"Yes."
"Ah, then, we will first have a song."
"No, no, Mr. Herman, I was foolishly nervous about playing, and now I feel hardly able to speak much less to sing."
"Well then, you must come and have a glass of wine to restore you."
During the progress of the luncheon, Kate learned many particulars, as to the usual rates of remuneration, &c.; and was surprised to find it so low.
"As a beginner you can hardly hope to get much," said Hermann, who was devouring veal pie and pickled cabbage, with great appetite; "but I hope to be of use to you here too; I will try to get you the best terms I can, and you will agree to whatever I arrange?"
"Of course; you are most kind, my dear sir; but how soon do you think you will be able to get me some pupils?"
"We shall see—we shall see—you must not be in a hurry; and Gertrude, give me that portfolio. Here," said he, "here is a simple air, harmonise it in four parts, at your leisure, and enclose it to me, that will show me what you know of theory; if you would consent to play and sing at private concerts, you might make a very good thing of it; and with your figure and face, I—"
"Hush, hush," cried Kate, with an involuntary action, and holding up her hand, as if to repel by physical force, the idea suggested by Herman, "it is useless to mention such a plan."