Arthur Sargent, who was to play the part of a country cousin on his first visit to the city, was still in his street clothes, and had refused to appear unless two weeks' salary due him was paid before the curtain rose on the first act.
Frank was trying to persuade him to change his mind.
"You are breaking your agreement with me, Sargent," said Merry, remonstratingly.
"Hang the agreement!" exclaimed the actor, snapping his fingers. "What do I care for that! I want my money!"
"But you made the agreement."
"I signed nothing but my contract with you."
"The agreement was verbal."
"And therefore doesn't amount to that!" snapping his fingers.
"But doesn't your word—your promise amount to more than that?"