I continued to dance, and going a few steps nearer Capi, I saw that the cup was not full; far from it. Vitalis had also seen this. Bowing to the audience, he said:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I think that, without flattering ourselves, we have conscientiously carried out our program, yet as our candles are still burning, I will, if the public wishes, sing some songs myself. Our dog, Capi, will make another quest and those who have not yet given will perhaps give this time. Please have your money ready.”
Although Vitalis had been my teacher, I had never really heard him sing, or at least not as he sung that evening. He selected two songs, an air from “Joseph” and one from “Richard the Lion Hearted.”
Although I was only a little boy and was no judge as to whether one sang with technique or without, Vitalis’ singing stirred me strangely. I went into a corner of the stage, for my eyes filled with tears as I listened to his beautiful notes.
Through a mist, I saw a young lady, who occupied the first row, clap her hands with all her might. I had already noticed that she was not a peasant like the rest of the people in the hall. She was a lady, young and beautiful, and from her handsome fur coat I took her to be the richest woman in the village. She had with her a little child who had applauded Capi heartily. It was probably her son for the likeness was striking.
After the first song, Capi went the round again. I saw with surprise that the lady had not put anything into his cup.
When my master had finished the air from the second opera, she beckoned me to her.
“I want to speak to that gentleman,” she said.
I was surprised, I thought she would have done better to have dropped something into the cup. Capi returned. He had collected very little more on this second round.
“What does the lady want?” asked Vitalis.