“The Chamber of Commerce is going to be awfully pleased with the way this turned out,” Mr. Miller said, shaking Richard’s hand. “And the School Board will be delighted.”
“Thanks, Mr. Miller,” Richard said. “I hope Max Slade will change his mind about us now, too.”
“He might,” Mr. Miller agreed. “He just might. If I have an opportunity, I’ll try to speak with him about it. Well, back to work, now. Congratulations again, Richard.”
Watching him go, Peggy was struck again by the company’s good fortune in having Howard Miller. He was such a finished actor and lent dignity to the theater by his position with the Chamber of Commerce and the School Board. “Mr. Miller did a lot in the theater in his time, didn’t he?” Peggy whispered to Richard as the act began.
“He certainly did. His background’s very impressive!”
“Do you think he might be able to work something out with Max Slade?” Peggy asked.
“It’s possible, but if he can’t,” Richard whispered with a twinkle, “maybe I’ll sic you on the job! You did just fine with John Hamilton.”
Peggy laughed. “Oh, Richard! All I said was that Dear Ruth would open Thursday. What on earth would I say to Max Slade?”
“I would leave that entirely up to you!” Richard teased. “I’m sure you’d think of something!”
“But not until after Thursday,” Peggy said with mock seriousness.