Then they were through, a little breathless, their hearts beating rapidly. Janet was the first to turn toward Miss Williams and before the instructor spoke, she knew Helen had made a deep impression with her interpretation of Gale.
“Splendid. I liked that very much,” said Miss Williams, who was not given to compliments. “If you’ll be good enough to wait a few minutes, I’ll be back.”
“Will you announce the winners then?” asked Cora, her dark cheeks flushed with excitement and her brown eyes glowing.
“Yes,” promised Miss Williams, hurrying from the room.
“Why do you suppose she left to make her tabulations?” asked Helen, her voice low.
“Probably didn’t want us to know just how she rated us. She’s got a percentage system all her own she uses in casting parts. It won’t be long now,” said Janet.
“The sooner the better. I’m all fluttery inside.”
“Maybe you think Cora and Margie aren’t. They can’t even sit still.”
Which was true. Cora and Margie were walking restlessly up and down the far side of the assembly, looking anxiously toward the double doorway through which Miss Williams would return.
Five minutes slipped away. Then another five and it stretched out into fifteen minutes before the quick footsteps of the dramatics instructor could be heard in the hallway. Involuntarily Cora and Margie joined Janet and Helen at the front of the large assembly room.