truth, when I left him I felt rather indignant, so I resolved to take with me the easiest of my six variations of the Fischer minuet, (which I wrote here for this express purpose,) to present to the young Count, in order to have an opportunity to speak to the Elector myself.  When I went there, you cannot conceive the delight of the governess, by whom I was most politely received.  When I produced the variations, and said that they were intended for the young Count, she said, “Oh! that is charming, but I hope you have something for the Countess also.”  “Nothing as yet,” said I, “but if I stay here long enough to have time to write something I will do so.”  “A propos,” said she, “I am so glad that you stay the winter here.”  “I?  I have not heard a word of it.”  “That does surprise me; how very odd! for the Elector told me so himself lately; he said, ’By the by, Mozart remains here all winter.’” “Well, when he said so, he was the only man who could say so, for without the Elector I of course cannot remain here;” and then I told her the whole story.  We agreed that I should come the next day (that is, to-day) at four o’clock, and bring some piece of music for the Countess.  She was to speak to the Elector before I came; and I should be certain to meet him.  I went today, but he had not been there at all; but I shall go again to-morrow.  I have written a Rondo for the Countess.  Have I not then sufficient cause to stay here and await the result?  As this important step is finally taken, ought I at this moment to set off?  I have now an opportunity of speaking to the Elector myself.  I shall most probably spend the winter here, for I am a favorite with his Royal Highness, who thinks highly of me, and knows what I can do.  I hope to be able to give you good news in my next letter.  I entreat you once more neither to rejoice nor to be uneasy too soon, and not to confide the affair to any one except Herr Bullinger and my sister.  I send my sister the allegro and the andante of the sonata I wrote for Madlle.  Cannabich.  The Rondo will follow shortly; the packet would have been too heavy had I sent it with the others.  You must be satisfied with the original, for you can more easily get it copied for six kreutzers a sheet than I for twenty-four.  Is not that dear?  Adieu!  Possibly you have heard some stray bits of this sonata; for at Cannabich’s it is sung three times a day at least, played on the piano and violin, or whistled—­only sotto voce, to be sure.

81.

Mannheim, Dec. 3, 1777.

I can still write nothing certain about my fate here.  Last Monday, after going three days in succession to my arch pupils, morning and afternoon, I had the good fortune at last to meet the Elector.  We all, indeed, thought that I had again come in vain, as it was so late in the day, but at length we saw him coming.  The governess made the Countess seat herself at the piano, and I placed myself beside her to give her a lesson, and it was thus the Elector