The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-10-23
.MELBA As FAVOR IN
SONG FOR
SERVANTS
"NEvER HEARD you SING LIKE
THIS ssroaz.-' MARCHES,
TELLS HER, "YET I'VE HEARD
you OFTEN"

PARIS, Oct. 23.-Mme. Melha, the
songbird, who will be heard again this
winter In New York, has been what
might be called "rehearsing' for the
past month with her old teacher, Nine.
Marchesi, one Of the greatest vocal
teachers Europe ever produced. The
friendship between teacher and pupil
can hardly be described
Nine. Melba went TO Nine.
Marchesi's the other morning to say
Sood-by.
Mamma" asked Nine. Melba--she
always calls Nine. Marchesi SO. insist
ing that she deserves the title. being
the mother OF her voice-1s there
anything can do for you? You know
how much love and adore you. Now,
is there nothing ] can do for you be-
fore ! leave Paris?"
Nine. Marchesi was all smiles. She
thought q moment. then said:
My dear. you can't do anything for
your old teacher this morning. but you
can do something for somebody else.
VIII your"
You know very well. by dearest
mamma" responded Nine. Melba.
that all you have to do Is to men
ton what / can do and l am ready
TO obey"
We'll, my dearest" said the veteran
teacher OF voice. you have sung for
the highest people OF the world. They
have enjoyed your beautiful singing
Would you like to sing for my serv-
ants? You know
Nine. Media was overjoyed. She
danced about the room, clapping her
hands. and called out:
oh" she said, that Is charming.
Why. Of course, will sing for the
dear servants who have been SO faith
ful all these years TO my dearest mani
ma. Send for them right away. OF
course | want to sing for them. l
only feel sorry you never thought OF
Ii before"
Nine Marchesi touched a silver bell
beside her on the grand piano In her
studio, and moment later the tall
Dctler appeared.
''Voila." said Nine. Marchesi. Tell
all the servants to come TO me right
away. / want them all here this mo-
ment.'
The butler looked surprised. First
he glanced at Nine. Melba and then
ct his mistress.
"Allez! allez." cried Nine. Marchesi.
Get the servants-get all Of them; go
into the kitchen and bring the cooks
and the help-bring them all-hurry,
hurry"
tires bein, madame" replied the
butler, as he hurried from the room
A few moments later the large doors
leading TO the studio were thrown
open and in marched the servants, a
dozen of them, wearing white aprons
and caps. They looked at their mis-
tress in establishment.
Hurry up, now!" commanded Nine.
Marchssi. Get in line facing the
platform! Nine. Melba has promised
to sing for you"
AZ soon as the servants were lined
up MeIba went to the platform In front
OF the piano and made her bow, JUST
as though she was about to sing for
the most distinguished audience in the
world. Nine. Marehesi went to the
piano and began to play.
Melba, In excellent voice, sang and
sang. and when she finished the serv-
ants clapped their hands and cheered.
Nine. Marchesi got up from the
piano. Nine. Media ran 10 meet ncT,
threw her arms around her neck and
kissed her.
My dearest" said Nine. Marchesl,
"as your old teacher, l want to CON
graduate you. have heard you, as
you know, ever so many times, but
never heard you sing like this before.
II was simply grand--tres grand, mag
miguel"
Melba shook hands with each one
OF her audience as they slowly and re-
luctantly left the salon.
II am 80 glad you asked me to sing
for them" said Nine. Melba, "and I
am 80 proud that had the opportun-
ity. hope YOU will ask me again"
Nine. Melba again kissed her dear
est mamma" saying In parting:
IL am always SO happy when | can
come back to you. ! owe you so
much. I owe II all to you, my dearest
mamma. God bless you! Au revoir.'
A>-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s