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.