Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

HENSELT 20S
for taking a sleigh on my way home from Mademoi-
selle Heinrichsen instead of making use of the tram-
cars ! I told him I could not, like the natives of the
country, get in while the car was in motion—that I
had never been accustomed to such feats. ' Non-
sense !' was the reply: 'I am seventy years of age,
and the trams have only been running for about ten
years. I was sixty when I first made use of them.
You who are so much younger—why should you say
you can't do such a thing ?' Thus encouraged, I felt
bound to try, and in about a month's time I thought
nothing of overtaking and getting into a tram-car,
even when it was in rapid motion. To get out of it
was not so easy, but after awhile I was able to
accomplish this likewise.
After chatting for a few minutes longer, Henselt
rose and took leave of my host and hostess. I
thought he was going away, and would have accom-
panied him to the door. When we had reached the
hall, however, he turned round and said he should
like to see my rooms and piano. Almost his first
words when we were alone were, ' Scharwencka is in
St. Petersburg, and there is some talk of his getting
an appointment in the Conservatorium, and so
remaining here permanently. Perhaps you might
wish to study with him again, and if you have such a
wish, I shan't take it one bit amiss. He has paid
me a visit, and has impressed me with the conviction
that he is a very able, very gifted man.'