s_. It'll be more fun than
moping here alone."

"Well, I'll just cover my eyes and ears when Innocent Delight comes on,"
Agnes declared.

But Trix was not at the rehearsal. Information from the Severn house
revealed the fact that the family was still at Pleasant Cove. It was
evident that Trix's interest in _The Carnation Countess_ had flagged.

Professor Ware gathered the principal professionals around him. His
speech was serious. They had given the performance in several cities and
large towns, and had whipped into shape some very unpromising material;
but the director admitted that he was discouraged with the outlook here.

"I am inclined to say right here and now: Give it up. Not that the
children as a whole do not average as high in quality as those of other
schools; but the talent is lacking to take the amateur parts which have
always been assigned to the girls and boys. The girls' parts are
especially weak.

"One or two bad parts might be ignored--overlooked by a friendly
audience. But here is this Innocent Delight girl, not here at all at
the most important rehearsal we have had. And she is _awful_ in her
part, anyway; I admit it.

"I was misinformed regarding her. I received a note before the parts
were given out, stating that she had had much experience in amateur
theatricals. I do not believe that she ever even acted in parlor
charades," added the professor, in disgust. "She must have a friendly
letter-writer who is a professional booster.

"Well, it is too late to change such a part, I am afraid. But to read
her lines this afternoon, all through the play, will cripple us
terribly. Even if she is a stick, she can look the part, and walk
through it."

Somebody tugged at the professor's sleeve. When he looked around he saw
a flaxen-haired boy with a very eager face.

"I say, Professor! there's a girl here that knows Trix Severn's part
better than she does herself."

"What's this? Another booster?" demanded the director, sorrowfully.

"Just try her! She knows it all by heart. And she's a blonde."

"Why haven't I seen her before, if she's so good? Is she in the chorus?"
demanded the doubtful professor.

"She hasn't had any part in the play at all--yet," declared Neale
O'Neil, banking all upon this chance for Agnes. "But you just try her
out!"

"She knows the lines?"

"Perfectly," declared the boy, earnestly.

He dared say no more, but he watched the professor's face sharply.

"I don't suppos