'Isn't this too detailed for our present purpose?' asked Griffenberg.
'I merely wish to show that I am entirely practical,' retorted Charles. 'There will be every modern appliance upon the stage, several inventions of my own, and an adjustable proscenium. The staff will consist of myself, a dozen instructors in the various arts of the theatre, and a larger number of pupils, who will be promoted as they give evidence of talent and skill in employing it.'
So far attention had been keen and eager. Charles's happy vision of a marble temple lit with the inward sun of vision and rosy with youth had carried all before it. He warmed to his task, talked on as the candles burned low, and at last came to the financial aspect of his proposal. Griffenberg leaned forward, and Clara watched him apprehensively.
'I have estimated the cost as follows,' said Charles, now confident that he had his hearers with him. 'I have put my estimate as low as possible, so that we may know our minimum:—
The Outdoor Theatre . . . . . . . . £6,000
The Indoor Theatre . . . . . . . . . £15,000
To Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,000
To Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,500
My Own Salary . . . . . . . . . . . £5,000
Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £600
Ground rent . . . . . . . . . . . . Nominal
Musicians and music . . . . . . . . £600
Paint, materials, etc. . . . . . . . £400
Food for the birds and fishes . . . £25
There was a dead silence. One or two men smiled. Others stared. Others pulled their noses or smoothed their hair. Griffenberg laughed harshly and said,—
'Excuse me, Mr Mann. I didn't quite catch that last item.'
Charles who was entirely unaware of the changed atmosphere looked up and repeated,—
'Food for the birds and fishes.... There must be beautiful birds flying in the outdoor theatre. In the courtyard there must be fish-ponds with rare fish....'
'We are not proposing to build a villa of Tiberius,' snapped Griffenberg, who was deeply wounded. 'I cannot agree to a scheme which includes birds and fishes.'