Watching Guest in the House was one of the most painful experiences of Peggy’s life. By the time the play was over she felt as though she’d been drawn through a wringer. Wearily, she left her seat, as the actors were taking curtain calls, and bravos for Alison’s performance were filling the air. She walked outside and back to the stage door. Alison deserved her congratulations, and she sincerely wanted to tell June Tilson how good she had been.
Alison was still in make-up on stage, flushed with excitement and satisfaction. Everyone was milling around with words of praise for her wonderful job. No one would ever know what courage it took for Peggy to join the group and add her congratulations. Alison was too much in a whirl with her own triumph to take any special satisfaction from Peggy’s praise, and Peggy realized how right Rita had been. Alison had no personal spite; it was only her career that concerned her.
Everyone was glad to see Peggy back unharmed, but it was impossible to miss the undercurrent backstage. The company also was relieved that Alison had played Evelyn and “saved the show.”
A middle-aged man from the audience drew Alison away from her group of admirers and took her aside for a private discussion. In a few minutes, Alison rushed back excitedly, looking for Chuck. “I’ve got a screen test!” she exulted. “I have to leave tomorrow!”
“Leave!” The entire company was stunned. Actresses just didn’t walk out on a theater in the middle of the season. But Alison was blithely unconcerned.
“That was Sidney Mitchell, the talent scout from Lion Studios! He said he’d never been so impressed with a performance in summer stock! He thinks I’m great, said he couldn’t believe anybody could do a job like that at the last minute!”
“But you told him you’d played the part before, didn’t you?” Chris Hill demanded incredulously.
“Of course not!” Alison hotly defended herself. “Why should I? Let him think whatever he likes. The important thing is that he wants to test me for a part immediately. They’re looking for an unknown, and the part is of a girl very like Evelyn. Oh,” Alison glowed, looking more beautiful than ever with her taste of success, “just think, I might actually get to Hollywood!”
“Well, of course we can’t ask you to stay,” Chuck said. “I suppose June won’t mind continuing in your part—”
“I’d love to,” June agreed, “and by tomorrow I’ll know the lines.”