"Oh, no," said Anne. "Some one else will be sure to get that. Besides, I'm too short."
"But, Anne, you've had stage experience," said Jessica. "You ought to get it."
"Not in a Shakespearian play," replied Anne, shaking her head. "I might not do well at all with that kind of part."
"Never fear, you'll be the star before you know it," said Nora.
By Friday, there was nothing on the school horizon save the cherished play. Before school, at recess, and even in classes it was the topic of the hour. To the eager girls the day seemed particularly long, and a heartfelt sigh went up when the dismissal gong rang.
As the four chums hurried toward the gymnasium, Anne suddenly caught Grace by the arm with a faint gasp of surprise. Glancing quickly down at her friend to ascertain the cause of Anne's sudden agitation, Grace saw her friend's eyes following the figure of a tall, distinguished-looking man who was just disappearing down the corridor leading to the gymnasium.
"What's the matter, Anne?" asked Grace. "Do you know that man?"
"No," replied Anne, "but I know who he is."
"He must be a remarkable person, considering the way you gasped and clutched me," laughed Grace.
"That man is Everett Southard, the great Shakespearian actor," said Anne almost reverently. "I saw him in 'Hamlet' and his acting is wonderful."