In 1887, Miss Kellogg married Carl Strakosch, who had for some time been her manager. Mr. Strakosch is the nephew of the two well-known impresarios, Maurice and Max Strakosch. After her marriage, the public career of Clara Louise Kellogg virtually ended. The Strakosch home is in New Hartford, Connecticut, and Mrs. Strakosch gave to it the name of "Elpstone" because of a large rock shaped like an elephant that is the most conspicuous feature as one enters the grounds through the poplar-guarded gate. Mr. and Mrs. Strakosch are very fond of their New Hartford home, but, the Litchfield County climate in winter being severe, they usually spend their winters in Rome. They have also travelled largely in Oriental countries. In 1912, Mr. and Mrs. Strakosch celebrated their Silver Wedding at Elpstone. On this occasion, the whole village of New Hartford was given up to festivities, and friends came from miles away to offer their congratulations. Perhaps the most pleasant incident of the celebration was the presentation of a silver loving cup to Mr. and Mrs. Strakosch by the people of New Hartford in token of the affectionate esteem in which they are both held. The woman, Clara Louise Kellogg, is quite as distinct a personality as was the _prima donna_. So thoroughly, indeed, so fundamentally, is she a musician that her knowledge of life itself is as much a matter of harmony as is her music. She lives her melody; applying the basic principle that Carlyle has expressed so admirably when he says: "See deeply enough and you see musically." ISABEL MOORE. WOODSTOCK, N. Y. August, 1913 CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. MY FIRST NOTES 1 II. GIRLHOOD 11 III. "LIKE A PICKED CHICKEN!" 22 IV. A YOUTHFUL REALIST 33 V. LITERARY BOSTON 43 VI. WAR TIMES 55 VII. STEPS OF THE LADDER 62 VIII. MARGUERITE 77 IX. OPÉRA COMIQUE 90 X. ANOTHER SEASON AND A LITTLE MORE SUCCESS 99 XI. THE END OF THE WAR 110 XII. AND SO--TO ENGLAND! 119 XIII. AT HER MAJESTY'S 129 XIV. ACROSS THE CHANNEL 139 XV. MY FIRST HOLIDAY ON THE CONTINENT 152 XVI. FELLOW-ARTISTS 163 XVII. THE ROYAL CONCERTS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE 177 XVIII. THE LONDON SEASON 188 XIX. HOME AGAIN 200 XX. "YOUR SINCERE ADMIRER" 212 XXI. ON THE ROAD 227 XXII. LONDON AGAIN 235 XXIII. THE SEASON WITH LUCCA 245