he foot of the steep mansard roof and here Camilla's mother arranged a
pretty row of plants in pots so that the iron railing in front was half
hid by flowers. Poor as they were they always managed to have it as
bright and pretty about them as possible. With all their poverty they
always contrived to look neat and pleasant. M. Urso arranged a temporary
shed on the balcony for a kitchen and here in the bright sunshine high
up in the air above the noisy street Camilla used to watch the birds and
the clouds and peep through the geranium leaves down into the street so
far below. This change of scene was a great advantage to her. It
brightened her spirits and gave her thin cheeks a bit of color. As she
went through the streets with her violin, and gay in a new chip hat and
blue ribbon the people turned to look at the demure eyes and the half
smiling mouth and said: "She is the Rose of Montholon."

The Rose could not be suffered to bloom alone in the alley-ways and
lanes of the old city and invitations to play at the houses of some the
grand families came in. One of these was to the residence of Madam
Armengo and another was the residence of Napoleon then known as the
Prince President. At Madam Armengo's Camilla attracted great attention
and won many friends. Her playing was a surprise to all and the company
could hardly find words to express their pleasure and admiration.

Then came an invitation from the Prince President to take part at a
grand concert at the Palace de Elysee before the Prince and the great
dignitaries of the court. There were Generals and Marshals, Princesses
and grand Court ladies, artists and gentlemen with decorations and many
other notables. A place on the programme was assigned to the little Rose
of Montholon and in her usual simple and natural manner she played her
best before the honorable company. They paid her the best of attention
and she quickly captured all their hearts by her childish manners and
wonderful playing. They had never heard any such playing from one so
young and they crowded around her to thank her and congratulate her upon
her skill.

The Prince Napoleon came and spoke to her, praised her music and asked
what she intended to do next. Go to America. Ah! No. That was not right.
Such talent as hers must not leave France. M. Urso replied that the
contract had already been signed with the American and they must go with
him.

"Puisqu 'il en est ainsi, depechez vous a aller gagner de l