Dorothy stopped short. A lump came into her throat and she was unable to continue.
“Dat iss just vhat I mean,” he smiled, reading her thoughts. “You are to play at de concert, vhere you are expected to do both yourself und your moosic teacher proud.”
“Oh, Herr, I hadn’t imagined such an honor would be conferred upon me this year. Why, surely there are other pupils who have more talent and can make a better showing for you than I?”
“My dear young lady, it iss I who shall be de best judge of dat.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean—”
“Never before have I had a young lady refuse an invitation to play at my concert.”
“Why, Herr, I haven’t refused. You don’t understand me. I—I—”
“Yes, yes. I understand you perfectly—I have surprised you and you have not yet found time to catch your breath. Iss dat not so?”
“Yes, but—”