Читать книгу Seeking His Fortune, and Other Dialogues онлайн

22 страница из 49

Ed. (indignantly). Well, and what if I am?

J. J. (smiling sarcastically). I thought you were, or you’d understand that this is the way they always do things.

Ed. We are a little more conscientious than editors generally. However, you assure me that the salve is good?

J. J. (warmly). Nothing better in the whole world, sir.

Ed. And you think it would be safe to speak well of it?

J. J. Sir, you will be conferring a blessing on the community.

Ed. Very well, I will write a little puff for you.

J. J. Thank you, sir.

(Exit, L.)

Printer’s Devil (entering, R.). More copy, sir.

Ed. Here it is (handing him a paper).

(Exit P. D.)

(A knock is heard at the door, L.)

Ed. Come in.

(Enter young lady, L.)

Young Lady. Please, sir, I am Araminta Ellis, the authoress of “Lines on a Faded Buttercup.”

Ed. I am delighted to see you, Miss Ellis. Did the—the poem you speak of appear in the “Post”?

A. E. (surprised at his ignorance). No, sir, it was contributed to the “Weekly Bulletin.” I have never written anything for the “Post,” but should be willing to do so. What are your terms?