CHAPTER XIX
ADVENTURE
In the dawn of the next morning Ruth arose and rearranged all her stock of supplies and corrected the schedule of goods on hand. Despite her recent activities she had kept her accounts up to date and every record was properly audited.
Before Helen Cameron and Jennie Stone even knew how Ruth proposed making use of them, the girl of the Red Mill had explained her plan fully to the matron. That the Americaine Mademoiselle was so friendly with the grand folk at the chateau rather awed the Frenchwoman. She could find no fault with anything Ruth did.
But there was a great outcry when, at breakfast, Ruth explained to Helen and Jennie that she was called away from the hospital on private and important business, and for several days.
"She's running away to be married!" gasped Jennie Stone. "Treason!"
"Your romantic imagination is ever on tap, isn't it, Heavy?" responded Ruth with scorn.
"That's all right," returned the plump girl sharply. "You look out for your brother Tom, Helen Cameron."
"But it may be one of these French officers," Helen said, with more mildness. "Some of them are awfully nice."