Tom Agate smiled and walked to one corner of the room. “It’s a marvelous part,” he said indecisively.
“And you’re marvelous in it,” Peggy insisted. “Say you’ll do it.”
Tom looked at Peter seriously. “Did Oscar say he wanted me?”
“Yes, he did,” Peter assured him.
Tom moved back across the room, walking with the easy step of someone half his years. Peggy saw that his face was flushed and his eyes were sparkling with an inner excitement she could only guess at.
He stopped abruptly and held out his hands to them. “All right,” he said with unexpected forcefulness. “I’ll give it a try.”
Peggy ran over to him. “You promise?” she said. “You won’t change your mind?”
Tom shook his head firmly. “No, Peggy. When I give my word, you can bank on it.”
Peggy whirled and grabbed Peter by the arm. “Oh, Peter!” she cried. “Isn’t it wonderful!” The three of them stood grinning foolishly at one another like three mischievous children who have just invented an especially wonderful game.
Tom Agate was the first to break away. “Well, now,” he said, picking up the script, “might as well get to work. I’ll want to read this before morning. When does Stalkey expect us?”