Mrs.Benson leaned forward and raised her eyebrows at Miss Clara, who took a quick survey of the room and nodded in return.
Herr Schlitz seated himself on the piano chair, pushed it a little back, drew it a little forward to the original place, looked under the piano at the pedals, took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and hands, and after arpeggioing up and down the key-board, swung into a waltz of Chopin's (Opus 34, Number 1), a favorite of our friend's, and which he would have thoroughly enjoyed--for it was splendidly played--if he had not been uneasily apprehensive that he might be asked to sing after it.
And while on some accounts he would have been glad of the opportunity to "have it over," he felt a cowardly sense of relief when the violinist came forward for the next number.

There had been enthusiastic applause at the north end of the room, and more or less clapping of hands at the south end, but not enough to impel the pianist to supplement his performance at the time.

The violin number was so well received that Mr.
Fairman added a little minuet of Boccherini's without accompaniment, and then John felt that his time had surely come.

But he had to sit, drawing long breaths, through a Liszt fantasie on themes from Faust before his suspense was ended by Miss Clara, who was apparently mistress of ceremonies and who said to him, "Will you sing now, Mr.Lenox ?" He rose and went to the end of the room where the pianist was sitting.
"I have been asked to sing," he said to that gentleman.

"Can I induce you to be so kind as to play for me ?" "I am sure he will," said Mrs.Benson, looking at Herr Schlitz.
"Oh, yes, I blay for you if you vant," he said.