"The Prodigies" is a short story by Willa Cather.
[1] The Mackenzies are invited to the Masseys' at four in the afternoon to hear their children, Hermann and Ad, sing.
He chips in and tells them they will go to a dog show with his children the next day, instead of seeing an opera as planned.
One month later, Mr. Mackenzie informs Mrs. Massey that the girl's voice has been worn out.
Undaunted, she prods her son to become a very successful singer.