"It is you who play Schumann so beautifully," she said. "My husband and I heard you at one of Lamoureux's concerts in Paris. I fear," and she looked wistfully at him, "that you would think it very rude and selfish of me if I asked you to play just one little piece? Because, of course, you are here to enjoy yourself, and talk to your friends, and it seems unkind to take you away from them!"
A strange moisture dimmed the poor German's eyes. This was the first time in England that the "celebrate" had been treated as a friend and a gentleman. Up to this moment, at all the "at homes" and "assemblies," he had not been considered as a guest at all,--he was an "artist," "a good pianist,"--"a man who had played before the Emperor of Germany"--and he was expected to perform for nothing, and be grateful for the "influence" exercised on his behalf--influence which as yet had not put one single extra guinea in his pocket. Now, here was a great lady almost apologizing for asking him to play, lest it should take him away from his "friends"! His heart swelled with emotion and gratitude--the poor fellow had no "friends" in London, except Beau Lovelace, who was kind to him, but who had no power in the musical world,--and, as Thelma's gentle voice addressed him, he could have knelt and kissed her little shoe for her sweet courtesy and kindness.
"Miladi," he said, with a profound reverence, "I will blay for you with bleasure,--it will be a joy for ze music to make itself beautiful for you!"
And with this fantastic attempt at a compliment, he seated himself at the instrument and struck a crashing chord to command silence.
The hum of conversation grew louder than ever--and to Thelma's surprise Lady Winsleigh seated herself by her and began to converse. Herr Machtenklinken struck another chord,--in vain! The deafening clamor of tongues continued, and Lady Winsleigh asked Thelma with much seeming interest if the scenery was very romantic in Norway?
The girl colored deeply, and after a little hesitation, said-"Excuse me,--I would rather not speak till the music is over. It is impossible for a great musician to think his thoughts out properly unless there is silence. Would it not be better to ask every one to leave off talking while this gentleman plays?"
Clara Winsleigh looked amused. "My dear, you don't know them," she said carelessly. "They would think me mad to propose such a thing! There are always a few who listen."