uneasiness on that score, as his nephew was an exceptionally fine
singer. They were not a little surprised over this new accomplishment
of the young man, and requested him to sing something, that they might
judge of his acquirements. He sang for them, and, barring a few
outlandish affectations which were supposed to be the English style, he
sang like an angel. The duet was therefore decided on and hurriedly
practiced, and the evening finally came on which the ears of the
Gruenwiesel people were to be refreshed with a concert.

The old gentleman, sad to say, was sick and could not attend the
concert; but he gave the mayor, who called on him just before the hour
of opening the concert, some directions regarding his nephew. "He is a
good soul, my nephew," said he, "but now and then he is overtaken by
all sorts of singular fancies, and does many stupid things; it is,
therefore, a great misfortune that I can not be present at your
concert, as in my presence he always behaves himself--he well knows
why! I must say, in his favor, that he does not commit these actions in
a spirit of wantonness, but they are a fault of his constitution,
deeply implanted in his nature. If then, Mr. Mayor, he should sit down
on the music-desk, or attempt to play the bass-viol, just loosen his
neck-tie a little; or, if that does not help matters, pull it off
entirely, and you will see how quiet and well-behaved he will become."
The mayor thanked the sick man for his confidence, and promised that if
it should be necessary he would carry out his instructions.

The concert-hall was crowded; all Gruenwiesel and the surrounding
country were there. All the royal gamekeepers, the ministers,
officials, landlords, and others, within a circumference of ten miles,
came with their numerous families to share the rare enjoyment of the
concert with the Gruenwiesel people. The town musicians did themselves
honor. After them, the mayor appeared with his violoncello, accompanied
by the apothecary with his flute; after these, the organist sang, amid
universal applause; and the doctor, too, was cheered not a little when
he appeared with his bassoon.

The first part of the concert was over, and every one was impatiently
awaiting the second part, in which the young stranger was to sing a
duet with the mayor's daughter. The nephew was present, in a brilliant
costume, and had already attracted the attention of all present. He
had, with the greatest composure, laid hims