"'Why, according to the usual Porte-Saint-Martin terms: 2 louis per performance, I for himself, I for Janin, and 12 francs' worth of tickets.[4] "'As Janin renounced his part in the collaboration, does he give up his rights?' "'There is no doubt on that head; he was the first to say so to me.' 'Then, your young man enjoys the benefit of Janin's withdrawal, and has the treaty entirely to himself?' "'Nothing of the kind!' "'Why?' "'Because, with your rights, which are in addition to the ordinary arrangements, that would cost me a ruinous sum per night. Besides, he only claims one louis; he expects to have a collaborator: he will get his louis and his collaborator; only, the latter, instead of being named Janin, will be called Dumas, and, instead of being named, will not hear of it.' "'Yes; but I would like this young man to be satisfied with me, all the same.' "'There is a way; let him deduct his second louis from your rights.' "'Yes, but then, you, on your side, will take the sum of 20 francs' worth of tickets; that will make even money for him.' "'I am anxious it should.' "'Do you agree to that?' "'Perfectly.' "'Let us draw it up.' "I took up pen and paper and the treaty was drawn up and signed. "'Is there anything besides to take over in what you have brought there?' I continued, pointing to the manuscript lying on my bed. "'Why, yes, in the first act ... Understand clearly that this MS. is Janin's; I have not brought you the other, which is illegible.' 'I will see that after I have written mine.' "'Then I shall have something to-night?' "'Yes, the first scene.' "'That is well; Verteuil shall be with you at ten o'clock.'[5] "I spent the day scratching the nib of a pen on paper. Verteuil came that night at the appointed hour; I was dead tired, but the scene was done; it was the tavern scene. "'At what time must I return?' said Verteuil to me. "' To-morrow, at four.' "'And shall I have the second scene?' "'You shall have it.' "'Wonderful!...' "'Only, leave me in peace.' "'I will take myself off at once.'