Under cover of the confusion, Grace and her three friends slipped out of the library.

“‘The play’s the thing,’” quoted Nora, “and me for it.”

“That is for the judges to decide,” said Jessica sagely.  “Perhaps they won’t even look at you.”

“Do you think any one could see my Irish countenance and fail to be impressed?” demanded Nora.

“Really and truly, Nora, the more you travel with Hippy, the more you talk like him,” remarked Grace.

“I consider that a compliment,” replied Nora, laughing.  “Hippy says awfully funny things.”

“Look at our little Anne,” said Jessica.  “She is actually dreaming.  Tell us about it, dear.”

“I was thinking of the play,” said Anne dreamily.  “I do so want a part, if only a little one.”

“You’ll be chosen for Rosalind, see if you aren’t,” predicted Grace.

“Oh, no,” said Anne.  “Some one else will be sure to get that.  Besides, I’m too short.”

“But, Anne, you’ve had stage experience,” said Jessica.  “You ought to get it.”

“Not in a Shakespearian play,” replied Anne, shaking her head.  “I might not do well at all with that kind of part.”

“Never fear, you’ll be the star before you know it,” said Nora.

By Friday, there was nothing on the school horizon save the cherished play.  Before school, at recess, and even in classes it was the topic of the hour.  To the eager girls the day seemed particularly long, and a heartfelt sigh went up when the dismissal gong rang.

As the four chums hurried toward the gymnasium, Anne suddenly caught Grace by the arm with a faint gasp of surprise.  Glancing quickly down at her friend to ascertain the cause of Anne’s sudden agitation, Grace saw her friend’s eyes following the figure of a tall, distinguished-looking man who was just disappearing down the corridor leading to the gymnasium.

“What’s the matter, Anne?” asked Grace.  “Do you know that man?”

“No,” replied Anne, “but I know who he is.”

“He must be a remarkable person, considering the way you gasped and clutched me,” laughed Grace.

“That man is Everett Southard, the great Shakespearian actor,” said Anne almost reverently.  “I saw him in ‘Hamlet’ and his acting is wonderful.”

“No wonder you were surprised,” said Grace.

“It fairly takes my breath.  I’ve seen ever so many pictures of him and read magazine articles about him.  What do you suppose he is doing in Oakdale, and at the High School—­of all places?”

“Time will tell,” said Nora.  Then she suddenly clasped her hands.  “O girls, I know!  He’s here for the try-out!”

“Why of course he is,” exclaimed Grace.  “Now I remember Miss Tebbs showed me a magazine picture of him one day last year, and told me that she had known him since childhood.  Besides, he is playing a three-night engagement in Albany.  I read it in the paper last night.  It’s as plain as can be.  Miss Tebbs has asked him to run up here and pick out the cast.”