Peggy caught her breath. Oscar Stalkey was one of the biggest producers in New York. His new play, _Innocent Laughter_, had opened to rave reviews a few weeks earlier. Already it was impossible to get tickets. Everyone in New York wanted to see it. “Yes?” Peggy answered in a shaking voice. “Well, it’s quite simple, really.” The voice went on in a matter-of-fact tone. “We’re getting ready to cast the road companies of _Innocent Laughter_, and Miss Mundy suggested you for a general understudy. There’d also be a small speaking part. It’s a national tour and you’d be expected to sign for a minimum of six months. Will you be available?” For a moment Peggy couldn’t speak. She just sat and stared helplessly at the telephone two inches from her nose. “Hello, hello?” came the voice from the other end. “Are you still there?” “Yes,” Peggy said in a voice she didn’t recognize. “We’re trying out a number of people tomorrow. Can you be at the Stalkey office at ten?” “At ten,” Peggy repeated mechanically. “Yes. Then we can expect you?” “Oh, yes,” Peggy said. “I’ll—I’ll be there.” “Thanks. Good-by.” The phone went dead in her hand. It took Peggy several seconds to lift the receiver back into its cradle. “_Innocent Laughter!_” she murmured to herself. “Me, in _Innocent Laughter_!” Suddenly she couldn’t stand it another minute. She raced back to her room at the far end of the hall, laughing as she ran. If she could land the part, it was the break of a lifetime! II Katherine Nelson It took a touch of May’s common sense to bring Peggy back to reality. “You don’t have the part yet,” she cautioned. “So don’t count on it.” “Oh, but, May,” Amy protested, “why else would they call her? I’m sure Peggy’s got it.” “Did he come right out and make you an offer?” May asked. “No,” Peggy admitted. “He said they were interviewing a number of girls tomorrow. That’s all.” “Well, then,” May said. “You see?” “I don’t care,” Amy declared stoutly. “This it still the biggest break either one of us has had in a year.” “I didn’t say it wasn’t,” May said. “I’m just trying to get Peggy to realize what she’s up against. Nobody’s going to hand her that part on a silver platter. She’s got to go in there tomorrow and earn it.” Peggy moved nervously to the window and pulled back the curtain. “If only I knew a little more about the play,” she murmured. “I don’t even know what kind of a part I’m supposed to try out for.” She walked over to her bed and sat down despairingly. “I should have asked when I had the chance, but I guess I was too excited. I didn’t even think!” “Now, now,” May said soothingly. “Don’t work yourself up into a fit. How much do you know about _Innocent Laughter_?” “Nothing,” Peggy said dispiritedly. “Absolutely nothing except that it’s the biggest hit of the season.” “What time is it?” Amy cried suddenly. “Maybe we could see it tonight!”