Mrs. Tellingham looked up with a smile when she saw Ruth coming. She always had a smile for the girl of the Red Mill.
The preceptress, however, was a sharp reader of faces. Her own expression of countenance did not change, for other girls were looking; but she saw that something serious had occurred.
"What is it, Ruth?" she asked, the instant her low whisper could reach Ruth's ear.
The girl, looking straight at her, made the letters "F-I-R-E" with her lips. But she uttered no sound. Mrs. Tellingham understood, however, and demanded:
"Where?"
"West Dormitory, Mrs. Tellingham," said Ruth, coming closer.
"Are you positive?"
"I can see it from my seat. On the second floor. In one of the duo rooms at this side."
Ruth spoke these sentences in staccato; but her voice was low and she preserved an air of calmness.
"Good girl!" murmured Mrs. Tellingham. "Go out quietly and then run and tell Tony. Do you know where he is?"