"
"Well, that's settled. Now, name your price. Don't be frightened!"
"Really, I can't. I haven't the least idea what I should get. Wait till
I have done a few of the verses, and you can give me what you please."
"No, sir," said Mr. Fairfax; "business is business. If you won't name a
figure, I must. Will you consider a hundred pounds sufficient?"
"A hundred pounds!" Henry gasped out, the tears almost starting to his
eyes.
Mr. Fairfax did not miss his frank joy, and liked him for his
ingenuousness.
"All right, then; we'll call it settled. I shall be ready for the verses
as soon as you care to write them."
"Mr. Fairfax, I will tell you frankly that this is a great deal to me,
and I thank you from my heart."
"Not a word, not a word, my boy. We want your verses, we want your
verses. That's right, isn't it? Good verses, good money! Now no more of
that," and the good man, in alarm lest he should be thanked further,
made an abrupt and awkward farewell.
"It will keep the lad going a few months anyhow," he said to himself,
as he tramped downstairs, glad that he'd been able to think of
something; for, while the scheme was admirable as an advertisement, and
would more than repay Messrs.
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