274 Biographical Sketch of Mile. Sontag. [SEPT. 



bably be large, were to be laid aside as a fund to further their ultimate objects : 

 that, meantime, Werner was to use every means to soften and reconcile his father 

 to the union, and to obtain an appointment as teacher of music at the University. 

 Some other preliminary measures being decided on, the lovers separated. 



The days flew by. The contemplated arrangements were made; and Hen- 

 rietta, now fully contracted to Werner, resolutely declined the gallantry of her 

 host of other beaux, who, at length perceiving the authorized and constant atten- 

 tions of their rival, one by one retired from the field. Thus were matters cir- 

 cumstanced, when the eventful day appointed for the final public exhibition of the 

 syren's powers approached. 



Never had there been such a demand for tickets. All classes vied with each 

 other in giving parting testimonies of respect to the fair songstress, and the rich 

 and great loaded her with handsome presents. For three days previously not 

 a ticket was to be procured and hence it was announced that no pay-office would 

 be kept open. 



On the morning of the concert-day, a visitor was announced to Henrietta 

 Count Klannheim. On being introduced, he stated that he had arrived the pre- 

 ceding night at Berlin, as plenipotentiary from the court of V , and had learnt 

 with chagrin that the enjoyment he had so long promised himself, of hearing 

 Henrietta, was likely to be denied him. He had therefore taken the liberty of 

 appealing to herself, to inquire if there were no means of his obtaining admission 

 into the concert-room. Henrietta expressed herself highly flattered by this com- 

 pliment on the part of the Count ; but assured his Excellency that she was alto- 

 gether powerless in the matter, as, literally speaking, every place had been long 

 engaged. 



The Count expressed great mortification on receiving this answer. " Must I 

 then," said he, " abandon all hopes of hearing this wonder by which so many have 

 been entranced ?" 



" I know but one way," returned Henrietta, smiling, " of averting such an 

 evil, and that is by your allowing me to sing an air to you on the spot." 



This offer was made with so much grace and modesty, that Count Klannheim 

 was quite delighted ; and seating herself at her piano, Henrietta sang several can- 

 zonettes with her characteristic sweetness. 



The Count was much moved; he pressed her hand gratefully, and before he 

 dropped it, said, in the words of Schiller "Accept a remembrance of this hour!" 

 placing on her finger, as he spoke, a brilliant ring. He then retired, requesting 

 her not to mention his visit, as he had not yet publicly announced his arrival. 



The concert, it is almost superfluous to say, passed off with the utmost eclat. 

 The applause was almost stunning ; roses and myrtles were thrown into the 

 orchestra at the feet of the singer ; and tears gushed from her eyes on bidding 

 farewell, for the last time, to her generous auditors. 



The following morning, Henrietta was somewhat surprised by a visit from an 

 elderly minister, who addressed her as follows: "My daughter, Fame reports 

 you to be kind-hearted and charitable, no less than accomplished, and I have 

 been tempted, in my compassion for a destitute family, to make trial of your 

 goodness. The parties in favour of whom I seek to interest you, I know to be 

 as deserving as they are unfortunate; the father is now in confinement for debt ; 

 but a few hundreds would at once liberate him, and re-establish them all. Will 

 you be the ministering angel to effect this benevolent purpose ?" 



Henrietta was touched with the speaker's venerable manner and urgent appeal. 

 She answered " I am but too happy in being able to do this. Fortune has been 

 liberal to me, and ill would it become me to hesitate in aiding the distressed." 

 She then inquired the necessary sum, produced it, and the minister retired, 

 exclaiming, as he received her bounty, " God will reward you, my daughter I 1 ' 

 His voice had a prophetic tone, nor was the prophecy false. 



Henrietta had scarcely time to recollect and felicitate herself on this occur- 

 rence, before an elegant carriage stopped at her door, and her former visitor, 

 Count Klannheim, was announced. After some mutual passages of ceremony, 

 the Count, though with rather an embarrassed air, spoke as follows : 



