The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1914-08-27
CHAPTER XIII.
A Thirty Day Option.


n MELISSA TRIP marched into
NH the library upon the assem-
lvl bled Wallingfords and DAVIS
two evenings later with a
letter and small sheaf of newspaper
clippings in her hand. "There's one
thing we haven't talked about" she
said. interrupting the planning of the
great dance scene in the temple. I'VE
haven't made any business arrange
ments.'
Business arrangements" repeated
Violet in surprise. II don't quite get
you. child. It's going to cost us
about $4,000 real money to stage this.
and we're responsible for lot more.
But you needn't worry about it,
"You don't understand me-" return
ed Melissa. You're expecting to
build the success of this whole dra-
matte production upon my talent, and
what want to know is, What do |
get?'
Somebody ought to tell yon,' OBJ
served Blackie.
"That'll be about all, Blackie." adj
mOnished Violet Bonnie. Remember,
she's from Squamosett. and she's our
guest. At the same time, you might
be right. Why. Melissa. none of us
had figured on anything but to give
you the total profits.'
But suppose there shouldn't be
any?" queried Melissa calmly.
,@S
Violet. 1--WE get it little worse than
you do, to be sure, but we can stand it. :"
II don't know about that" insisted
Melissa. 1--WE been practicing for
three years. and I'm sure OF my art.
This musical comedy may fail. 1t
may not be the proper setting for my
performance. and if it fails after all
my labor and all my skill and all my
personality get nothing. Is this
fair:'
Violet Bonnie nearly choked. NO"
she confessed. 1T looks like a scheme
to do you; but. believe me. it shan't be
done in this house. I'm going to have
an extra lock put on your door so that
nobody slips in and steals your art.
What do you want. a suarantee?'
something like that" agreed Melis-
sa. 1--WE just had letter from Pro-
fessor Flopsie He's sent me his col
lection Of what he has read in the pa
pers about musical comedies. and he
tells me that nineteen in every twenty
fail. Now, I'm just beginning my ca
reer, and l must watch out for myself.
think ought to have a certain guar
anteed salary. and then. of course, If
the profits go over that so much the
better"
Wallingford and Blackie exchanged
glances of keen delight, but Violet
Bonnie did not pause to exchange
glances with any one.
"When l was kid" she calmly ex-
planned. 1--WE had tramp come to our
house and get square meal. with hot
coffee and hot biscuits and all the
trimmings. and then he tried to burn
down the house because we had no
pie. But he was Il piker. About how
much salary do you think you want
Carusos or just TetrazZini's?"
"Only what l earn" stated Melissa
modestly. professor Flopsie sent me
a clipping showing the salaries of
prominent dancers. They range from
about $3.50 to $1,000 a week and some,
l believe. even larger than that. But
I'd be satisfied in the beginning just
to take the general average"
Solemnly Blackie opened the door OF
the cellaret and handed a bottle and
a glass to his wife, She waved away
those trifles. being in no need Of slim.
ulants.
II get YOU" she told Melissa. IF
wasn't so crazy about my own scenario
would introduce you to the managers
But I'll tell you what We'll do with
you, Melissa. Well fix it so that you
don't have to gamble at all. Well
finance this thing ourselves; but, wir
Or lose, Wen guarantee you $50 week
and give you fourth of the profits
above that. | don't like to fuss witt
a guest, but those are the terms"
II suppose that for this first engage
ment l am compelled to take what yor
offer me-" accepted Melissa. with the
air of martyr. II reserve the privi