“I think that is what Miss Phillips thought of first, but of course she wouldn’t say anything,” said Ruth.
“Nobody else could ever take her place at this late date,” said Doris; “besides, we all have our own parts. What would we do?”
“Oh, maybe she’ll be all right by then,” said Marjorie. “Don’t let’s worry till we hear what the doctor says.”
But the doctor’s diagnosis proved worse than any of their fears. Helen was suffering from a complicated fracture; it would be necessary for her to be taken home on a stretcher and kept flat on her back for several weeks; any participation in the play was, of course, out of the question.
Miss Phillips called a special meeting of the scouts that night. She was more disturbed than the girls had ever seen her.
“It’s all my fault,” she said, “for not having appointed an understudy. Why was I so thoughtless?”
“Couldn’t you take the part yourself, Captain?” suggested Ethel. “You must pretty nearly know it already!”
“I do; but I’m too tall. And I wouldn’t mind that if it were to be given just for our own school. But think of the outsiders who will be here! With commencement in the morning, Miss Allen says almost all the visitors are planning to stay over for the play. And Miss Martin’s whole school are coming especially to see it!” She covered her eyes with her hands, and uttered a long sigh.
“Captain,” said Ruth, suddenly, “I have the solution! Let Marjorie take it! She’s splendid at dramatics.”
Miss Phillips raised her head quickly. Marjorie blushed as all eyes were turned upon her.