Dominie (to Mr. Forte, after the conclusion of the piece). Would it not have been easier and more to the purpose, if you had used both hands?
Mr. Forte. We must forgive old people such pedantic observations. You entirely mistake my stand-point. Do you not see that I am standing with one foot in the future? Are you not aware that the public wish not only to listen, but to see something strange? Do you not perceive also that my appearance of ill-health produces a great musical effect?
Mr. Pious. Do you not feel the special charm and the fine effect which is produced by the left hand playing alone, and no less by the right hand extended?
Dominie. Is it so? Well, probably feeling has taken a false direction with me. I shall be obliged to accustom myself to such Parisian flights of sentiment.
(Emma played Chopin's Ballad in A flat major, after Dominie had previously announced it. The company were attentive.)
Mr. Forte (at the conclusion). Bravo! A very good beginning, Mr. Dominie. I am sorry that I am obliged to take leave now: I am obliged to go to two more soirées this evening, and have many letters of introduction to deliver.
Mr. Silver. Miss Emma, I have just heard that you play finely a great deal of Chopin's music. Let us hear his two latest nocturnes.
Mrs. Gold (to Emma). Have you heard the famous Camilla Pleyel play Kalkbrenner's charming D minor concerto? Do you not also play such brilliant music? for example, Döhler's beautiful, pathetic Notturno in D flat. Mr. X. lately played that to us enchantingly.
Emma. I know it. I am teaching it to my little sister, Cecilia.
Dominie. Will you allow her now to play Chopin's two nocturnes, Opus 48?