"I have," returned the director, drily. "You are the one who has studied the part?" he asked Agnes.
"Yes, sir," she said, and all her bashfulness left her.
"Open your first scene," commanded the professor, bruskly.
The command might have confused a professional—especially when the player had had no opportunity of rehearsing save in secret. But Agnes had forgotten everything but the character she was to play. She opened her lips and began with a vivacity and dash that made the professionals smile and applaud when she was through.
"Wait!" commanded the professor, immediately. "If you can do that as well in the play——"
"Oh! but, sir," said Agnes, suddenly coming to herself, and feeling her heart and courage sink. "I can't act in the play—not really."
"Why not?" he snapped.
"I am forbidden."
"By whom, I'd like to know?"
"Mr. Marks. We girls of the basket ball team cannot act. It is a punishment."