"They never get the chance of seeing it," said Keith bitterly; "you of course look at it from a business point of view, as is only proper, but seeing that you draw all your money from Colonial pockets, why not give Colonial brains a chance?" "Because Colonial brains don't pay, Colonial pockets do," said Mortimer coolly; "besides, I am giving you a chance, and that at considerable risk to myself. I will put on this burlesque in good style because Caprice is dead set on it; but business is business, and I can't afford to lose money on an untried production." "Suppose it turns out a great success," said Ezra, "we, the authors, only make six pounds a week, while you take all the profits." "Certainly," retorted Mortimer; "I've taken the risk." "Then if we make a great success of this burlesque," said Keith, "you will give us better terms for the next thing we write?" "Well, yes," said the manager, in a hesitating manner; "but, of course, though your position is improved, mine is still the same." "I understand; as long as you have the run of the London market, you can treat Colonial playwrights as you choose?" "You've stated the case exactly." "It's an unfair advantage." "No doubt, but business is business. I hold the trump card." "It's a bad lookout for the literary and musical future of Australia when such men as you hold the cards," said Ezra gloomily; "but it's no use arguing the case. I've heard all this sort of thing before. The Australians are too busy making money to trouble about such a contemptible thing as literary work." "I'll tell you what, Mortimer," broke in Caprice, "give them two pounds a night for the piece." "Not I." "Yes you will, or I don't show at the Bon-Bon." "You forget your engagement, my dear," said Mortimer complacently. "No, I don't," retorted Kitty, snapping her fingers; "that for my engagement. I don't care if I broke it to-morrow. You've got your remedy, no doubt; try it, and see what you'll make of it." Mortimer looked uneasily at her. He knew he had the law on his side, but Caprice was so reckless that she cared for nothing, and would do what she pleased in spite of both him and the law. Besides, he could not afford to lose her, so he met her half way. "Tell you what," he said genially, "I've no wish to be hard on you, boys--I'll give you one pound a night for a week, and if the burlesque is a success, two pounds--there, that's fair." "I suppose it's the best terms we can get," said Keith recklessly; "anything for the chance of having a play put on the stage. What do you say, Lazarus?" "I accept," replied the Jew briefly. "In that case," said Kitty, rising, "I needn't stay any longer. Mr. Lazarus, will you take me to my carriage?" "Allow me," said Keith advancing. Kitty recoiled, and an angry light flashed in her eyes.