Allow me to put the transaction in a business light.

We have agreed that I am to be remunerated for my course of dramatic instruction out of your future earnings on the stage.
Very good.

I merely draw on my future prospects; and you, on whom those prospects depend, are naturally my banker.

For mere argument's sake, estimate my share in your first year's salary at the totally inadequate value of a hundred pounds.

Halve that sum; quarter that sum--" "How much do you want ?" said Magdalen, impatiently.
Captain Wragge was sorely tempted to take the Reward at the top of the handbills as his basis of calculation.