"Try the second finger once or twice, this way;" and he played a few notes. "Discouraged? no; I am willing to keep at it for an indefinite period."
"Yes, I see that it is better. You must succeed. I was three months at it before I discovered any thing."
"That passage is _allegro_, and you played it _andante_. I wish you would give me a faint hint as to the way in which you deciphered it."
"I did not notice the directions," responded Miss Krieff, playing the passage over again.
"Will that do? No, I will give no hint. You would only imitate me then, and I wish you to find out for yourself on your own principle."
"Yes, that is much better. But I have no principle to start on, and have not yet found out even how to begin."
"I must pay more attention to 'expression,' I see. You say my 'time' is correct enough. If you are not discouraged, you will find it out yet."
"Your 'time' is perfect. If it is possible, I will find it out. I am not discouraged."
"Well, I will hope for something better the next time, and now don't speak about it any more. The 'brat' is listening."
"_Allegro_, _allegro_; remember, Miss Krieff. You always confound _andante_ with _allegro_."