But the expenses of starting the Entertainment are
beyond the reach of any means we possess. A theatrical friend of
mine here, whom I had hoped to interest in our undertaking, proves,
unhappily, to be at a crisis in his career. The field of human sympathy,
out of which I might have raised the needful pecuniary crop, is closed
to me from want of time to cultivate it. I see no other resource
left--if we are to be ready by Christmas--than to try one of the local
music-sellers in this town, who is said to be a speculating man. A
private rehearsal at these lodgings, and a bargain which will fill
the pockets of a grasping stranger--such are the sacrifices which
dire necessity imposes on me at starting. Well! there is only one
consolation: I'll cheat the music-seller.
III.
_Chronicle for December. First Fortnight._
The music-seller extorts my unwilling respect. He is one of the very few
human beings I have met with in the course of my life who is not to be
cheated. He has taken a masterly advantage of our helplessness; and has
imposed terms on us, for performances at Derby and Nottingham, with such
a business-like disregard of all interests but his own that--fond as I
am of putting things down in black and white--I really cannot prevail
upon myself to record the bargain.
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