"Here is the agreement," he said; "let me see? ah, I thought
so--copyright fifty pounds, half proceeds of rights of translation, and a
clause binding you to offer any future work you may produce during the
next five years to our house on the seven per cent agreement, or a sum
not exceeding one hundred pounds for the copyright. Now, Miss Smithers,
what have you to say? You signed this paper of your own free will. It so
happens that we have made a large profit on your book: indeed, I don't
mind telling you that we have got as much as we gave you back from
America for the sale of the American rights; but that is no ground for
your coming to ask for more money than you agreed to accept. I never
heard of such a thing in the whole course of my professional experience;
never!" and he paused, and once more eyed her sternly.
"At any rate, there ought to be something to come to me from the rights
of translation--I saw in the paper that the book was to be translated
into French and German," said Augusta, faintly.
"Oh! yes, no doubt--Eustace, oblige me by touching the bell."
The young gentleman did so, and a tall, melancholy-looking clerk
appeared.
"No. 18," snarled Mr. Meeson, in the tone of peculiar amiability that he
reserved for his employee's, "make out the translation account of
'Jemima's Vow,' and fill up a cheque of balance due to the author.
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