It may be so; and, at any rate, he probably wished to act the King in such matters, and not grudge a little money.

He really loved music, even opera music, and knew that his people loved it; to the rough natural man, all rhythm, even of a Barberina's feet, may be didactic, beneficial: do not higgle, let us do what is to be done in a liberal style.

His agent at Venice--for he has agents everywhere on the outlook for him--reports that here is a Female Dancer of the first quality, who has shone in London, Paris and the Capital Cities, and might answer well, but whose terms will probably be dear.

"Engage her," answers Friedrich.

And she is engaged on pretty terms; she will be free in a month or two, and then start.