A professorship of Harmony was vacant at the Conservatoire, for which I applied. Cherubini sent for me, and, in his most honeyed voice, said:
“Is it zat you present yourself for ze ’armonee?”
“Yes, monsieur.”
“Zen you vill get it. You ’ave a reputation, influence——”
“Since I asked for it because I want it, I am glad, monsieur.”
“Yes, but zat is vhere I am bothair; I vill zat anozzer get it.”
“Then, monsieur, I withdraw.”
“No, no! I vill not ’ave zat, because you see zey will say I am ze cause zat you vizdraw.”
“Then I won’t withdraw.”
“But—but—zen you vill get ze place—and I did not vish it for you.”