But the minister 's wife had merely dropped in on her way home from the Spencers ' and she did not make any embarrassing requests . Instead , she talked about Sylvia Gray , and her words fell on the Old Lady 's ears like separate pearl notes of unutterably sweet music . The minister 's wife had nothing but praise for Sylvia -- she was so sweet and beautiful and winning . `` And with SUCH a voice , '' said the minister 's wife enthusiastically , adding with a sigh , `` It 's such a shame she ca n't have it properly trained . She would certainly become a great singer -- competent critics have told her so . But she is so poor she does n't think she can ever possibly manage it -- unless she can get one of the Cameron scholarships , as they are called ; and she has very little hope of that , although the professor of music who taught her has sent her name in . '' `` What are the Cameron scholarships ? '' asked the Old Lady . `` Well , I suppose you have heard of Andrew Cameron , the millionaire ? '' said the minister 's wife , serenely unconscious that she was causing the very bones of the Old Lady 's family skeleton to jangle in their closet . Into the Old Lady 's white face came a sudden faint stain of colour , as if a rough hand had struck her cheek . `` Yes , I 've heard of him , '' she said . `` Well , it seems that he had a daughter , who was a very beautiful girl , and whom he idolized . She had a fine voice , and he was going to send her abroad to have it trained . And she died . It nearly broke his heart , I understand . But ever since , he sends one young girl away to Europe every year for a thorough musical education under the best teachers -- in memory of his daughter . He has sent nine or ten already ; but I fear there is n't much chance for Sylvia Gray , and she does n't think there is herself . '' `` Why not ? '' asked the Old Lady spiritedly .
`` I am sure that there can be few voices equal to Miss XXXXX 's . ''
Cameron Gray Lady SUCH Spencers Sylvia colour critics heart year