The music-sellers, on whom the sale depends, have not taken a tenth part of the number of copies for which we expected them to subscribe.

Has some extraordinary change come over the public taste?
My composition has been carefully based on fashionable principles--that is to say, on the principles of the modern German school.

As little tune as possible; and that little strictly confined to the accompaniment.

And what is the result?
Loss confronts me, instead of profit--my agreement makes me liable for half the expenses of publication.

And, what is far more serious in my estimation, your honoured name is associated with a failure! Don't notice me--the artist nature--I shall be better in a minute." He took out a profusely-scented handkerchief, and buried his face in it with a groan.
Mrs.Gallilee's hard common sense understood the heart-broken composer to perfection.
"Stupid of me not to have offered him money yesterday," she thought: "this waste of time need never have happened." She set her mistake right with admirable brevity and directness.