The Globe Republican

MADE THE SONG REALISTIC.
Contralto's Musical Efforts Accompanied by the Living Article.

Alice Sovereign had a trying experience recently in Pittsburg, her recital ending with a little tragedy, the dramatis personae of which were the contralto and a bluebottle fly. The refrain of Nevin's "Yearning" had just been reached and Miss Sovereign in her most appealing tones was entreating, "Oh, fly with me!" when the blue bottle, accepting the invitation, appeared. Refusing to be brushed aside, it buzzed blithely about the singer's pretty face and with commendable taste remained in the vicinity of her lips. "Oh, fly! oh, fly!" continued Miss Sovereign, a bit tremulously. "Buzz!" was the noncommittal answer. "Oh, fly!" continued the contralto, on a G that gave very little hint of her trepidation. And then the worst happened. Without pausing to reflect, the fly impulsively rushed into the breach -and disappeared. It was a critical moment for both, but Miss Sovereign proved equal to the emergency. Without wincing, and with excellent breath control, she aided the intruder in its downward journey, and concluded the song with a clear, mellow, and truthful, "Oh, fly with me!" The incident was unnoticed by the audience, but Miss Sovereign still has the fly-in memory, at least.