they are the same ones, who, disguised as wretched beggars,
came in the morning to prove the generosity of their hearts;
and tells them never in future to hesitate to give the
needy, for virtue is sure to be rewarded. All unite in a
joyous song, and Laila is crowned their queen."

The many persons who were so fortunate as to witness the performance
of those charming misses will not soon forget the delights that were
thus afforded them, nor will they fail to remember most gratefully the
lady to whose painstaking and noble efforts they are so much indebted
for what was a rare treat.

I would fain attempt a description of the scene of dazzling beauty
upon which our eyes feasted, and the music of the fresh young voices
that fell delightfully upon our ears, and touched with gladdening
effect each heart; but I forbear, and give place to the musical critic
of "The Boston Journal," who, on May 17, said,--

... "The occasion was the presentation of the cantata of
'Laila' by fifty young ladies, under the direction of Miss
Nellie E. Brown. The misses, ranging from five to fifteen
years, possess very sweet voices; and the music was given
with much taste, and a degree of artistic excellence
reflecting great credit on Miss Brown's efforts.... The
audience were greatly pleased with the rendering of the
music.... While the singing was good, there was exhibited
considerable dramatic art by some of the young ladies. The
dresses worn are neat and pretty, the fairy costumes being
very striking and appropriate. The stage, too, was neatly
set; and there was quite a good spectacular effort in the
representation of the fairy grotto."

At Haverhill, Mass., Dec. 13, 1876, Miss Brown again gave this
operetta, when the fifty young ladies appearing were chosen from the
high school of that city.

"The Haverhill Bulletin," Dec. 14, 1876, said,--

"The presentation of the operetta of 'Laila' at City Hall,
on Wednesday evening, was a very gratifying success.... The
whole affair was under the direction of Miss Nellie E.
Brown, the popular soprano of Grace Methodist-Episcopal
Church. She was assisted by some fifty young ladies of this
city; and the promptness and harmony with which all the
arrangements of the affair were carried out, as well as the
musical and dramatic talent displayed by them, are certainly
very