“And pray what are you going to do?”
“Have I suffered in your absence? You left me sick, nervous, without a shilling. I have made for myself a good engagement and received fifty pounds in advance.”
“A good engagement! Where? With whom?”
“I am learning to sing a part in ‘Pinafore.’ I am engaged at the Olympic.”
“Denasia!”
She flushed proudly at his amazement, and when he took her in his arms and kissed her, she permitted him to see that her eyes were full of happy tears.
“Yes,” she resumed in softer tones, “I went to see Colonel Moss, and he was delighted with my 203 voice. Mr. Harrison says I learn with extraordinary rapidity and have quite wonderful dramatic talent, and madame has almost as much praise for my dancing. I had to pay some bills out of the fifty pounds; but I am sure I can live upon the balance and pay for my lessons until September. As soon as I am strong enough to look after my costumes, my manager will advance money for them.”
“Do you mean that you are to have fifty pounds a week?”
“I am to have thirty pounds a week. That is very good pay, indeed, for a novice.”
“For six nights and a matinée? You ought to have had far more; it is not five pounds a performance. You ought to have ten pounds. I must see about this arrangement. Moss has taken advantage of you.”