Pipe, and was loudly encored. Her voice was a soprano of considerable compass, even at that early age, and when she appeared at a concert, after six months teaching from Signor Sapio, the Evening Packet pronounced that she was a highly promising vocalist.
When she returned to Limerick on a visit, the Bishop gave a concert in her honour. Two years afterwards she was introduced to the Abbe Liszt, after a concert, and he wrote to Mrs. Edmond Knox as follows:—
"I do not know of any voice more expressive than that of Miss Hayes. As to her singing, it is easy, natural, and devoid of all false method. Whether in London, Paris, Italy, or wherever I may be I shall always be happy to forward her in her profession."
To give one proof of her advance as a singer, she raised her terms for singing at concerts in Dublin from five to ten guineas. She visited Belfast, singing at the opening of the Anacreontic Hall, and after brief visits to Parsonstown and her native Limerick, a great event in her life took place. She was introduced to the great Lablache, whose opinion on all musical matters was considered final. Terrified and trembling, the young singer was prevailed on to give Qui la voce, always considered a formidable test. He asked her to try a still more difficult solo, then a duet, then another
