Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 May 1911 — ROUTED THE SINGER. [ARTICLE]

ROUTED THE SINGER.

Tosti’s Encounter With a Persistent and Peppery Stranger. “Tosti used to. tell an amusing little story of feminine persistence,” says Harold Simpson in his book, “A Century of English Ballads.” It was during one of his busiest mornings, with a long list of singing lessons to be got through, that a knock came at the door of Tosti’s flat. His valet was ill, and so Tosti went to the door himself. A lady, a stranger to him, -stood on the threshold. “ ‘Signor Tosti? she inquired. “Tosti bowed. “ ‘Oh,’ said the lady, ‘I am singing your song, “My Memories,” at Manchester tonight, and 1 want you to kindly run through it with me.’ “ ‘Madame,’ answered Tosti politely, but firmly, ‘I fear It is impossible. 1 have two pupils with me now, and a third is waiting in the anteroom, while others will shortly be arriving.’ “ ‘But you must!’ the lady persisted. '■'* ‘I am sorry’— began Tosti again when he suddenly received a violent push and the lady walked into the studio. “Tosti followed, protesting. After a long argument, which # threatened to become heated, the lady snapped out: • “ ‘Very well; I shan’t sing your song, thenj’ “ ‘Madame,’ said Tosti, taking her by the hand, ‘I am infinitely obliged to you.’ “The lady gave one look at him and fled.”