“Why, she’s really soft and sentimental under that brusque exterior,” Peggy thought, watching Aunt Hetty walk stiffly away. “She’s in love with this theater and it would break her heart to see it fold.”
Everyone wished Richard luck in the state capital as he walked away toward the interview that meant everything to this little group of actors.
Chuck Crosby turned to face them, and with a resolute look that reflected the feelings of all, he firmly called, “Places!”
III
A Broadcast
The next few days were almost a mirage of feverish activity. Never had Peggy worked so hard! Rehearsals morning and afternoon, helping Gus with the scenery at night, and always, in back of everyone’s mind, the big question—would the theater open at all?
“What do you think, Rita?” Peggy asked late one night when the two exhausted girls returned to her room. They had stayed late at the theater helping Gus, for tomorrow with the set finally up, the cast would have its first rehearsal on stage.
“I think we’re going to open!” Rita answered hopefully. “At least I’m working with that idea. It is disturbing not to hear from Richard again, though.”
Richard had wired the company from Albany the disquieting news that the commissioner of education was off on a fishing trip and could not be reached. Now, on top of everything else, a new problem—would the commissioner return in time? And if he did, would Richard be able to persuade him to come to a favorable decision? It was already Sunday, and Dear Ruth was scheduled to open Thursday.
Thinking of all this, Peggy sighed loudly, unconsciously repeating the heavy stage sigh she used in the play.
“All right, Miriam,” Rita laughed, “better be quiet or you’ll wake our leading lady!”