[Illustration: _“I’ve wanted to tell you, Peggy,” said Chris, “what fun it is working with you.”_] PEGGY LANE THEATER STORIES _Peggy Goes Straw Hat_ By VIRGINIA HUGHES Illustrated by Sergio Leone GROSSET & DUNLAP _Publishers_ NEW YORK © GROSSET & DUNLAP, INC., 1963 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONTENTS 1 The Arrival 1 2 A Serious Complication 15 3 A Broadcast 27 4 A Favorable Decision 41 5 Opening Night 48 6 Chance Encounter 58 7 Unfair Play 74 8 An Explanation 85 9 A Lifeline 96 10 Friends—New and Old 108 11 Quick Thinking 121 12 Varied Explosions 131 13 Double Trouble 143 14 Ups and Downs 156 15 Summer Stock 168 PEGGY GOES STRAW HAT I The Arrival Eight hours after leaving New York City, the rickety old Pathways Bus lurched to a bouncing halt in a small Adirondack mountain town. Peggy Lane rose from her seat and somewhat shakily managed to collect her handbag, a small suitcase, a hatbox, two coats, and her precious tin make-up kit. “I wonder if I really look like an actress or more like a walking luggage rack?” she thought excitedly as she stepped down from the bus. The scene that greeted her was breath-taking; Peggy gasped aloud with delight. Before her, Lake Kenabeek lay gleaming like a jewel in the afternoon sun. Pine trees rose everywhere and although it was summer there was a delicious nip and tang in the air. Peggy’s heart raced with eagerness and the familiar nervous anticipation she always felt when approaching something new. She had been hired as resident ingénue for eight wonderful weeks with her first summer stock company. Each week she would be playing a different part, gaining invaluable experience, and learning new phases of life backstage.