Untitled

A CONCERT AT THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 211
began a charming air, the others accompanying
vals.
her at inter-
After a few bars, the spectators, who, like Mrs. Jewett, had
only heard very inferior Japanese music, began to glance at
one another, and, as the air progressed, to really enjoy the
delightful harmony, which is impossible
to describe.
At the conclusion of the piece, the foreign guests heartily
applauded the player, and the Japanese smiled and bowed
their thanks.
"
Now," said the Professor, whose face beamed all over with
happiness, " will you, ladies, kindly sing f
Home, Sweet Home,'
in English."
They once more bowed, then sang in excellent time, and
very sweetly, Payne's well-known song.
The American and English visitors forgot that the musical
instruments were quaint-looking, and no longer noticed the
hibachi, or that the performers did not wear tight-fitting garments
and diamond ear-rings. They only heard the
heart-stirring words, sweetly and tenderly sung to a harp-like
accompaniment, at once novel and charming, and, as the song
proceeded, were convinced that, notwithstanding all that had
been said, the Japanese can master our music as thoroughly as
they have our language.
When the last note had died away, Professor Mason
bowed, and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, that closes the
exercises."
The guests thanked and complimented him and his pupils,
and, after chatting awhile, took their leave.
As the Jewetts crossed to their house, the lady said, " My
dears, I am converted."
"To Buddhism?" asked Fitz.
"No," she replied j "but I will acknowledge that there is