13 Zerelda’s Unfortunate Rehearsal¹
Miss Hibbert took a great deal of trouble in producing the school plays. She gave her time to each form in turn, and really achieved some excellent results. This term it was the third form’s turn. They were to give the play towards the end of the term. They were thankful not to be doing French plays. Both the Mam’zelles took a hand in producing those, and as they had quite different ideas about acting², it was a little trying for the actors.
“Does Miss Hibbert choose the characters the first time?” asked Zerelda.
“Oh no—she tries us all out in almost every part several times,” said Darrell. “She does that for two reasons—she says that in that way she really does find the right actor for every part—and we all get to know every part of the play and work better as a team.”
“Gee, that’s wunnerful—I mean, wonderful,” said Zerelda. “I’ve been studying Juliet’s part. It’s a lovely one. Would you like to hear me do some of the lines?”
“Well—I’m just going out to my lacrosse practice,” said Darrell. “Sorry! Look—ask Alicia. She’s got nothing to do this period.”
But Alicia was not going to admire Zerelda’s Juliet. She got up hastily. “Sorry! I’ve got to go to a meeting, Zerelda. But I’m sure you’d be just wunnerful!”
“I’ll hear you, Zerelda,” said Gwendoline, glad of an opportunity to please the American girl. “Let’s go into one of the empty music-practice-rooms, where you won’t be disturbed. It will be lovely to see you act. I’m sure you must be awfully³ good. As good as—what’s the star you like so much—oh yes, Lossie Laxton!”
“Well, maybe I’m not up to her standard yet,” said Zerelda, fluffing up her hair in the way Lossie did on the films. “Okay, Gwen—we’ll go to a practice-room.”
But they were all full, and music sounded from each of them, with the exception of one at the end. Irene was there, poring over a music score.
“I say, Irene,” said Gwen, going in, “can you . . .”
“Go away,” said Irene, fiercely. “I’m busy. Can’t you see?”
“Well, you’re not needing the piano, are you?” said Zerelda. “Can’t you do your work, whatever it is, somewhere else?”

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