“Wise little Nora,” said Grace, patting her on the shoulder.  “Here comes Miss Tebbs now.”  She stepped courteously aside to allow the teacher to enter the dressing room, then, following her, closed the door.

“What is this I hear about losing your costumes, Anne?” asked Miss Tebbs rather impatiently.  “I cautioned the girls last night about taking care of their things.”

Anne flushed at the teacher’s curt tones.

“I put them all in that corner, plainly marked, before I left here last night,” she answered.  “When I came here to-night they were gone.”

“That is strange,” said the elder woman.  “Have you made a thorough search for them in the other room?”

“We’ve gone over every inch of the ground,” exclaimed Jessica, “and we can’t find a trace of them.  We didn’t ask any of the girls about them, because if we couldn’t find them we feel sure the others couldn’t.  So we just kept quiet.”

“I don’t know what is to be done, I’m sure,” said Miss Tebbs in an anxious tone.  “It is eight o’clock now and the curtain is supposed to run up at 8.15.  I can hold it until 8.30, but no longer.  The house is already well filled.  You might get through the first act in a borrowed gown, Anne, but what can you do in the second?  You know how that costume had to be altered to fit you.  If it can be found before the second act, all will be well, but suppose you go on in the first act, and it can’t be found, what then?  You will spoil the whole production by appearing in an incorrect or misfit costume, besides bitterly disappointing the two girls who will have to give up their costumes to you.  It is doubly provoking, because Mr. Southard is here to-night, and is particularly anxious to see your work.”

“Miss Tebbs,” exclaimed Grace, “Eleanor Savell has a complete ‘Rosalind’ outfit.  She had it made purposely.  One of the girls told me so.  You know she understudies Anne.  Couldn’t Anne use that?”

“Impossible, Grace,” said Miss Tebbs.  “Eleanor is taller than Anne.  Anne’s lack of height is her one drawback.  If she had not shown such exceptional talent, ‘Rosalind’ would have certainly fallen to Miss Savell or yourself.  I am very sorry, but it looks as though Miss Savell will have to play Rosalind after all, and she must be notified at once.”

The three chums turned to Anne, who was biting her lip and trying hard to keep back her tears.  Nora and Jessica looked their silent sympathy, but Grace stood apparently wrapped in thought.

Miss Tebbs moved toward the door, but as she placed her hand on the knob Grace sprang eagerly forward.

“Miss Tebbs,” she cried, “don’t ask Miss Savell.  I believe I can find those costumes yet.  Wait here and in five minutes I’ll tell you whether I have succeeded.  Please don’t ask me what I am going to do.  Just trust me and wait.  You will let me try, won’t you?” she pleaded.

“Certainly, my child,” said Miss Tebbs, “but remember time is precious.  I’ll give you five minutes, but if——­”