It was
precisely the sort of thing wanted. Proof had already been sent to Miss
Raleigh, who was equally pleased. Would Mr. Banneker kindly read and
revise enclosed proof and return it as soon as possible? Mr. Banneker
did better than that. He took back the corrected proof in person. The
editor was most cordial, until Banneker inquired what price was to be
paid for the interview. Then the editor was surprised and grieved. It
appeared that he had not expected to pay anything for it.
"Do you expect to get copy for nothing?" inquired the astonished and
annoyed Banneker.
"If it comes to that," retorted the sharp-featured young man at the
editorial desk, "you're the one that's getting something for nothing."
"I don't follow you."
"Come off! This is red-hot advertising matter for Betty Raleigh, and you
know it. Why, I ought to charge a coupla hundred for running it at all.
But you being a newspaper man and the stuff being so snappy, I'm willing
to make an exception. Besides, you're a friend of Raleigh's, ain't you?
Well--'nuff said!"
It was upon the tip of Banneker's tongue to demand the copy back.
Then he bethought himself of Betty's disappointment. The thing _was_
well done. If he had been a thousand miles short of giving even a hint
of the real Betty--who was a good deal of a person--at least he had
embodied much of the light and frivolous charm which was her stage
stock-in-trade, and what her public wanted.
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