Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

HENSELT i6i
whom I engaged to carry my box and several large
parcels to the hotel, which was at least half a mile
distant—only asked sixpence for his pains, and seemed
much obHged when I handed him twopence extra.
His Excellency had kindly secured a piano for me,
which was sent in early the following morning. But
eager though I was to begin work, I did not touch the
keys that morning, for I was to hear Henselt giving
a lesson at twelve, and I could do nothing but wander
in the fields round the house, wishing it were time for
my friend to arrive— -for I was to go there under her
auspices. How I fumed when, instead of fetching me
at a quarter before twelve, as she had promised, she
never came untU the clocks of the various village
churches were striking noon !
When we reached the villa we could hear the
piano; the lesson had therefore begun, and I half
feared we should have to content ourselves with what
we could hear from the adjoining room, into which
the servant had ushered us. Frau von Henselt,
however, pushed aside the heavy curtains which were
drawn between the two rooms, and, with finger put
to her lips, signed to us to come in. We accordingly
stole in very noiselessly, and took seats a little behind
the chair where the Meister was sitting with his
pupil. My friend told me that the young lady played
extremely well, and yet that she had no special talent
for music. It had fallen to her lot to enjoy the
enviable privilege of being Henselt' s pupil during
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