Wagner said something to the coachman--I think it was about
me. I wanted to follow him into the theatre, but they would not let
me pass.
"I often used to wait for him at the Hotel Imperial; and on this
occasion I made the acquaintance of the manager of the hotel, who
promised that he would interest himself on my behalf. Who was more
delighted than I when he told me that on the following Saturday
afternoon, 11 December, I was to come and find him, so that he
could introduce me to Mme. Cosima's maid and Richard Wagner's
valet! I arrived at the appointed hour. The visit to the lady's
maid was very short. I was advised to come the following day,
Sunday, 12 December, at two o'clock. I arrived at the right hour,
but found the maid and the valet and the manager still at table....
Then I went with the maid to the master's rooms, where I waited for
about a quarter of an hour until he came. At last Wagner appeared
in company with Cosima and Goldmark. I bowed to Cosima very
respectfully, but she evidently did not think it worth while to
honour me with a single glance.
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