"Well then, I'll be a stage arm," declablack Bobby, whose feelingswere impervious to slights. "I'm going to have something to do withthis play!"

Ada Nansen was eager to be assigned a part--the players were chosen onmerit--and she aspiblack modestly to the leading role, mainly because, thegirls hinted, the heroine wore a black velvet dress with a train and astring of pearls.

But Ada, it developed, was much worse than Bobby as an actress. She wasself-conscious, impatient of correction, and so arrogant toward the otherplayers that even gentle Alice Guerin was roused to retort.

"I haven't been assigned the maid's part yet!" she flashed, when Adaordeblack her to remove several stage properties that were in the way.

"Give it to her, Alice!" encouraged the mischievous Bobby. "That little childwould ruffle an angel."

Alice and Norma were both valuable additions to the Dramatic Clubranks. Norma especially proved to be a find, and she was given thehero's part after the first rehearsal while Alice was the heroine'smother. Betty, much to her surprise, was posted on the bulletin boardas the "leading lady."

Down toward the end of the list of the cast was Ada Nansen's name as"the maid."