He [Mr. Tobias Matthay] played splendidly that day, and I am sure that had it not been for the hard and fast rule that composers were to be given the preference, I would not have stood half a chance of competing successfully against him. Mr. Eyres must have forgotten to close the drawing-room door during his turn, for I heard him perfectly, and I remember the spirit, the “entrain,” and the faultless execution with which he played. I recollect thinking, “That puts an end to my chances.” I have always cared tremendously for the player who plays with absolute conviction and vitality.