Lena wiped her eyes, and said—“Nay, Mozart, you should not talk so, as if you had but few friends.”
Here Friedrich joined them.
“Here comes another,” said the master, smiling, “one who understands me also. May you ever have the consolation of real friends, my good lad, and keep your spirit free and uncontaminated! Aim at that above all things, and do not forget me, Friedrich, when I am—gone!”
“Never, never!” cried the youth, clasping the master’s hand and pressing it to his heart. They then bade the ladies good morning, and went out for a walk.
Lena forgave her friend from her heart, and resolved to spare him the lesson she had intended to inflict on him.
“I leave it all to you. Do what I told you and be silent,” said Mozart, in the street, to the lad Friedrich, giving him at the same time a well-filled purse.
Friedrich took the purse, promised secrecy, and hastened to the dwelling of the unhappy Mara. Mozart went on to pay a visit at the house of his friend, Freigang.
“My father is asleep yet,” said Cecilia, as she came into the parlor to meet him. “If you will wait a few moments, I will awaken him.”
“By no means!” said Mozart, detaining her; “Let your father sleep on. I will pay my visit to you, with your permission. I wish to thank you for your admirable singing last evening. Indeed, Cecilia, I was delighted with the simplicity and taste of your performance. I detest the airs and graces so many young women of the present day introduce into their songs. I have been so disgusted in Vienna, that I would not hear the singers again in my pieces.”
“How were you amused, last night, after the concert?” asked the young lady.