[Translation.]

CHRISTIANA, _Nov. 30, 1891_.

My wife's and my own heartiest thanks for your kind telegram. I
received it eight days too late by a perfectly incomprehensible
and unfortunate mistake, but the joy over your greeting was none
the less therefor. We remember so often and so willingly the
beautiful time in Rome where you showed us so much kindness. We
hope and wish to have a glimpse of you at not a too distant day,
perhaps in Stockholm. With best greetings to your husband from us
both.

Your devoted

EDWARD GRIEG.]

Grieg played some of his latest compositions, which were perfectly
exquisite, and played them as only he can. He was full of fun, and
told us of an American songstress who had been one of those who
had "got in." She insisted on singing for him "_Jeg elsker dig_"
and made a cadenza of her own at the end. He said Mrs. Grieg
almost fainted, and that his own hair had not finished standing on
end ever since. He played this awful cadenza for us, and I must
say it was ridiculous. Mrs. Grieg sings delightfully--_nothing but
Grieg, of course_. She has not a strong voice, but sings with
exquisite pathos and charm.

Grieg loves to talk of his rude behavior and dwell with pleasure
on his brusque speeches. He said a young American lady asked him
to teach her one of his songs, and after she had sung it he turned
round on the piano-stool and said:

"Are you singing for your living?"

"No," she answered, "I sing for my pleasure."

"Don't you think that dancing would be pleasanter?" he asked.

It was evident that they saw us go with regret; we certainly left
them with regret. They looked, as they stood there together waving
farewell, like two little gray elves; she with her short gray
dress and short gray hair; and he with his long gray coat and long
gray hair--a Grieg study in gray.

STOCKHOLM, _September, 1894_.

Dear L.,--Just as I was going to get a little rest, who should
come to Stockholm but the Prince of Naples? I begged him to give
us one evening before he left, which he promised to do. He seemed
as glad to see us as we were to see him.

"What would your Highness like best," I asked him, "an official
dinner followed by a reception, or a little dinner with a dance?"

"Oh, madame, the little dinner and a little dance, by all means."

So a little dinner it was. He does not care for dancing, but he
knew the lancers and quadrilles, and we dan