While his struggles were not at an end, Harry Burleigh had turned the corner and he never had to face again the terrible hardships he had known in his boyhood and young manhood. In addition to his work at St. George’s he undertook to train other choirs in New York churches and he was soon in great demand as a concert singer. He made several European tours and everywhere he went his fine voice and modest behaviour won for him a host of friends. He received a great welcome in England and sang before the late King Edward VII who was greatly moved by his singing. He also sang before other members of European royalty and everywhere he won golden opinions. In addition to being a singer of extraordinary power, Harry Burleigh became a composer. He has composed the music for more than one hundred songs in addition to several festival anthems for choruses. He has also written the music for a large number of negro “spirituals” and made these quaint old negro melodies known and loved the world over. He has composed music for some of the greatest musicians, and made possible much of their success. He composed the music for the song “Little Mother of Mine” which John McCormack sang before one of the largest audiences ever gathered in a concert hall. He was present when the singer received a tremendous ovation and although McCormack wanted him to acknowledge the applause, he modestly kept himself in the background. For several years he has held the position of musical editor of the Ricordi Music Publishing House. No piece of music is submitted to them which does not pass through his hands. With all his success as a singer and composer and judge of music, Harry Burleigh remains as unspoiled and modest as ever. When he has time in his busy life to think about the past, no doubt there are several scenes which rise up in his memory. No doubt he remembers the day when he proudly sang before King Edward VII and other great occasions, but we are sure that sometimes he thinks of that cold winter night when he stood knee-deep in snow outside the big house where his mother worked, so that he might catch the strains of the music from within. CHAPTER XV A QUAKER BOY WHO ASTONISHED THE WORLD