Mr. Jones went on to tell how many things he would do for the play. It would go into rehearsal at once, and would be seen on Broadway by the first of February. They would pay him four, six and eight per cent., and his profits could not be less than three hundred dollars a week. With Ethelynda Lewis in the leading role the play might well run until June—and there would be the road profits the next season, in addition.
Thyrsis’ brain reeled as he listened to this; it was in all respects identical with another famous temptation—“The devil taketh him upon a high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the earth!”
“And then there is England”—the man was saying.
“No, no!” cried Thyrsis, wildly. “No!”
“But why not?” demanded the other.
“It’s impossible! I couldn’t do it!”
“You mean you couldn’t do the writing?”
“I wouldn’t know how to!”
“Well then, that’s easily arranged. Let me get some one to collaborate with you. There’s Richard Haberton—you know who he is?”
“No,” said Thyrsis, faintly.