Mann gave that candidate an hour's training in the part Hester was supposed
to fill.

When they all came together for rehearsal again the second day, Hester
Grimes was present and she showed the effect of Mr. Mann's personal help.
Yet her work was so stiffly done, and she was so awkward, that it seemed to
most of the girls that she was bound to hurt and hinder rather than help in
the production.

"She'd put a crimp in anything," declared Bobby Hargrew, as the Hill girls
went home that afternoon.

The streets in this residential section had been pretty well cleared of
snow, and people had their automobiles out once more.

"Say, Jess!" exclaimed Bobby.

"Say it," urged Josephine Morse. "I promise not to bite you."

"If Hester plays that part, what are they going to do with her hands and
feet?" asked the unkind Bobby.

"Oh, hush!" exclaimed Laura.

"Well, when she's supposed to pick the rose and hold it up to the light,
and kiss it, her hand is going to look like a full-grown lobster--and just
as red."

"Girls, we must not!" begged Laura. "Somebody will surely tell Hester what
we say, and then--"