Section 2 Summary

Mrs. Ellsworth focused a great deal of her time and money on meeting Oceola's needs. However, her generosity was met with some resistance from the young musician. Oceola regarded Mrs. Ellsworth's gifts with suspicion. Art for art's sake didn't survive in her world. She had never before come across someone who took such a peculiar interest in her and wanted to help her pursue her own musical interests.

Oceola shared her personal background at Mrs. Ellsworth's request. Oceola was born in 1903 to a musical family. Her stepfather had had a band and her mother played the organ and piano for church choirs. Oceola began learning piano by ear before her mother began giving her lessons. The family traveled with a group of minstrels before settling in Houston. Both of her parents worked when they could, and though food was sometimes scarce, Oceola attended...