Here comes more energetic passages, the
feeble child will find strength necessary, and the voice of the
instrument assumes a fullness of tone which one could not look
for in the diminutive violin. Effects of double stopping,
staccato, rapid arpeggios--everything is executed with the same
precision, the same purity, the same grace. Repeatedly
interrupted by applause and acclamations, she was saluted at the
end by salvos of bravos and a shower of bouquets."

As for the anti-Urso party, they were completely demoralized and had not
a word to say. Camilla was a success, and they gracefully retired from
the field.

CHAPTER III.

THE DAY BEGINS.

The next morning Camilla trotted off to Felix Simon's just as if nothing
had happened. The Ursos were too sensible to be upset by vanity. The
triumph of their child only caused them to soberly consider what was to
be done next. Camilla must lose no time. The lessons must go on
precisely as before and until matters were properly arranged her life
would be unchanged. She must prepare for more difficult tasks. Having
proved her skill she must now improve it. Greater tests and severer
trials were in store for her. She must go to Paris. She must enter the
Conservatory of Music. But how, and when?

Long and earnestly they talked over the matter and laid their plans as
best they could. M. Urso was a fine flute player. Of course, he could
readily obtain a place in some theatre in Paris. Camilla's mother was a
charming singer and a good teacher. She could give lessons, and perhaps
sing in some church. Oh! and then there was the organ! Certainly so fine
an organist as M. Urso would soon get a good place with a comfortable
salary. Aunt Caroline must go too. She would keep house and help the
children. None of them had ever been to Paris, but the prospect seemed
brilliant and for Camilla's sake they ought to go as soon as possible.
Having decided to move they sold all their furniture, collected whatever
was due for music lessons and salaries and prepared for the flitting.

Camilla, her father and aunt Caroline were to go first. The baby brother
was too young to bear the journey, and when they were comfortably
settled in Paris, mother could follow them. The journey was a slow one.
It was mid-summer, and on the road came the news that the cholera was
raging in Paris. It would not do to enter the city till cooler weather
came. So they tarried at Tours for si