"I did, sir."
"That was unfortunate; for I changed my mind after writing that letter, and wrote again on the following day, giving you permission to stay away until the first week of October. Never mind; as you are here, we'll find you something to do;—we'll try 'Mother Goose' for a night or two next week."
To this obliging promise he made no reply, not deriving the smallest degree of comfort from it. Mr. Harris, observing that his offer had failed in producing the intended effect, added, "And as to the loss of your Edinburgh engagement, that I must endeavour to make up to you in some way or other at a future time."
He thanked him for this kindness, and Mr. Harris did not forget his promise.
The result of Grimaldi's first season's proprietorship was far from propitious. At first all went on very well; but after he had left (as previously stipulated) in July, the houses fell to nothing, and when he arrived in town again in September, he was informed that there would be a clear loss instead of any profit. This both surprised and vexed him; for Sadler's Wells had always been considered a very good property, and he had fully expected that he should, merely upon becoming a proprietor, have to receive a sum of money yearly, in addition to his regular salary.
The first proprietors' meeting which he attended, occurred a few days after the close of the season; and then all the books and papers connected with the business of the theatre being produced, it was found that a heavy loss was really attendant upon the year's campaign.
"And pray what may be the amount?" he inquired, rather dolefully,—for he now began to repent of his purchase, and to fancy that he saw all his recently acquired wealth fading away.
Mr. Richard Hughes shook his head when he heard his question, and said, "Ah, Joe, the loss is 333l. 13s."
"Oh, come!" cried Grimaldi, "it's not so bad as I thought,—333l. 13s. is not so much among six persons!" which was the number of proprietors at that time.