So the church music at aristocratic weddings was entrusted to her, and she did not refuse to sing at noble houses, but never appeared for pay.

I know that, for she would not allow any one else to play her accompaniments.
She liked my music, and so through her I went into many aristocratic houses." "Was she rich ?" "No, Fraulein.

She had beautiful dresses and brilliant jewels, but was compelled to economize.

Remittances of money came to her at times from Florence, but the gold pieces slipped quickly through her fingers, for though she lived plainly and eat scarcely enough for a bird, while her delicate strength required stronger food, she was lavish to imprudence if she saw poor artists in want, and she knew most of them, for she did not shrink from sitting with them over their wine in my company." "With artists and musicians ?" "Mere artists of noble sentiments.

At times she surpassed them all in her overflowing mirth." "At times ?" "Yes, only at times, for she had also sorrowful, pitiably sorrowful hours and days, but as sunshine and shower alternate in an April day, despair and extravagant gayety ruled her nature by turns." "A strange character.