'I don't think I shall need time to think this over,' she said, controlling her voice better, now that she had made up her mind. 'As I understand it, I am to put in what I can in the way of ready-money, and I am to give my time in all ways, as you need it, and my voice, when it is wanted. Is that it?'
'Except that, when you choose to sing, the Company will allow you your usual price for each appearance,' answered Van Torp in a business-like manner. 'You will pay yourself, or we both shall pay you, just as much as we should pay any other first-class soprano, or as much more as you would get in London or New York if you signed an engagement.'
'Is that fair?' Margaret asked.
'Why, certainly. But the Company, which is you and I, will probably rule that you mustn't sing in Grand Opera anywhere in the States east of the Rockies. They've got to come to New York to hear you. Naturally, [{319}] you'll be free to do anything you like in Europe outside of our season, when you can spare the time.'
'Of course.'
'Well, now, I suppose we might as well note that down right away, as a preliminary agreement. What do you say?'
'I say that I simply cannot refuse such an offer!' Margaret answered.
'Your consent is all that's necessary,' he said, in a matter-of-fact tone.
He produced from an inner pocket a folded sheet of foolscap, which he spread on the corner of the table beside him. He took out a fountain pen and began to write quickly. The terms and forms were as familiar to him as the alphabet and he lost no time; besides, as he had told the Primadonna, he had thought out the whole matter beforehand.
'What if Mrs. Rushmore comes in just as we are signing it?' asked Margaret.