Tchaikovsky selected Clarens as his first resting-place, and settled down at the Villa Richelieu on the shore of the Lake of Geneva. He had only money enough to last five or six weeks; but at the end of that time he had no inclination--nor was he in a condition--to return to his work in Moscow. His constitution was so shaken and impaired by his nervous illness that at least a year’s rest was necessary for his complete restoration. There was some hope of getting a little money in the winter, if the Principal of the Petersburg Conservatoire, Karl Davidov, appointed him delegate for the forthcoming exhibition in Paris. But the chance was very uncertain, and even if he were nominated, the office was not very well suited to Tchaikovsky, because it demanded not only great energy, but constant social intercourse, whereas the condition of his health needed complete repose. All the same, Tchaikovsky would have been glad of the appointment as affording the one means of remaining longer abroad. This anxiety as to his future counteracted in some degree the benefit derived from the quiet and solitude of Clarens. To escape from his difficulties Tchaikovsky was obliged to have recourse to the kindness of Nicholas Rubinstein and Nadejda von Meck. Rubinstein interested himself in the matter of the delegation, and wrote as follows:-- “It has been decided to send you all the money which is left over from the expenses of your classes in monthly instalments. Try to calm yourself; take care of your health, and fear nothing. You are far too highly valued as a musician to be compromised by secondary considerations.” Tchaikovsky replied, expressing his gratitude and reporting the progress of his opera. “The first act of _Eugene Oniegin_ will soon be in your hands,” he writes. “I shall be very happy if it pleases you. I composed it with great enthusiasm. A performance at the Conservatoire is just my ideal. The opera is intended for a modest setting and a small theatre.” _From Nicholas Rubinstein to Tchaikovsky._ “FRIEND PETER,--I am very glad you are getting better and gradually returning to work. I am full of curiosity about _Eugene Oniegin_. Be so kind as to assign the parts. Even if they have to be changed afterwards, it is important to know your views. Can I also count on the Symphony? “I have seen Frau von Meck. We talked a great deal about you. I think she will send you another commission, or money direct.” Rubinstein was not mistaken. Even before she received Tchaikovsky’s letter asking for assistance, Nadejda von Meck had decided to take upon herself the responsibility of his maintenance, and asked him to accept an annual allowance of 6,000 roubles (£600). In reply to his request, which was accompanied by many apologies, she wrote as follows:--