As she rubbed cold cream on her face in the dressing room, Peggy finally read her telegrams. BREAK A LEG LITTLE ONE, from her big brother, David, now off in San Francisco on an assignment for his news service. BEST WISHES FOR A GRAND OPENING STOP WE KNOW YOU AND THE COMPANY WILL BE WONDERFUL, from Mother and Dad. A wire from May Berriman and all the girls in New York; and another from Randy Brewster, THINKING ABOUT A VERY SPECIAL ACTRESS.
The telegrams brought family and friends backstage as if they were right here, congratulating her now. Peggy looked at Rita, remembering the way they had felt in the morning. “Did I ever say I didn’t want to be an actress?” she asked, and they laughed, comparing absolutely steady hands this time.
VI
Chance Encounter
There was no review of Dear Ruth in the Kenabeek Gazette the next day! The cast sat around the patio after blocking the first act of Angel Street, glum and disheartened. The wonderful elation of last night’s opening had left them.
“Isn’t Ford Birmingham going to review us at all?” Peggy wondered unhappily. “Isn’t it his job? Doesn’t he have to?”
“Oh, he’ll probably write a token piece—it would be too obvious if he didn’t,” Chuck answered grimly. “But I imagine he won’t do it until the middle of the week when we’re almost finished with Dear Ruth. By that time we’ll have lost an audience—people will lose interest in our theater.”
“But didn’t he like the play?” Alison demanded. “Everyone else simply loved it!”
“He wasn’t there,” Chuck said shortly. “He didn’t come last night, and I doubt if he’ll come at all. Max Slade must have that man wrapped around his little finger! We had an audience last night only because of our own advertising and publicity. But people expect reviews! And if Birmingham doesn’t give us one next week on opening night—I’ll write one myself!”
“Oh, you can’t!” Peggy said anxiously. “If you do, he’ll be sure to bring it out in the paper, and then we’ll seem like amateurs!”
Chuck sighed. “I know, Peggy. I wouldn’t, of course, but I just don’t see any other way!”