Adelina Patti had made her last appearance at the Royal Opera in 1895, and her place as prima donna was taken by Nellie Melba. But Melba, although her voice was of incomparable beauty, lacked that touch of fire which a singer must have, if she is to capture the imagination of her audience; and for twelve years the throne of the Diva was vacant. Then, during the autumn of 1907, a new star of the most amazing brilliance appeared, quite unheralded.