the warm weather with her present
suit. But, to study or practice she must have good food and plenty of
it. She looked pale and pinched enough, poor child, and her dress was
too small for comfort. Something must be done or they would all starve.
They must take her away from the Conservatory or find more money.

In their distress they applied to Massart and the officers of the
Conservatory. The master was very angry. "What! Go away for six months!
Give concerts! It was a shame to lose so much time just when she was
doing so well."

No. If Camilla left the Conservatory she could not come back. That is
what they said. And so it was all over and this was the wretched end of
all their trying. It was hard to give up. What could they do? The Summer
term was almost over. The summer vacation was at hand. Camilla might
give a few concerts during the vacation. The money might help them along
another winter and then they would be in want again. The vacation would
not give them time to accomplish all they wished. They hoped by making
an extended tour to earn enough money to support them a year or more.

It was the only thing to be done and after making proper representation
to the authorities of the Conservatory permission was given. Camilla
might be absent six months and then resume her place in the classes.
This was a great concession. Only Camilla's undoubted genius, her desire
to study, and her poverty caused them to break over their rules in this
matter. Massart too, gave his consent and said he would resume her
instruction without charge when she returned.

Now she was to prove what she could do. It was a pity to interrupt her
studies. Her education was not half finished and she must appear in
public before she was really ready. If she succeeded now, how great
would be her triumph when the three years at the Conservatory were
finished.

It was impossible to break up the family, and the entire household
prepared for the expedition. As they had no money they must move slowly
and cautiously. Salvatore Urso would play the flute and accompany
Camilla on the piano. Her mother could sing. That would make three
performers, and with two pieces for each they could give quite a
programme. To make a variety they should have one more singer. So they
hired a gentleman to join their Company and sing buffo and other songs.
Aunt Caroline would stay in Paris with the boys. When all was ready
Camilla and her father and mother packed up and