My tremolo, moreover, remained celebrated at Tribschen—and even at Wahnfried—for I have lived upon my reputation, and, despite all solicitations, I have never risked attempting it again.
Wagner made me a present of that copy of the Cavalry March which I had so anxiously deciphered, and he wrote above the first line:
"À Cheval! À Quatre Mains."
XVIII
"I wish to say to you," announced the Master, one day as we arrived, "that you are invited by me to make an excursion into a very interesting corner of Switzerland—the country of William Tell. The trip is all planned, and everything is arranged."
Again we were rather embarrassed, and endeavoured to protest. But Madam Cosima made signs to me, and, coming nearer, said in a low voice:
"Do not refuse: he would be angry. And let him manage it all; let him take the lead, if you do not wish to grieve him."
"The weather is beautiful," continued Wagner. "We ought not to wait. If it is convenient to you, let us start to-morrow."
"Joyfully, Master."