Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

258 MY MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
' Highly honoured Hbee Hensblt,
'St. Petersburg, 11th May, 1888.
' However flattering it may be for me, and an
honour for the Conservatorium, that you are inclined
to take an active part in this institute during the
ensuing year, yet I see it to be my duty to commu-
nicate to you two points which must unluckily cause
me to doubt whether you will be disposed to accept
these.
' 1. There is so large a deficit in the budget of the
Conservatorium that reductions in every department
are inevitable, and I therefore, alas ! cannot offer
you more than a hundred roubles for the yearly
lessons of the next academy term.
' 2. The personal presence of the professors at the
committees, musical evenings for the students, and
examinations are indispensable—a condition which
you told me you could not possibly agree to ; if, how-
ever, these two points do not deter you, and you
would not be indisposed to agree to them, I would
here express to you my cordial thanks, and would
await you with open arms in the Conservatorium on
the 15th of September; that is, at the time you
yourself mentioned to me. You would then, as a
matter of course, have to name an assistant-teacher
(lady or gentleman) who would accept without demur
the usual fee, and would enter on his or her duties at
the same time as yourself.