In the Fifth at Malory Towers (19 page)

Irene came up beside her and bowed. She was clapped and cheered.

“And there was Belinda who designed everything,” went on Darrell, and Belinda was pushed out from behind the curtain, beside her. “And Sally helped me all the time.” Out came Sally, blushing.

“Moira and Betty were co-producers,” said Darrell, warming up a little “Here they are. Oh, and Janet did all the costumes!”

They appeared, beaming, and got a large share of claps and cheers.

“And Mavis ought to come, too, because she helped so much with the singing — and trained the chorus,” said Darrell. Mavis sidled out shyly, and got a tremendous ovation.

“Oh — and I mustn’t forget Pop!” said Darrell — and much to everyone’s delight out came the handyman in waistcoat and green baize apron looking completely bemused and extremely proud. He bowed several times and then disappeared like a jack-in-the-box.

And then it was really all over. One last long clap, one last long shout — it was over.

“I wish I could hold this moment for ever and ever,” thought Darrell, peeping through the curtains once again. “My first play — my first success! I don’t want this moment to go!”

Hold it then, Darrell, while we slip away. It’s your own great moment. There’ll never be another quite like it!

The End