He seemed to consider a moment, then continued:
"I will give you five hundred dollars for this little work, just as it stands, and if it proves to be a success after it is published, I will add ten per cent, of the sales to that amount."
Virgie could scarcely credit her hearing at this generous offer.
She had never dreamed of anything like it, and bright visions of future prosperity for herself and her child, attained through her own efforts, alone, flitted through her mind.
But she did not lose her self-possession or betray her excessive delight at the unexpected proposal.
"What am I to understand by your words, 'if it proves a success?'" she asked.
Again the publisher's eyes twinkled.
He knew that she was a novice in dealing with business men, but he saw that she was shrewd and practical, and, finding her talent valuable, meant to make the most of it.
He meant, however, to do so well by her that she would be satisfied to give her services exclusively to him.
"Well," he replied, "if the sales reach a thousand copies I shall consider the book a success."