FAREWELL SOIRÉE

Upon my return from Niagara, I gave the concert as I had promised. Immense posters with which the walls of the city had been covered announced that I was appearing for the last time. I had never before seen my name in this connection. Letters as tall as I am and four times wider.

The American public lived up to this national advertisement. All the rich and elegant people of New York came to the Gilmore Garden. As soon as I entered the musical arena, I was greeted with shouts, hurrahs, and enthusiastic applause. And they say that the Americans are a cold people! I will spare you the details of this soirée, for in addition to the fact that I have sworn to talk as little as possible of myself, I must admit that I did not completely understand all that was going on around me, I was so moved by this unexpected demonstration.

After the concert, I succeeded with difficulty in finding words to thank my musicians one last time for the cooperation they had given me during my sojourn among them, and I wished them, with a sincerity which they could not doubt, the continuation after my departure of the success they so richly deserved. They thanked me in their turn for the performance I had given for the benefit of their association and made me promise to come back to America in two or three years. I promised as one does at such moments, “If circumstances are right, I assure you it would be most agreeable to return to Yankee-land and to become better acquainted with such a wonderful country and with a great people who showed me a sympathy I shall always cherish.”