"This
gentleman will be paid three francs per column all round, including
theatres."
"You have never taken any one on such terms before," said Giroudeau,
opening his eyes.
"And he will take the four Boulevard theatres. See that nobody sneaks
his boxes, and that he gets his share of tickets.--I should advise
you, nevertheless, to have them sent to your address," he added,
turning to Lucien.--"And he agrees to write besides ten miscellaneous
articles of two columns each, for fifty francs per month, for one
year. Does that suit you?"
"Yes," said Lucien. Circumstances had forced his hand.
"Draw up the agreement, uncle, and we will sign it when we come
downstairs."
"Who is the gentleman?" inquired Giroudeau, rising and taking off his
black silk skull-cap.
"M. Lucien de Rubempre, who wrote the article on _The Alcalde_."
"Young man, you have a gold mine _there_," said the old soldier, tapping
Lucien on the forehead. "I am not literary myself, but I read that
article of yours, and I liked it. That is the kind of thing! There's
gaiety for you! 'That will bring us new subscribers,' says I to
myself. And so it did. We sold fifty more numbers."
"Is my agreement with Lousteau made out in duplicate and ready to
sign?" asked Finot, speaking aside.
"Yes."
"Then ante-date this gentleman's agreement by one day, so that
Lousteau will be bound by the previous contract.
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