They were so busy until after dinner that night that Janet had no time to scan the evening paper. When she picked up the Times it was with pleasant surprise for in the middle of the front page was a story by Pete Benda, reviewing “Water Hole” and describing the rôles Janet and Helen played.
“Miss Hardy gave a most pleasing portrayal in the rôle of the heroine,” Pete had written, “and a good many local people will enjoy this picture to the utmost. It is far above the average western.”
Near the end was a line. “Cora Dean and Margie Blake, local girls who were also in the picture, may be seen in a crowd scene at the village.” Janet smiled as she thought of the humiliation that Cora would feel. Well, it had been a mean trick of Cora’s to write Pete Benda that she and Margie had leading rôles.
Helen’s father made complete plans for their trip to New York for the Ace company was paying all expenses as well as salaries to Janet and Helen while they were in the east.
Both Janet and Helen packed the new dresses Roddy had sent them in the large bags which they were taking with them. There might be little actual opportunity to wear them, but they wanted to be prepared.
Their train for Chicago left at ten o’clock and they arrived at the station in ample time, Janet’s father conveying them there. He had reserved a drawing room for them and they felt elated over that.
The Chicago Limited was on time to the minute, the puffing locomotive drawing its long string of Pullmans to an easy stop. The girls had drawing room A in car fifty-seven. The porter took their bags as they turned to say good-bye to their parents.
“Got plenty of money?” Janet’s father asked in a whisper.
“Plenty, Dad. And I’ll get paid while I’m in New York.”
But he slipped her a small, black book that resembled a check book.