"Any time after breakfast and before bedtime, my dear," Mr. Hammond assured her. "Do you want to come to town, or shall I come to Briarwood Hall?"
"If you would come here you could see Mrs. Tellingham, too, and that would be lots better," Ruth assured him.
"The principal of your school?" he asked, in surprise.
"Yes, Mr. Hammond. One of our buildings has burned down——"
"Oh! I saw that in the paper," interposed the gentleman. "It is too bad."
"It is tragic!" declared Ruth, earnestly. "There was no insurance, and all us girls want to help build a new dormitory. I have a plan—and you can help——"
"We—ell," said Mr. Hammond, doubtfully. "How much does this mean?"
"I don't know. If the idea is as good as I think it is, Mr. Hammond," Ruth told him, placidly, "you will make a lot of money, and so will Briarwood Hall."
"Hullo!" ejaculated the gentleman. "You expect to show me how to make some money? I thought you wanted a contribution."
"No. It is a bona fide scheme for making money," laughed Ruth. "Do run out sometime to-day and let me talk you into it. You shall meet Mrs. Tellingham, too."