"Just keep your eyes off that Hartwig fellow, Cleveland. It looks just a little too obvious—"

"Maria, would you please get your big—"

"Say, did you ever hear such a racket—"

"Those are my slippers, you dope! Can't you recognize the difference between a canal boat and a—"

"God, I'm so nervous I could die—"

"But honey, you look absolutely ravishing! I wish I could look half as good—"

"Come on! Come on! They're calling us—"

Captain Johannson stepped to the front of the stage.

"Ladies," he said gravely, "before I tell you the judges' decision, I have a rather important announcement to make."

The audience murmured, and then became still.