PATTI AND THE PROCESSION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue XI, 10 March 1894, Page 237

PATTI AND THE PROCESSION.

The following anecdote is told by M. Schurmann in his book entitled * Etoiles en Voyage ’ Mdme. Patti had arranged to sing at Bucharest on a certain date, but could not be persuaded to leave Vienna owing to the inclemency of the weather. So M. Schurmann, who was in despair, telegraphed to his agent in the Roumanian capital to the effect that the diva must at all hazards be met at the station at Bucharest by a deputation of Roumanian nobles,and ordered him to send a telegram to the following effect :— -. . J ‘ Members of the Italian and Roumanian aristocracyjpre paring magnificent reception for Patti. Cabinet represented. Torchlight procession, military bands. Wire hour of arrival. ’ The telegram duly arrived, and was shown to Mdme. Patti, who was enchanted, and at once mady ready to start. As the train steamed into Bucharest next evening the scene was truly imposing—flags were flying, bands playing, and torches flaring. The diva was escorted to her hotel by an enthusiastic crowd, and as they entered the door M. Schurmann signed to his agent to accompany him. The latter, however, refused, promising an explanation next morning. It turned out that he had hired a gang of loafers and vagabonds and dressed them up for the occasion, securing a choice selection of aristocrats for the modest sum of about thirteen pounds.

But he naturally was loth to leave them for a moment until the show was over, as they would otherwise have infallibly decamped with their hired costumes.