out of which I might have raised the needful pecuniary crop, is closed to me from want of time to cultivate it.  I see no other resource left—­if we are to be ready by Christmas—­than to try one of the local music-sellers in this town, who is said to be a speculating man.  A private rehearsal at these lodgings, and a bargain which will fill the pockets of a grasping stranger—­such are the sacrifices which dire necessity imposes on me at starting.  Well! there is only one consolation:  I’ll cheat the music-seller.

III.

Chronicle for December.  First Fortnight.

The music-seller extorts my unwilling respect.  He is one of the very few human beings I have met with in the course of my life who is not to be cheated.  He has taken a masterly advantage of our helplessness; and has imposed terms on us, for performances at Derby and Nottingham, with such a business-like disregard of all interests but his own that—­fond as I am of putting things down in black and white—­I really cannot prevail upon myself to record the bargain.  It is needless to say, I have yielded with my best grace; sharing with my fair relative the wretched pecuniary prospects offered to us.  Our turn will come.  In the meantime, I cordially regret not having known the local music-seller in early life.

Personally speaking, I have no cause to complain of Miss Vanstone.  We have arranged that she shall regularly forward her address (at the post-office) to her friends, as we move about from place to place.  Besides communicating in this way with her sister, she also reports herself to a certain Mr. Clare, residing in Somersetshire, who is to forward all letters exchanged between herself and his son.  Careful inquiry has informed me that this latter individual is now in China.  Having suspected from the first that there was a gentleman in the background, it is highly satisfactory to know that he recedes into the remote perspective of Asia.  Long may he remain there!

The trifling responsibility of finding a name for our talented Magdalen to perform under has been cast on my shoulders.  She feels no interest whatever in this part of the subject.  “Give me any name you like,” she said; “I have as much right to one as to another.  Make it yourself.”  I have readily consented to gratify her wishes.  The resources of my commercial library include a list of useful names to assume; and we can choose one at five minutes’ notice, when the admirable man of business who now oppresses us is ready to issue his advertisements.  On this point my mind is easy enough:  all my anxieties center in the fair performer.  I have not the least doubt she will do wonders if she is only left to herself on the first night.  But if the day’s post is mischievous enough to upset her by a letter from her sister, I tremble for the consequences.

IV.