not complain of my terms, for they are very easy.  I want nothing but to come out of this affair respectably.  You know that I do not sell myself.  But tell him further that if I were desirous of taking advantage of him or of cheating him, I could write fifteen things per year, but worthless ones, which he would buy at 300 francs and I would have a better income.  Would it be an honest action?

My dear friend, tell him that I write seldom, and spend but little.  He must not think that I wish to raise the price.  But when you yourself see my manuscript flies, [footnote:  An allusion to his small, fine writing.] you will agree with me that I may ask 600 francs when I was paid 300 francs for the Tarantella and 500 for the Bolero.

For God’s sake take good care of the manuscripts, do not squeeze, dirty, or tear them.  I know you are not capable of doing anything of the sort, but I love my written tediousness [NUDY, tediousness; NUTY, notes] so much that I always fear that something might happen to them.

To-morrow you will receive the Nocturne, and at the end of the week the Ballade and Fantasia; I cannot get my writing done sooner.  Each of these things you will transcribe; your copies will remain in Paris.  If copying wearies you, console yourself with thinking that you are doing it for the remission of your Sins.  I should not like to give my little spider-feet to any copyist who would daub coarsely.  Once more I make this request, for had I again to write these eighteen pages, I should most certainly go wrong in my mind.

I send you a letter from Hartel.

Try to get another valet instead of the one you have.  I shall
probably be in Paris during the first days of November.  To-
morrow I will write to you again.

Monday
morning.

On reading your letter attentively, I see that Masset does not ask for Paris.  Leave this point untouched if you can.  Mention only 3,000 francs pour les deux pays, and 2,000 francs for Paris itself if he particularly asks about it.  Because la condition des deux pays is still easier, and for me also more convenient.  If he should not want it, it must be because he seeks an opportunity for breaking with me.  In that case, wait for his answer from London.  Write to him openly and frankly, but always politely, and act cautiously and coolly, but mind, not to me, for you know how much loves you your...

  [9.] Nohant [1841].

My dear friend,—­You would be sure to receive my letters and compositions.  You have read the German letters, sealed them, and done everything I asked you, have you not?  As to Wessel, he is a fool and a cheat.  Write him whatever you like, but tell him that I do not intend to give up my rights to the Tarantella, as he did not send it back in time.  If he sustained losses by my compositions, it is most likely owing