found us on entering.  We rose, but he desired us to continue the lesson.  When she had finished playing, the governess addressed him, saying that I had written a beautiful Rondo.  I played it, and it pleased him exceedingly.  At last he said, “Do you think that she will be able to learn it?” “Oh! yes,” said I; “I only wish I had the good fortune to teach it to her myself.”  He smiled, and said, “I should also like it; but would it not be prejudicial to her to have two masters?” “Oh, no! your Highness,” said I; “it all depends on whether she has a good or a bad one.  I hope your Highness will place trust and confidence in me.”  “Oh, assuredly,” said he.  The governess then said, “M.  Mozart has also written these variations on the Fischer minuet for the young Count.”  I played them, and he seemed to like them much.  He now began to jest with the Countess.  I thanked him for his present of a watch.  He said, “I must reflect on your wish; how long do you intend to remain here?” My answer was, “As long as your Highness commands me to do so;” and then the interview was at an end.  I went there again this morning, and was told that the Elector had repeated yesterday, “Mozart stays here this winter.”  Now I am fairly in for it; so you see I must wait.

I dined to-day (for the fourth time) with Wendling.  Before dinner, Count Savioli came in with Capellmeister Schweitzer, who arrived yesterday evening.  Savioli said to me, “I spoke again yesterday to the Elector, but he has not yet made up his mind.”  I answered, “I wish to say a few words to you privately;” so we went to the window.  I told him the doubt the Elector had expressed, and complained of the affair dragging on so long, and said how much I had already spent here, entreating him to persuade the Elector to engage me permanently; for I fear that he will give me so little during the winter that it will be impossible for me to remain.  “Let him give me work; for I like work.”  He said he would certainly suggest it to him, but this evening it was out of the question, as he was not to go to court; to-morrow, however, he promised me a decided answer.  Now, let what will happen.  If he does not engage me, I shall, at all events, apply for a sum of money for my travelling expenses, as I have no intention to make him a present of the Rondo and the variations.  I assure you I am very easy on the subject, because I feel quite certain that, come what may, all will go right.  I am entirely submissive to the will of God.

Your letter of the 27th arrived yesterday, and I hope you received the allegro and andante of the sonata.  I now enclose the Rondo.  Schweitzer is a good, worthy, upright man, dry and candid like our Haydn; only his mode of speaking is more polished.  There are some very beautiful things in his new opera, and I don’t doubt that it will prove a great success.  “Alceste” is much liked, and yet it is not half so fine as “Rosamunde.”  Being the first German operetta no doubt contributed very much to its popularity; but now—­N.  B., on minds chiefly attracted by novelty—­it scarcely makes the same impression.  Herr Wieland, whose poetry it is, is also to come here this winter.  That is a man I should indeed like to see.  Who knows?  Perhaps I may.  When you read this, dear papa, please God, all will be settled.