call., 1891-01-11

NJ isn Oh included al o Ernst as Wilhelm
Mel>tAr, BetZ of Bareuth fame as the
Ia her, and either Lii Lehman or Grossi
as tIlIna. In the Barber OF Seville" how
ever, L had to carry the performance all
alone, but always sang to crowded houses.
ne imperial couple were usually present,
ana frequently had some kind and encour-
aging words for me.
BARONESS RoTHsCHILD's ROMANCE.
The Empress liked very much my selec-
lions in the lesson scene, WHEN | usually
sang the Echo Song" conducted byiEckert,
the composer himself; then some American
songs, accompanying myself at the piano,
and finishing with Baroness Rothschid's
romance, Isl v1us n'avez rien NE dire"
One evening | omitted the latter ana sub
stituted an English song. The performance
went on, but curing the quintet the head of
the lntendant, his EXceilency Baron HUI
sen. appeared in the wings. In his accus-
toned hOarse whisper he said to me:
why nave you not sung Baroness Roths-
enid romance? Her Majesty expects to
near IT. lt was, of course, impossible to
stop the performance in the midst of the
quintet, but Solomon, my Bartolo, whispered
TO me:
Let me arrange it. l will give you
chance TO sing the romance tonight" AT
the END OF the opera, when | was already
married and had become Countess Alma
iva, BartOlo suddenly extemporized:
Now, Rosina. you must really not leave
your old uncle without singing for the last
time his favOrite romance"
And, leading NE to the piano, he babe me
10 sing. looked up to the imperial box !;
the Empress smiled and nodded her head
which was noticed by the audience, who ap-
plauded vociferously. So l sat down and
sang the romance
BEFORE EMPRESS AUGUSTA.
Shortly after l left the Royal Opera for
BruSs Is, London, ST. Petersburg and Amer
lea, but even then the imperial couple gave
me proofs of their kindness toward me. The
Emperor sent me- his large portrait with his
own signature, "Wilhelm lmperator Rex"
an honor very rarely, If ever, accorded to an
artist, and somewhat later | received the
Empress photograph also, with her sigma
lure written In weak trembling hand.
Inc last proof OF her sympathy was shown
me- week agn, in November, 1889 fer
Majesty was staying at Baden Baden. in her
usual apartment at the Hotel Mesmer. stu
ated on the kurplaH. We heard daily re-
ports OF the weak and Frustrated state of
health OF the old imperial widow. Some
days, however, she was sill very bright.
IL must nave been on such an occasion that
her Majesty, hearing that was at Baden
Baden, sent her lady in waiting, Countess
Hacke, TO ME with the message that she
would be pleased to receive me in audience
the same evening.
1t was with alacrity that / complied. and
putting on simple heavy black silk dress
aud taxing few of her MajeSty's favo rite
songs oil old along for | was sure she would
want me To sing tor herr, | got into nv
carriage and drove to Mesmer's Hotel. 4
fOojman in black livery showed Inc the way
upstairs to the first floor. | gave him my
roll OF music to take care OF. He looked at
me rather aStOnlShed. hut SAID nothing |
was immediately received by the Lord
Chamberlain, who led me into Il small ante
room and began preparing me for what |
IN ght expect, suggesting that | should not
De TOO much surprised al the great change in
lhe Empress appearance, as she had sui
fered much.
HEAR NO MUSIC ANY MORE"
Then the large folding doors leading into
the main salon were opened, and | was
usnered II. | found myself in a perfect
noWer-garden, the whole length of the room.
every available space, window inches, tables
stands, being covered with stroag-smelliDg
flowers, mostly roses.
AT The other end of the room was the
Empress, but, Oh, how changed Her
figure, which az the time l met hrr last was
slght but OF fin" proportions was now
smiveed into little bit of humanity and
her face had become a perfect mask. The
only remaining feature reminding me of the
past were her glowing black eyes. Even
the voice was mere shadow of what it used
10 be
The Empress was seated in large rolling
armchair, standing near table. She wore
a back dress, white and black cap, and
held IN her lett Land a White handkerchief
bordered with black. Her right hand rested
or rather trambled on the table.
She talked 50 much and so fast that |
could hardly manage to answer her Ques-
lions, Her mind seemed perfectly clear.
and she had the most vivid rec0ilections of
the SIod old times at Berlin. To my as
constituent she referred to several incidents
which occurred with me while at he opera.
IL interested her much t. hear of my projects
and travels, and that | was to leave The next
dag for Coburg as the guest Of the Duke and
Duchess, the latter being a sister of the
Grand Duke Of Baden. The Empress re-
marked that tho Duke Of Coburg was very
musical and fine composer. | ventured to
say that hoped her Majesty would let me
sing f"r her. She looked about the room in
SAD and melancholy way and said
That IS all past for me. You see that
there is not even piano here | now un-
derstood why the footman looked SO sur
prlsed when L handed him my music. She
added:
SO much is changed; it will soon be
over. hear no music any more. but it in-
terestS me always to know what they are
doing in the world" Two months after
ward the Empress was no more.-Minnie
Hauk in \. \. Herald