As regards your references to Praeger, I have only one thing to say. You over-estimate the importance of my connection with him. It must surely have been clear to you that I had only very superficial intercourse with him; if he made more of it, it was because I, with my passionate and intent nature, was thinking, in an acquaintanceship of that kind, more of satisfying my need to be nonchalant, to let myself go, than of anything else. I want to be at my ease and on these occasions am easily won by complaisance and adaptability; and I like to have someone beside me then with whom I can play the fool a little, because that does me good. Dearest friend, this you see was the substance of my association with Praeger, and judge whether it is not a sheer impossibility for me ever to be in a position to be betrayed by Praeger! As to himself, I have never had occasion to give him a moment's solid thought. And now do not be afraid on my account. Praeger cannot possibly abuse my "confidence"; he really is not on that footing with me.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 335