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
to the foolish titles he gave them, in spite of my directions.
Were I to listen to the voice of my soul, I would not send him
anything more after these titles. Say as many sharp things to
him as you ca