The Sedalia Weekly Bazoo

Elise Hensler's Career.

Some thirty years ago an American gentleman, now residing in Paris, but then living in Springfield, Mass., went to the shop of his tailor, Mr. Hensler, to give an order. While in course of conversation he was attracted by the sound of sweet and fresh young voices joining in a duet in the next room. Mr. Hensler seeing that his customer was pleased with the song, invited him to enter and be presented to the young singers, who were his two daughters, Elsie and Rosa. They were then mere children, the elder a tall, handsome girl of 15, and though almost wholly untaught they sang with great sweetness several simple and popular songs. Their new acquaintance was so much pleased with their voices that he sent them a quantity of good music and induced some philanthropic and wealthy ladies of Boston to interest themselves in these gifted children. Rose, the younger, soon abandoned all thoughts of a public career and got married. The elder student with success went upon the operatic boards, and finally accepted a European engagement. She is now the Countess d'Edla, the morganatic wife of the ex-king of Portugal, Dom Fernando. She accompanied him to Paris a few days ago. Her early friend sent her a card with a request for an interview, which was instantly accorded, and he was most warmly received. The countess, so far from endeavoring to efface the personality of Elsie Hensler, talked of the old days in Springfield, asked after her Boston friends, told of her operatic success, and finally sent for her royal spouse that she might present to him the kindly fellow-countryman who had befriended her in her youth.