Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-28

down the street and she envied her; even if
she was poor and ragged, still she was Free
Just then she felt something rubbing
against her legs, and looking down she saw
the kitten. She snatched the little creature
up into her arms and kissed it. hugging it to
her breast.
'Ah, kitty, you alone love mel! she
cried.
The cat purred with pleasure and the
child caressed 1t tenderly; strokins it's fur
She felt soothed and less lonely now that
she knew that something, even If 1t was
only the cat, loved her.
She began to sing softly; gradually she
raised her voice, and the sweet melody filled
the room and could be heard out on the
street.
A lady, well-known actress of the Royal
Theater, was passing the house and stopped
for a moment. She was surprised by the
marvellous purity Of the child's voice and
the talent and skill displayed by her in its
management.
She hesitated for moment, and then
passed on, but, obeying sudden impulse
she turned back and walked up to the door
The family were absent, and no one answer
ing her knock, she was about to turn away
when the servant returned.
who does madame wish to see?" she
asked, breathlessly.
1T was passing and heard child singing;
the little one has certainly marvellous
voice." said the lady.
"Oh, yes,'' said the maid. "she is like
bird, forever singing from morning till
night"
''Teu me about her?" said the lady, in
terested. May one see herr"
Certainly, If madame really Wishes" re-
piled the maid.
The lady entered the house and was at
once attracted by the intelligence and the
talent of the little girl. The lady gave the
maid piece of silver and promised to call
the next day.
The afternoon of the next day, at about
the same hour, she called and introduced
herself to the little girls mother and
begged to be allowed to take the child to
friend Of hers, who was music teacher.
The mother, fearful that this might in
volve the outlay of some money, at first
demurred, but the lady convinced her that
she would undertake any expense incurred,
and the child was brought to the lady's
friend He heard her sing and instantly de-
termined on presenting her to the director
of the musical school of the Royal Theater.
When this gentleman saw her he rudely
burst into peals of laughter, amused by
her homely features and awkward move
ments.
What have we here?" he cried, lis this
the ugly duckling?"
Yes. monsieur" said the actress, but
wait until you.llear her sing?"
But, really" demonstrated the great
man, much annoyed, II am very busy.
would like to oblige madame, but it is i'm
possible!'
shrugged his shoulders; her eyes were cast
down, her face flushed, and she was very
much embarrassed by the mans ridicule
"Ah, but monsieur" pleaded the actress
II am sure you will grant me this favor?"
well, If you desire it very much?" and
he sank with resigned look back into his
chair and motioned for the little girl to
step forward.
DO not be afraid, my dear" whispered
the actress, "do your best.'
The girl stepped forward and began to
sing. At first her voice trembled but she
soon recovered her composure, and, forget
ting her surroundings, she did her best in
deed.
The director started up from his chair,
astonished and delighted beyond measure.
You are little nightingale!' he cried,
taking her up in his arms and kissing her.
He consented to her admission in the
Royal Conservatory, and she was placed
under the tuition of the best masters. After
several years Of hard study and constant
practice she made her first appearance in
her native city, and created a sensation.
But, alas, her troubles were not yet over
When she was about fourteen years old
and just as she had succeeded in making
reputation, her voice failed her, and she
was obliged to retire from the theater to
the privacy and obscurity of her own home
Her family, never affectionate but always
mercenary, received her coldly, and again,
for time at least, she was neglected and
unloved. but she did not despair nor become
discouraged.
She waited patiently until her voice be-
came strong again and then, through the
Kindness of friends, she was enabled to go
to Paris to study under a famous teacher.
This man was also deceived by her ap-