Christmas. But I have known better times; I do not like to beg." The prima donna was not rich. She supported her own old father and mother, and was educating her brother for a grand tenor. With one of those quick impulses born of heaven, she ordered the driver to descend from his box and throw open the carriage. When the roof parted and the sunshine came flooding down upon her, the singer faced the crowd that had [pg 85] been steadily gathering for ten minutes, eager to see the Signora Cavada, whose voice was the most jealously guarded jewel of her store, For she had been recognized by a chance passer-by. [pg 85] Suddenly there stole on the air a divine strain that caused a hush as by magic to fall upon the restless groups. Louder, sweeter, stronger, more entrancing it rose, then sunk to the whispering cadence of a sigh. The old man's hands were crossed before him, and tears poured down his withered cheeks. Ere the charmed listeners realized that the voice had ceased, the singer gave the poor supplicant a coin, and waving him toward the crowd, which was increasing every moment, said,— "Tell them I will sing again." The old man went from one to another till the worn hat grew so heavy that he had to carry it in his arms. Money for his needs, money for his dear little girl. Then the signora sang again; when about to depart she scribbled an address which she handed the bewildered man, and drove on to her hotel. What a Christmas was that! And what a feeling of happiness filled her heart! And the duenna said nothing. A day or two later the beggar and his grandchild appeared at the private entrance of the hotel where the signora was sojourning. The [pg 86] paper he carried in his hand was a passport, and he soon stood in her parlor. He was dressed in a neat new suit, and the child was as sweet as a wild rose. [pg 86] "Come and kiss me, little one," said the beautiful lady. "I want to hear you sing." Unappalled by the richness of the apartment, and conscious only the kindness shown her, the child, who was about twelve years old, sang one of the popular street ballads of the day. "Santa Maria!" exclaimed the signora, who always ejaculated in her own tongue. "But you have
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