My very dear friend,—­I arrived here yesterday, Thursday.  For Schlesinger [footnote:  The Paris music-publisher.] I have composed a Prelude in C sharp minor [Op. 45], which is short, as he wished it.  Seeing that, like Mechetti’s [footnote:  The Vienna music-publisher.] Beethoven, this has to come out at the New Year, do not yet give my Polonaise to Leo (although you have already transcribed it), for to-morrow I shall send you a letter for Mechetti, in which I shall explain to him that, if he wishes something short, I will give him for the Album instead of the mazurka (which is already old) the new prelude.  It is well modulated, and I can send it without hesitation.  He ought to give me 300 francs for it, n’est-ce pas?  Par-dessus le marche he may get the mazurka, only he must not print it in the Album.

Should Troupenas, [footnote:  Eugene Troupenas, the Paris music- publisher.] that is, Masset, [footnote:  Masset (his daughter, Madame Colombier, informed me) was the partner of Troupenas, and managed almost the whole business, Troupenas being in weak health, which obliged him to pass the last ten winters of his life at Hyeres.] make any difficulties, do not give him the pieces a farthing cheaper, and tell him that if he does not wish to print them all—­which I should not like—­I could sell them at a better price to others.

  Now of something else.

You will find in the right-hand drawer of my writing-desk (in the place where the cash-box always is) a sealed parcel addressed to Madame Sand.  Wrap this parcel in wax-cloth, seal it, and send it by post to Madame Sand’s address.  Sew on the address with a strong thread, that it may not come off the wax- cloth.  It is Madame Sand who asks me to do this.  I know you will do it perfectly well.  The key, I think, is on the top shelf of the little cabinet with the mirror.  If it should not be there, get a locksmith to open the drawer.

  I love you as an old friend.  Embrace Johnnie.—­Your

      Frederick.

  [2.] Nohant [1841].

Thanks for forwarding the parcel.  I send you the Prelude, in large characters for Schlesinger and in small characters for Mechetti.  Clip the Ms. of the Polonaise to the same size, number the pages, and fold it like the Prelude, add to the whole my letter to Mechetti, and deliver it into Leo’s own hands, praying him to send it by the first mail, as Mechetti is waiting for it.

The letter to Haslinger [footnote:  The Vienna music- publisher.] post yourself; and if you do not find Schlesinger at home leave the letter, but do not give him the Ms. until he tells you that he accepts the Prelude as a settlement of the account.  If he does not wish to acquire the right of publication for London, tell him to inform me of it by letter.  Do not forget to add the opus on the Polonaise and the following