“I am quite willing to do that.”
“Very good. That’s settled. Now, you look fagged out. I wish you would take a trip over to New York. I’ll look after you when you get there. It would do you a world of good, and would show in the pages of your next book. What do you say to that? Have you any engagements that would prevent you making the trip?”
Buel laughed, “I am perfectly free as far as engagements are concerned.”
“That’s all right, then. I wish I were in that position. Now, as I said, I considered your book cheap at £100. I got it for £20. I propose to hand over the £80 to you. I’ll write out the cheque as soon as the waiters clear away the débris. Then your letter to the firm would form the receipt for this money, and—well, it need not be a contract, you know, or anything formal, but just your ideas on any future business that may crop up.”
“I must say I think your offer is very generous.”
“Oh, not at all. It is merely business. The £80 is on account of royalties. If the book goes, as I think it will, I hope to pay you much more than that. Now I hope you will come over and see me as soon as you can.”
“Yes. As you say, the trip will do me good. I have been rather hard at it for some time.”
“Then I’ll look out for you. I sail on the French line Saturday week. When will you come?”
“As soon as my book is out here, and before any of the reviews appear.”
“Sensible man. What’s your cable address?”