When the master sent word that he wasn't coming--this happened often--I used to go to the library, and there, as a matter of fact, I completed my education.

The amount of music, ancient and modern, I devoured is beyond belief.
But it wasn't enough just to read music--I needed to hear it.

Of course there was the Societe des Concerts, but it was a Paradise, guarded by an angel with a flaming sword, in the form of a porter named Lescot.

It was his duty to prevent the profane defiling the sanctuary.

Lescot was fond of me and appreciated my keen desire to hear the orchestra.