While they were thus waiting at the Irving House for their first concert, the whole party M. and Madam Comettant, M. Urso, Camilla, and Aunt Caroline all went out to walk one bright sunny morning. As they strolled through the streets they suddenly came to a dead wall where in gorgeous letters six feet high was printed the startling announcement:—
“CAMILLA URSO HAS ARRIVED.”
They all stopped and gazed with feelings of wonder and awe, upon this remarkable sentence.
Oscar Comettant was the only one who could translate it and when he had done so they all repeated it over to themselves. As for Camilla she committed it to memory as the first sentence she had ever spoken in English. They returned to the Irving House remarking to themselves that America was truly a wonderful country. The intelligent natives appreciated music. They welcomed artists in a truly royal manner, and published their names in letters six feet high. While they were talking over the matter the American suddenly came in. He seemed greatly excited over something. Was the Mayor coming? Were the authorities coming to visit them? Should they dress for company?
Ah! No! Something had happened. He was very sorry—but—his partner—who supplied the money, etc. had—failed?
Failed! What did he mean! Failed?
No money?
No, not a dollar left!
They couldn’t believe it. Were they to give no concert? Was not Camilla going to play? Was the grand scheme a failure?
Yes. It was all over. Everything had failed.