Several reviews of "Emma" were published, including one by Walter Scott - but written anonymously. The writer praised the novel for its faithful representation of life and quiet humor.
To survive, he had to take on various jobs for a year (from spring 1886 to spring 1887).
While digging ditches, he made contact with the owners of the Western Union Telegraph Company, who helped him establish the Tesla Electric Light Company.
The period of his first compositional successes coincided with the period of his first love affair with Konstancja Gładkowska, the singer he called the ideal.