"One morning as I knelt by my little one's white bed an inspiration came; over the mantel was a picture of 'The Good Shepherd,' and I clasped my hands, and cried aloud:
"'O bon Pasteur, help me to free Thy sheep.'
"And lo, a voice seemed to answer: 'Daughter, use the talent that you have.'
"I rose from my knees knowing what course to pursue. I sought new opportunities for the display of my one talent, I was more than successful, I became Narda the prima donna, and won golden guineas and opinions.
"At last came my opportunity. I was to sing at Bayreuth in Wagner's glorious opera, I was to sing the Swan Song, and the Czar was to be present.
"The house was crowded, there was row upon row, tier after tier of faces, but I saw one only—that of the Czar in his box.
"I stood there before the footlights in shining white, and sang my song.
"The heavenly music rose and fell, died away and rose again, and I sang as I had never done before. I sang for home, love, and child.
"When the curtain fell the Czar sent for me and complimented me graciously, offering me a diamond ring which I gratefully refused.
"'Sire,' I said, 'I ask for a gift more costly still.'