Look here, I have undertaken to find a
singer by to-morrow night; and what chance is there of my getting even a
third-rate one? Why, the very hour I have spent so agreeably, talking to
you, has diminished my chance."
"Oh!" said Ina, "this is _driving_ me into your net."
"I own it," said Joseph, cheerfully; "I'm quite unscrupulous, because I
know you will thank me afterward."
"The very idea of going back to the stage makes me tremble," said Ina.
"Of course it does; and those who tremble succeed. In a long experience I
never knew an instance to the contrary. It is the conceited fools, who
feel safe, that are in danger."
"What is the part?"
"One you know--Siebel in 'Faust,' with two new songs."
"Excuse me, I do not know it."
"Why, everybody knows it."
"You mean everybody has heard it sung. I know neither the music nor the
words, and I cannot sing incorrectly even for you."
"Oh, you can master the airs in a day, and the cackle in half an hour."
"I am not so expeditious. If you are serious, get me the book--oh! he
calls the poet's words the cackle--and the music of the part directly,
and borrow me the score."
"Borrow you the score! Ah! that shows the school you were bred in.
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