Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

42
MY MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
mother knew quite well that I was longing to study
with Tausig, but she did not suppose he took pupils,
nor had she any idea of either staying with me in
Germany herself, or leaving me in that country
without her. She, however, observed to him in the
course of conversation that she presumed he did not
give lessons. ' I do not care to take private pupils,'
was the reply. ' My
terms, besides, are so high that
few care to give them. But, madame, when you and
your daughter visit me next week, I will hear her
play ; and if the young lady is as musical as her
appearance suggests to me, it is not impossible that
I might consent to take her as a pupil.' My mother
had not intended her question to be answered so
directly, and was not only a little embarrassed how
to respond to Tausig's courteous speech, but a little
disturbed by my half-confessed wish being thus met
by him half-way. We returned home, and for the
next two or three days I indulged in many a delightful
dream as to what Tausig would do for me. And then
I thought of Sterndale Bennett. I wanted to be loyal to
him, but the charm of the fiery and glowing playing
I had heard that evening thrilled and dominated me.
It was on a Friday we had seen Tausig, and when
Ave had told him that we could not accept his invita-
tion for Sunday, he had named the following Friday
(that day week) as being the earliest day at his
disposal. Saturday, Sunday passed, and Monday's
post brought letters from our own country, which