From the
change in his features, I understood all--he was hopelessly lost!"
Delsarte was sensitive and of a very loving nature; but he was endowed
with great strength. Much absorbed, moreover, in his profession, his
studies, his innovations, he often found in them a counterpoise to these
rude blows of fate. So when the thoughts of his friends recur to these
disasters, they feel that their greatest sympathy and commiseration are
due to the mother who three times underwent this supreme martyrdom.
Two names remain to be mentioned in this family where artistic callings
seemed a matter of course. The concerts of Madame Theresa Wartel--sister
of Madame Delsarte--brought together the _elite_ of Parisian virtuosi,
and the brilliant pianist took her part in the quatuors in which Sauzay,
Allard, Franchomme and other celebrities of the period figured.
George Bizet--author of the opera of "Carmen"--prematurely snatched from
the arts, was the nephew of Francois Delsarte. This young man taught
himself Sanscrit unaided; he inspired the greatest hopes.
Wartel, who gave Christine Nilsson her musical education, was not of the
same blood, but we find certain points in his method which recall the
processes of Delsarte's school.
Chapter XII.
Delsarte's Religion.
I now confront an important and very interesting subject; but one which
is more difficult to handle than the most prickly briers.
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