"Now I've been noticing," he went on, "that your Show in the
Kingsway is not getting on very well--that there are fewer and fewer
people there every night, and I've no doubt it will soon have to dry
up altogether. We, on the other hand, are doing better and better
every night, and we shall go on doing better--there is no limit to our
possibilities. We are worth half a million now--next year, we shall be
worth ten times that amount!"
"You are optimistical, at all events," Gladys said.
"I can afford to be," Hamar grinned. "Now, do you know what we intend
doing before very long?"
"I haven't the least idea, and I am not in the slightest degree
curious."
"Aren't you? Well, you should be, since it concerns you. We mean to
buy up the whole of Kingsway!"
"And later on, of course, the whole of Regent Street!"
"You are satirical. You are not alarmed at the prospect of having me
for a landlord!"
"I don't understand you! The Hall in Kingsway is my father's own
property."
"If that is so then you have nothing to fear," Hamar laughed, "but I
think it just possible you are mistaken. At any rate, I've been in
communication with some one styling himself the landlord."
"My father would have an agreement, anyhow!" Gladys said.
"Of course," Hamar replied, "and I've a pretty shrewd idea of the
terms of it. But enough of this--let me come to the point. I intend
buying the property, and I shall refuse to renew your father's lease,
unless he agrees to give me what I want!"
"Of course a preposterous price?"
"No, you--only you!"
"Me!"
"Yes! I've never seen a girl I like more.
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