"Ten per cent. was a fair amount--I mean ten per cent. on the retail
price--for B. & H. to pay you. When they put their dollar books up to
two dollars, whether they should pay you the same percentage, should
depend on their profits, and should be a matter of honor with them.
Probably at first they did not double their profits with their price,
but now I have no doubt they do, and more too. Still you are very much
in their hands, and it is very disagreeable for you to help yourself.
If the sale fell off with increase of price, although the profit per
volume was at the same percentage, they would make less money by doing
less business.
"Did you make any contract with them ever, and what was it?
"I don't believe anybody ever gets less than ten per cent. on _the
price_; but it may be on the wholesale price, which is forty per cent.
off the retail--_i.e._ a book that retails at $1.40 is wholesaled at
$1.00. Pardon me, but I never imagine that a woman comprehends what
per cent. means! Yes, your principles are good, but your practice is
probably very deficient."