“Of course not!” Peggy laughed. “Michael’s much too intelligent for that!”
Rehearsals went along as smoothly as could be expected with such a large cast. It was amazing, Peggy thought, that the local people were able to work so professionally with the rest of the company. Aunt Hetty was a delight to watch. She was enjoying herself hugely in her small but important role, and took all the direction that Chuck gave her with the greatest good humor.
“She’s a wonderful sport,” Peggy thought, watching her with amusement, “and I think she really loves this.”
Randy was so good that it seemed as if he might steal the show. It was hard for him, too, playing late at the Manor every night and then rushing to the high school each morning.
“What a schedule!” he sighed. Randy and Peggy were having a picnic lunch on the school grounds together. “But after tonight it will all be over.” It was Randy’s last night at the Manor.
“For you,” Peggy said, “but not for us. Tomorrow we play For Love or Money at the Manor, then comes the dress rehearsal and opening of You Can’t Take It, and after that we start on the old-fashioned melodrama. I wish you could be here for that one, too!”
“So do I—” Randy smiled affectionately—“but I really will have to get back to New York soon. Let’s not talk about it now, Peg, we still have a whole week! And you have two more nights as Janet.”
For Love or Money had been the most successful play of the season. People came in droves all week and money flowed into the box office.
“You think it would have happened anyway, after Mr. Birmingham’s review,” Randy told her seriously, “but that isn’t the whole story. I don’t think you realize how good you actually are in that part, Peggy. People are coming to see you—I’ve heard the comments around town!”
“Oh, Randy!” Peggy beamed at the delicious compliment. Randy was very cautious with his praise, and coming from him, the words made Peggy doubly happy.