Emily Burckhardt resigned the next afternoon. Surprisingly, Oscar Stalkey accepted her decision without protest. “I can’t blame you, Emily,” he told her.
“That woman is just impossible,” Emily said. She stated it as a fact, simply and without rancor. “If you don’t get her out of the play, you might as well not bother sending it out on tour.”
Oscar Stalkey nodded. “I know. But I’m going to give her another two days. Things might work themselves out by that time.”
Emily Burckhardt looked doubtful but kept silent. “Have you any thoughts about my replacement?” she asked.
“Yes, I am considering Enid Partridge. She’s free and I think she’d do a nice job.”
Emily nodded in agreement. “Good choice.” She extended her hand. “Again, let me tell you how sorry I am about leaving, but you know how it is.”
“Just a minute, Emily. Do you like the part of the grandmother? I mean if it wasn’t for the other thing....”
“I love it,” Emily said with a shrug. “I would have enjoyed playing it.”
Stalkey smiled. “Well then, it’s not all bad news, anyway.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”