CHAPTER XX

PREPARING FOR RED CROSS WORK

Mary Lee and Letty permitted but a small part of the morning to pass before they brought up the subject of Mrs. Saunders' purchase.

"But, my dears, I'm not so sure that I care to buy from people who did not consider me a possible customer. I think I'll buy from someone who will give sufficient and proper importance to my purchase."

But the girls could not be put off so easily and it ended by Letty's mother laughingly agreeing to buy fifty bonds.

The meeting of the Red Cross Group was held that afternoon and both of the girls were elated with the report they were to make. Their initial success was but a spur to them for further successes and they were keen to solicit from all the other people they knew. They felt no qualms about it, for it was a patriotic duty.

Miss James was amazed by the success of the members of the group and was strong in her approval.

"Altogether," she announced, "the sixty girls who have volunteered to do this work have sold a little less than fifteen hundred bonds. Truly, a remarkable showing. It will be interesting to hear some of the accounts. Don't you think so?"

The girls agreed. Mabel Strong, one of the girls, was called on for her report.

"I sold ten bonds to my father," she announced. "My brother will buy five. However, I have only counted those I have sold."

As report followed report, it was found that in most instances those bonds that were sold were to members of families. An exception was the case of Pauline Antisdale, whose father was a well known surgeon.

"My father was one of the first to subscribe," she reported. "I was too late, so he said. I did not know what to do. Then I decided to see my father's patients for two days. Father thought for a long time before he gave the necessary permission. But," Pauline concluded in a quick manner which evidenced her excitement, "I sold fifteen bonds in this way."

"Good," Miss James exclaimed, while the entire group applauded. "That idea was original and worth while."

"I'm one of those who had to count on my family," Letty explained apologetically. "Mary Lee and I worked as partners. Mary Lee, in addition made father buy at least one hundred bonds for her money. And she has written to a Mr. Marshall in Mexico who will be sure to buy some Liberty Bonds too. And we are certain to bring in some more sales, in a few days."

Other girls made reports. When quite a number had been made, Miss James addressed the girls.

"Of course, your success is quite wonderful. May I add, however, that such deeds as Pauline's and Mary Lee's stand out. Of course, Mary Lee was able to use some money which was her own but she showed that she did not ask anyone else to do what she was not willing to do herself. Pauline and several of the other girls have shown originality. As you all know, it is the desire of the President to have all the people subscribe to the Liberty Bonds. It would be a simple matter if only those who are specially well-to-do should subscribe.

"We will continue the sale of Liberty Bonds for ten more days. After that we shall have to turn our attention to getting contributions for the Red Cross work. How much do you think we can pledge our group to collect?"

There was a pause of many minutes. Finally Ruth inquired:

"How much do they expect us to collect?"

The other girls nodded in approval of the question.

"Well," Miss James answered, "Mrs. Anderson and I saw the local representative of the Red Cross Committee, as you know. I told them that we had one hundred and twenty girls, some more active than others, some better able to collect subscriptions than others, although all are equally willing. They thought we should be able to collect three hundred dollars. Do you think that is too much?"

The girls thought for a few minutes.

"If each of us collected two dollars and fifty cents, that would mean three hundred dollars, would it not, Miss James?" one of the girls asked.

Miss James nodded her head in assent.

"We will be able to do that, of course. Let us pledge that much but make a private pledge to ourselves that we get at least five hundred dollars. I so move," said Mary Lee.

"I second that," said Ruth excitedly, while many of the other girls showed their approval of the idea.

"Very well, then," said Miss James. "We'll understand, however, that no actual attempts will be made until next week so that it does not interfere with the sale of the bonds.

"We are to have Mrs. Frances Billings for a visit next Friday evening. The Committee on Plans will arrange for a reception. Mrs. Billings, as you all know, is an official of the Red Cross work and it will be splendid for us to have her visit us. The Committee on Plans will meet tomorrow. Is there anything else?"

But nothing else had to be taken up that afternoon and the group adjourned.