When the gong sounded dismissal, about sixty girls with dramatic aspirations made for the library.  The Phi Sigma Tau entered in a body.  They had decided at recess to carry away as many laurels as possible, providing they could get into the cast.

Miss Tebbs, teacher of elocution; Miss Kane, teacher of gymnastics, and Miss Thompson stood at one side of the library talking earnestly as they noted each newcomer.

“Oh, look!” whispered Jessica, clutching Nora’s arm.  “There’s Eleanor and her crowd.”

“Then look out for squalls,” replied Nora.  “She’ll try to be the whole cast, and will get a magnificent case of sulks if she can’t have her own way.”

“Sh-h-h,” warned Eva Allen.  “She’ll hear you.  Besides, Miss Thompson is going to speak.”

The principal held up her hand for silence and the groups of girls engaged in subdued conversation ceased talking and turned their attention toward her.

“You are all aware that each year the senior class gives a play, which they choose, manage and produce with no assistance save that given by Miss Tebbs,” said the principal.  “So far the three lower classes have never given a play.  Some time ago Miss Tebbs suggested that as we need money for special books in the library which our yearly appropriation does not cover, we might present a Shakespearian play with good effect, choosing the cast from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes.

“The first thing to be thought of is the play itself.  After due consideration, we decided that ‘As You Like It’ is better suited to our needs than any of the other Shakespearian dramas.  In it are twenty-one speaking characters, besides numerous lords, pages and attendants.  We shall probably use about fifty girls, thus making it an elaborate production.  By the attendance this afternoon I should imagine that you are heartily in favor of our project and that we shall have no trouble in making up the cast.  As Miss Tebbs has charge of the situation, I yield the floor to her.  She will explain to you about the giving out of the parts.”

There was an enthusiastic clapping of hands as Miss Thompson smiled and nodded to the girls, then left the room.  Miss Tebbs then stated that on Friday afternoon after school there would be a “try out” for parts in the gymnasium, in order to find out what girls were most capable of doing good work in the cast.  Just what the test would be had not been decided.  It would be well, however, to study the chosen play and become familiar with it; also each girl must bring a copy of the play with her.  If the girls wished to ask any questions, she would answer them as far as possible.  Miss Kane would help with the posing and coaching when the thing was fairly started.

The girls crowded around Miss Tebbs and Miss Kane, asking all sorts of questions.

“One at a time, girls,” laughed Miss Tebbs.  “I have not asked you to enact a mob scene.”