CHAPTER II.
AN EVENING ENTERTAINMENT AT HERR ZACH'S.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
Herr Zach, formerly a flute-player, not very wealthy.
His Wife, of the family of Tz. (rather sharp-tempered).
Stock, her son, 17 years old (is studying the piano thoroughly).
Mr. Buffalo, music-master of the family.
Dominie, piano-teacher (rather gruff).
Cecilia, his daughter, 13 years old (shy).
Zach (to Dominie). I regret that I was unable to attend the concert yesterday. I was formerly musical myself and played on the flute. Your daughter, I believe, plays pretty well.
Dominie. Well, yes! perhaps something more than pretty well. We are in earnest about music.
Madame, of the Tz. family (envious because Cecilia received applause for her public performance yesterday, and because Mr. Buffalo had been unable to bring out Stock,—all in one breath). When did your daughter begin to play? Just how old is she now? Does she like playing? They say you are very strict, and tie your daughters to the piano-stool. How many hours a day do you make her practise? Don't you make her exert herself too much? Has she talent? Isn't she sickly?
Dominie. Don't you think she looks in good health, madam,—tall and strong for her years?
Madame, of the Tz. family. But perhaps she might look more cheerful, if she was not obliged to play on the piano so much.