The plan to send the nephew out of the country had been frustrated and had to be abandoned. His mind being filled with artistic projects of the greatest magnitude, Beethoven was desirous to pass the summer months again in Mödling, and after the experiences of the preceding year nothing could be hoped for his nephew in that quarter. He came to a realization of the advantages which Giannatasio’s institute had offered and in a letter to Giannatasio asked him again to take the lad till other arrangements had been made. The Giannatasio family were fearful lest such a proceeding might work harm to their institution, and on June 17 visited Beethoven at Mödling to tell him that his wishes could not be complied with. “Grievously as it pained us,” Fanny writes in her diary, “to refuse Beethoven anything, I am yet so convinced of the necessity of the step and that it could do us no good, but on the contrary harm, that I prefer to have it so.” Thereupon the lad was sent to the institute of Joseph Blöchlinger. Claudius Artaria, who was one of the teachers there (1821-1824), recalled in later years that Karl was one of the older scholars, “naturally talented, but somewhat conceited because he was the nephew of Beethoven.” He also saw the mother there a few times, but remembered nothing in particular in connection with her visits. The lad appears to have prospered during the early part of his stay at this school. In December, 1819, an unknown hand writes in a Conversation Book: A great deal has been gained in that the boy has again become orderly in his public studies. Plöchlinger [_sic_] moreover, though not exactly brilliant, seems to be good--the public school system acts as a restraint on him.--Your nephew looks well; handsome eyes--charm, a speaking physiognomy, and excellent bearing. I would continue his education for only two years more.--He is always present, and thus she can do him no harm. But he is agreed that she spoils the boy.--When you have acquired the sole guardianship, then do you decide and he will obey.--Your views are admirable but not always reconcilable with this wretched world.--Would that everybody might understand and appreciate your love for your nephew. [Sidenote: TUSCHER RELIEVED OF THE GUARDIANSHIP]