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A CONCERT AT THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 209
vants and the attendants of the young lady students. Then,
ushering them into a large hall, he conducted the party to their
seats.
All the foreign professors and their families were present,
and the noise of conversation in English, German, French,
and Japanese afforded great amusement to the fun-loving
Fitz.
In a few moments one of the highest officials of the empire
entered with his family and suite, and, after bowing to the
assembly, seated himself.
He was a grave, highly intelligent, refined-looking gentleman,
and spoke most excellent English. Addressing the head
"
of the College, he said, Professor Mason, will you kindly
order the exercises to commence?"
The pupils, whose ages ranged from five to thirty years,
were dressed in brilliant Japanese costume, and were seated
with their lady tutors upon the left of the upper part of the
hall, which was provided with a stage raised about two feet
from the floor. The walls of the apartment were covered
with the musical charts invented by the Professor, each note
being numbered both in Japanese and English.
Professor Mason advanced to the front of the platform,
inclined his head gracefully, and said, "The first part of the
programme will consist of exercises on the piano, played by
my senior scholars, then an exhibition of reading music at
sight, vocal exercises, and an examination of the members of
the younger class in the rudiments of music."
He motioned to a beautiful Japanese girl, who had listened
with evident pleasure to his speech, and said, r Now, if you
please, Miss, will you play the Moonlight Sonata."
When the performer seated herself, some of the foreign
ladies looked as though they anticipated a painful trial of their