Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1882 — Dumas Pere as a Financier. [ARTICLE]

Dumas Pere as a Financier.

When Dumas the elder brought out his play of “Monte Christo,” he made an engagement with the manager of the Theatre de la Port Saint Martin, under which he was to receive 10,000 francs extra if the first fifty performances produced an average of 3,000 francs. On the night of the fiftieth performance, Dumas arrived at the theatre to settle accounts. “Well,” said the manager, “It is just nine o’clock now, and we are not likely to fake in anything more. You see that the total receipts only foot up 149,980 francs, so that there is no extra premium coming to you.” “You are right, I suppose,” replied the author, with a sigh, “but it’s deuced unfortunate, as I had invited some friends to supper with me, making sure I had the money, and I haven’t got a sou about me.” “My purse is at your disposal,” said the manager, “how much,do vou want?” “A hundred francs will suffice. Thanks," said Dumas, pouching the five louis and walking away. Half an hour later the treasurer qrought the manager forty francs additional receipts- Dumas had slipped out, taken two boxes, and made 10,000 francs by the operation.