"I guess all our folks will be willing to help," Lluella Fairfax added.
"And," said Jennie, "here's Ruth, with a fortune in her own right."
But Ruth did not make any rejoinder to Jennie's remark and that surprised them all; for they knew Ruth Fielding was not stingy.
"We are going about this thing in the wrong way, girls," she said quietly. "At least, I think we are."
"How are we?" demanded Helen. "Surely, we all want to help Mrs. Tellingham."
"And Old Briarwood," cried Belle Tingley.
"And all the students of our Alma Mater will want to join in," maintained Lluella.
"Now you've said it!" cried Ruth, with a sudden smile. "Every girl who is now attending the dear old Hall will want to help rebuild the West Dormitory."
"All can give their mites, can't they?" demanded Jennie. "And the rich can give of their plenty."
"That is just it," Ruth went on, still seriously. "Nettie's father will give a good sum; so will Helen's; so will Mr. William Hicks, who is one of the most liberal men in the world. Therefore, the little gifts of the other girls' parents will look terribly small."