"In traveling over the country, I have found such wonderful musical
growth, and it seems to increase each year. Even in little places the
people show such appreciation for what is good. And I only give them
good music--the best songs, both classical and modern. Nothing but the
best would interest me. In my recent trip, down in Mexico and Oklahoma,
there are everywhere large halls, and people come from all the country
round to attend a concert. Men who look as though they had driven a
grocery wagon, or like occupation, sit and listen so attentively and
with such evident enjoyment. I am sure the circulation of the phonograph
records has much to do with America's present wonderful advancement in
musical understanding."
Just here a large cat slipped through the doorway; such a beautiful
creature, with long gray and white fur and big blue eyes.
"It is a real chinchilla, of high degree," said Miss Case, caressing her
pet. "I call her Fochette. I am so fond of all animals, especially dogs
and cats."
"You must know the country well, having been over it so much."
"Yes, but oh, the long distances! It often takes so many hours to go
from one place to another. I think there is a reason why foreign singers
are apt to be rather stout; they are not worn out by traveling great
distances, as cities are so much nearer together than over here!" And
Miss Case smiled in amusement. "But, in spite of all discomforts of
transportation and so on, the joy of bringing a message to a waiting
audience is worth all it costs. I often think, if one could just fly to
Chicago or Philadelphia, for instance, sing one's program and return
just as quickly, without all these hours of surface travel, how
delightful it would be! I had a wonderful experience in an airplane last
summer. Flying has the most salutary effect on the voice. After sailing
through the air for awhile, you feel as though you could sing anything
and everything, the exhilaration is so great. One takes in such a
quantity of pure air that the lungs feel perfectly clear and free. One
can learn a lesson about breathing from such an experience."
Before parting a final question was asked:
"What, in your opinion, are the vital requisites necessary to become a
singer?"
Almost instantly came the reply:
"Brains, Personality, Voice."
With this cryptic answer we took leave of the fair artist.