as Madam Alboni.

Only ten years of age. Certainly a marvelous child. And a girl. It must
be a sight worth seeing. They would all go to the concert. In this
shallow style did the people of New York talk. They looked upon her as
some kind of natural wonder, or curiosity. That she might have an
artist's soul, that her playing might be something more than mere
display did not seem to enter their comprehension.

In due time the concert came off and a slender, blue eyed girl hardly
four feet high appeared and played a fantasia or themes from Somnambula.
They had expected she would play fairly well, they looked for tolerable
skill. What they did see and hear so far exceeded their expectations
that they could not find words to express their admiration.

The steady position, the vigor and grace of her bowing, the strong, firm
tone, and more than all the wonderful delicacy and lightness of her
touch. The splendid technical ability, and her simple manners, the
demure and serious eyes and the slight, girlish figure, these captured
their hearts and won their respect.

The concert was a great success and Camilla in a single night
established her reputation in the United States. This was her first real
step in her artist life. She here laid the foundation of her reputation,
a reputation that was first American and afterwards European.

The next morning the New York Herald gave her the first newspaper notice
she ever received in this country.

"Little Camilla Urso, the wonderful child violinist, divided
honors with the prima donna. Of the same age and country as Paul
Julian, whose masterly performance on the violin attracted so
much attention here, this new candidate for public favor
promises to be a powerful competitor with him. Her execution of
the fantasia or Somnambula was most admirable and drew down
vociferous calls for an encore which were honored. Several
bouquets were thrown to her on the stage and the greatest
enthusiasm was manifested in respect to the marvelous little
artist."

Then some one suggested that they try Boston. That city was a musical
centre and Camilla would be sure to meet with a good reception there.
Accordingly under the guidance of the American the entire party went to
Boston. Mr. Jonas Chickering, the piano-forte manufacturer kindly
welcomed her and invited her to call at his residence on Boylston
street, two doors from the building now occupied by the Art