“But, Aunty, it is not your fault, and you must not feel this way, especially as you are doing so much to improve the conditions,” said Mrs. Talmage.
“Well, mother, I should say that if there are 87,000 addresses to send letters to, we’d better begin that letter now, and not spoil Flutey’s pleasure by thinking of all the things she never did,” advised Ruth, very sensibly.
“Yes, that letter is very important—let us compose it,” said Aunt Selina.
After an hour of writing and rewriting, Mrs. Talmage read aloud the result of their labor:
“Dear Friend:
“The Blue Birds of Oakdale have started a philanthropic work which must appeal to everyone who is willing to help our poor children. A magazine is being published, a sample of which is being sent you, that will contain instructive, helpful, interesting articles.
“Perhaps you know that there are 87,000 benevolent institutions in this country filled with over a million and a half poor children, to whom this magazine will prove a welcome visitor. The cost of producing this magazine is partially paid for by donations, and the profit of the work is all devoted to a settlement in the country where the city children can spend the summer.
“Inclosed find a subscription blank. Make all checks payable to ‘Blue Birds of Happy Times Nest.’”
“Wish we had time to run over to the Bobolinks and order fifty thousand of these letters,” suggested Dot.
“Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to see their faces!” laughed Norma.