Wladek never appeared at these affairs, for he was an open and stanch supporter of Cabinski. After all the rest had gone Topolski sat opposite Janina and began to tell her about the company he was organizing. "It will be an exemplary theater for true art! I have a splendid ensemble of actors; I have made a contract for one of the best theaters, the library is ready to be sent away and the costumes are already half completed, hence we have almost all that is needed." "What are you still lacking?" asked Janina, determining immediately to ask for an engagement. "A little money . . . a mere trifle of about a thousand rubles as a working capital for the first month," answered Topolski. "Couldn't you borrow it?" "Yes . . . and that is precisely what I want to talk over with you in a friendly way, for we already count you as one of us. I will give you a good salary and alternating roles with Mela for I know that you are a capable actress. You have the appearance, the voice and the temperament, and, aside from intelligence, that is just what is required to make an excellent actress." "Oh thank you, thank you sincerely!" cried Janina beaming with joy. And so elated was she that she kissed Majkowska, who, as was her habit, was almost lying on the table and gazing absently at the lamp. "But you must help us!" said Topolski after a short pause. "I? What can I do?" she asked in surprise. "A great deal! If you only want to . . ." he answered. "Well! if you say that I can, then, of course I shall be glad to help, for it is not only my duty, but also in my own interest! But I'm very curious to know what I can do." "It's a question of that one thousand rubles. The money is already assured, only there is one little condition . . ." "What is it?" Janina asked curiously. Topolski drew closer to her, took hold of her hands in a friendly way and only then answered: "Miss Janina not only our theater, but your entire artistic future depends on this, so I will tell you frankly that there is someone who is ready to give even two thousand rubles, but he said that he would give them only to you personally, otherwise not at all." "Who is that person?" she asked uneasily. "Kotlicki!" Janina dropped her head and for a while a deep silence reigned in the room. Topolski gazed at her uneasily, while Majkowska had upon her face an indescribably derisive smile.