. Hammond was near and was soon speaking to
the girl of the Red Mill over the telephone.

"Is this the famous authoress of 'Curiosity?'" asked Mr. Hammond,
laughing. "I have received your signed contract and acceptance, and the
scenario is already in rehearsal. I hope everything is perfectly
satisfactory, Miss Fielding?"

"Oh, Mr. Hammond! I'm not joking. I want to see you very, very much."

"About 'Curiosity?'"

"Oh, no, sir! I'm very grateful to you for taking that and paying me for
it, as I told you," Ruth said. "But this is something different--and much
more important. _When_ can I see you?"

"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."

The gentleman promised, and kept the promise promptly. He heard Ruth's
idea, approved of it with enthusiasm, and went over with her the briefly
outlined sketch for "The Heart of a Schoolgirl." He was able to suggest a
number of important changes in Ruth's plan, and his ideas were all helpful
and put with tact. Mr. Hammond and Mrs. Tellingham came to an
understanding and made a written agreement, too.

Many of the pictures were to be taken at Briarwood Hall. Mrs. Tellingham,
on behalf of the dormitory fund, was to have a certain interest in the
profits of the production. These legal and technical matters Ruth had
nothing to do with. She was able, with an untrammeled mind, to go on with
the actual work of writing t