`` What do you -- that is , what compensation -- '' began Jo , not exactly knowing how to express herself . `` Oh , yes , well , we give from twenty-five to thirty for things of this sort . Pay when it comes out , '' returned Mr. Dashwood , as if that point had escaped him . Such trifles do escape the editorial mind , it is said . `` Very well , you can have it , '' said Jo , handing back the story with a satisfied air , for after the dollar-a-column work , even twenty-five seemed good pay . `` Shall I tell my friend you will take another if she has one better than this ? '' asked Jo , unconscious of her little slip of the tongue , and emboldened by her success . `` Well , we 'll look at it . Ca n't promise to take it . Tell her to make it short and spicy , and never mind the moral . What name would your friend like to put on it ? '' in a careless tone . `` None at all , if you please , she does n't wish her name to appear and has no nom de plume , '' said Jo , blushing in spite of herself . `` Just as she likes , of course . The tale will be out next week . Will you call for the money , or shall I send it ? '' asked Mr. Dashwood , who felt a natural desire to know who his new contributor might be . `` I 'll call . Good morning , Sir . '' As she departed , Mr. Dashwood put up his feet , with the graceful remark , `` Poor and proud , as usual , but she 'll do . ''
Following Mr. Dashwood 's directions , and making Mrs. Northbury her model , XXXXX rashly took a plunge into the frothy sea of sensational literature , but thanks to the life preserver thrown her by a friend , she came up again not much the worse for her ducking .
Dashwood Jo contributor course escape feet money point trifles week