Betty’s…Audition?

“Oh–hello!”

“Hello.”

“I thought the house was empty. Are you…here with someone?”

“My name’s Betty.”

“Hello, Betty. The set is closed today. How did you get in?”

“Broke a hole in the sitting room window with Mummy’s umbrella.”

“Ah. Do your…does anyone know you are here?”

“I told Mummy and Daddy I wanted to come play with the animals and be in the book.”

“I see. Are they with you, your Mummy and Daddy?”

“No. Daddy said no child of his would go in the films, and Mummy locked me in the nursery.”

“Well, let’s get you back home right away. I’m sure they must be very worried.”

“No. I want to be in the book and be the little girl who lives in the lane, and is friends with the animals, and has whimsical adventures and pretty costumes.”

“We must speak with your parents about that.”

“Can’t.”

“Why not?”

“They’ve gone to Canada.”

“They…what? When?”

“This morning. After they told me I shouldn’t be allowed to be in your book, they went to Canada.”

“Come now, Betty. That doesn’t sound very plausible.”

“I want the job in your book. Have I got it?”

“Now, as I have said, we can’t hire you without consent from your parents.”

“They’re in Canada now. Forever.”

“Why didn’t they take you with them?”

“No room in the automobile. When do I get to try on the pretty costumes?”

“You stay right here, Betty. And don’t touch anything. I’m just going to telephone the nice policemen at the end of our road and–”

“No.”

“I’m afraid that I must, Betty.”

“Have you ever been to Canada?”

“Yes, but…what?”

“Maybe you should go to Canada, too. Like Mummy and Daddy. Maybe you should go there and not come back.”