"It's absurd you haven't been before." He proceeded to describe Ora's American triumph and the stream of gold which would flow in. "You take a share," he said. "I can offer you a share. Sidney would rather have you on a salary, but take my advice and have a share."
The conversation became financial and Ora grew apparently greedy. As Alice Muddock had noticed, she had the art of seeming quite grasping and calculating. But about going to America she gave no answer. The matter was not urgent; the thing would not become pressing for months. On being cross-questioned Babba admitted that the masterpiece was not yet written; the idea was there and had been confided to Babba; he was thunderstruck with it and advised an immediate payment of two hundred pounds. Then the masterpiece would get itself written; all wheels must be oiled if they are to run.
"And if you take half, you'll make a fortune," said Babba.
Making a fortune for a hundred pounds was the kind of operation which attracted Ora.
"I'll write you a cheque now," she said.
Babba smiled in a superior manner.
"There isn't all that hurry, as long as you're on," he observed. "Won't you give me a kiss for putting you on?"
"If it goes as you say, I'll give you a kiss—a kiss for every thousand I make," said Ora, laughing.
"There won't be any of me left," groaned Babba, with a humorous assumption of apprehension. He paused for a moment, glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, and added, "But what would Mr. Fenning say?"