oom, where Wybert himself
insisted on opening the champagne and was no longer anxious as to how
many glasses we drank to the success of _The School for Scandal_.

Sunday was a happy day. I spent it with some friends near Point Cook, at
Port Phillip Bay, which spot, years afterwards, I selected to establish
the first aviation school in Australia. Most of the country in that
district belonged to the Chirnside family, the first of whom had made
good in the early days of the Colony of Victoria. Werribee House was
their headquarters. So had the Clarkes made good, the Manifolds, the
Blacks and many others whom in after years I had to thank for much
kindness and hospitality.

On the Monday, which was known amongst actors as Treasury morning, I duly
attended Wybert's office to collect my first hard-earned wage. It had
been arranged that, though my engagement dated only from the previous
Thursday, I would be entitled to a week's wages if all was well on the
opening night. I was as contented as anyone could be, for I knew I had
made good. The two leading morning papers had most favourable notices,
the production was a success, and even Careless had been favourably
commented on by them. I duly received four golden sovereigns. I felt this
was a much better line of business than editing sporting newspapers or
selling hams and table legs.

But I was remembering the fact, yes, that I had asked for too low a
salary, and that having come out on top I was entitled to more money. How
much was it to be? I bethought to myself that a rise of two pounds would
not be an extravagant request, taking everything into consideration. So,
after thanking Wybert, I informed him that I could not think of
continuing in the play unless he raised my salary to six pounds a week.
He was cross, I could see, and he also pretended to be hurt.

"How can you make such a request after the chance I have given you? It is
preposterous. I am surprised at you."

"Well," I said, "I agree with you as far as being surprised. I am
surprised myself. And it would never do for you to lose another Careless
within a week, and unless I get the extra two pounds a week I might be
lost to-night myself." The idea of such a happening seemed to strike him
as possible. He hesitated; then he gave in, and my salary was fixed at
six pounds a week, but, more than that, he took me on at that rate for a
term of six weeks. I practically became a real live member of his
company, and was t