Another day at home. I am really getting fed up of not being at school, because I know that the whole time my class is proceeding and leaving me behind. Went on messages to Fr. McCarthy and Mr. Sherman to take over choir to-night, as Páp was sick. Neither could, so to my horror it was decided that Mr. Fielding should conduct, and I should accompany some choruses! – Got wonderful stamps from Julia, especially Turkish and some valuable Dutch and Belgian. I am ashamed of her kindness for I give her nothing. – Practised hard and went to School of Music at 8. Mr. Fielding never turned up, though the attendance was good, when to my despair I found there was no key for the music books. We eventually burst the lock, gave out Lully’s dance chorus, and I began! You may bet I was nervous. I took the different parts through their lines several times, while Mr. Mahony, whom I didn’t want at all, gave the beat and conducted. Finished the whole chorus, but it took ¾ hour, and by then they had it off by heart. Fled home and recounted my first conductorship of a choir. Poor Mám never makes a ½ penny, generally loses. But we must be really thankful that everything was successful.
