Mary Lee the Red Cross Girl

by L. T. Meade

  The girl flushed. She was hurt that the doctor should think she wouldso easily give up her life work.

  "It isn't that I don't want to do the work. That isn't why I don'twant you to talk to Dr. Anderson."

  The girl paused uncertainly. She was not quite sure that she wanted totell the real reason. Then her uncertainty vanished--it was the thingto do.

  "You see, Dr. Payson, Mrs. Anderson is helping the doctor, and sheloves the work. Dr. Anderson gave his consent but reluctantly. If youtell him to employ me, he might be even more reluctant about lettingAunt Madge help him. She loves it. So I thought it best to just let itbe known that I can't spare the time. I shall give so much more timeto the Red Cross Group, but," and the girl looked squarely into thedoctor's eyes, "I don't want you, or any one else, to think that I amundecided as to the profession I am to follow. I couldn't ever behappy and not become a nurse."

  Dr. Payson looked at the flushed girl admiringly. "I should have knownby this time how you feel about it, Mary Lee. I shall not speak to Dr.Anderson about you. And you are right, it will be a very good thing inevery way for Mrs. Anderson to do the work."

  "I knew you would understand," the girl gratefully acknowledged.

  A little later her afternoon's work was over and she left the office.The doctor, however, remained. He did not work, but sat silentlythinking. An uncertain little smile played about his mouth. A day ortwo more and he would be off for the war. He welcomed the opportunityas do all true surgeons. But he knew there would often come to him thememory of this bright, serious-minded, unselfish young girl.

  "She's true blue," he finally commented as he prepared to depart.

  CHAPTER XIX

  LETTY AND MARY LEE SELL LIBERTY BONDS

  Mr. Saunders, Letty's father, came home early the following evening.He had been down to Mexico and had just returned. Permission had beengiven by the Mexican Government for the furtherance of their plans.Tom Marshall, so he reported, was already busily at work and theprospects were very bright. Mr. Saunders spoke enthusiastically aboutthe young man, and his ability. And his respect for Jim Lee hadgreatly increased from the accounts he had received from Tom Marshalland one or two of the men who were located in the neighborhood.

  Both Letty and Mary Lee were, of course, greatly interested, thelatter for the best of reasons, although she somehow could not graspthe idea that more wealth was to be hers. She was gratified thatLetty's father--a careful, shrewd and conservative businessman--should have made an exception in behalf of her friends.

  Toward the end of the evening the girls suddenly bethought themselvesof a plan they had formulated a few days before the arrival of Letty'sfather.

  It was Letty who opened the campaign.

  "We feel it our patriotic duty to sell you a Liberty Bond--or morethan one," the girl added as the idea suddenly came to her that onewas not very much for her rich father to buy.

  "Oh," her father ejaculated in surprise. "And why, young lady?" Andhis words sounded so serious and businesslike that neither Letty norMary Lee noticed the humor lurking in his eyes. "Why should you feelit to be your duty to sell them to me?"

  "It is not only our duty to sell bonds, but it is the duty of everyonein the country." It was Mary Lee who answered and even as she spoke asudden idea came to her mind. It was still a little hazy and so shesaid nothing more.

  "How many do you think I should buy?" Mr. Saunders queried trying hardto maintain a business-like appearance.

  "How many?" Letty repeated. She tried hard to think of a number thatwould seem consistent. It was apparent to her father that she wasflustered.

  "I think five would be right," and then it occurred to her that fivewasn't enough. "I mean ten--or perhaps eight," the girl finallyconcluded, rather lamely.

  "Well, my dears, it may interest you to know that I have bought notten, nor eight, but two hundred; and I am to buy some more within thenext few days."

  "My," said Letty, in awed tones into which there crept a measure ofdisappointment. "Then we cannot sell you any? Not even one?" she addedcoaxingly, with a sudden renewal of hope.

  "You see, Mr. Saunders," Mary Lee turned to the work in hand with thefeeling that her own idea would follow as a matter of course, "wegirls in the Red Cross Group have each volunteered to sell at leastfive Liberty Bonds. Letty and I are to sell to some other people, butwe counted on you, too."

  "And you don't want your count to be in vain, do you?"

  "No, sir," both girls replied.

  "All right then, I'll buy ten. Is that satisfactory?"

  Letty hugged her father and both girls danced in glee over their firstsuccess. Mr. Saunders looked at them with great pride andsatisfaction.

  Mary Lee suddenly sobered and became business-like.

  "Mr. Saunders," she spoke diffidently.

  "Any other business into which you desire to inveigle me?" hequestioned.

  "Yes, sir," the girl replied, while Letty looked at her, a littleuncertain as to what was coming.

  The girl continued: "The money that Jim left for my use--I waswondering; of course, I don't know if it can be done--if it couldn'tbuy some Liberty Bonds."

  Mr. Saunders laughed. "Of course it could. It wouldn't be so bad aninvestment either. We'll begin by buying a hundred shares for you."

  "Thank you," Mary Lee replied, proud that Jim's money was to be usedin this way.

  "Can we turn the order in?" asked the practical Letty.

  "I suppose you can," her father replied.

  "That means, Letty," Mary Lee exclaimed in awe, "that we already haveone hundred and ten bonds sold. And we must sell some to the Andersonsand to the Camerons. I shall write to Tom Marshall and ask him to buysome, too."

  "It may be that I shall have a surprise for you by tomorrow, too," Mr.Saunders added. He was interested in their success but he also feltthat their efforts should not be too easily successful. He decided tocall up the Andersons and also the Camerons who were to return fromFlorida within the next few days and tell them not to be too easy incomplying and the reasons for it. The work of getting subscriptionswould be so much more worth-while if it did not bring too easyreturns.

  "I suppose you girls know why these bonds are being issued and whythey are called Liberty Bonds."

  "It is money for the war, and because Germany is not a democraticnation the fight against it is called a fight for Liberty, isn't it?"Mary Lee questioned.

  "There's more to it than that. If the hour were not so late I wouldgive you some of the reasons for issuing these bonds; but Mary Leegives the kernel in her explanation. Isn't it time for these youngladies to go to bed, mother?" he asked as Mrs. Saunders came into theroom.

  "That is the reason for my being here at this minute. It is time, mydears. Ten o'clock has struck long since."

  But the girls would not go until they had excitedly explained theirsuccess in selling Liberty Bonds.

  "I'm disappointed, my dears," Mrs. Saunders said. "Hurt, too. Younever thought of asking me."

  The girls looked at her for the first time in the light of a customer.

  "And what is more," Letty's mother added, taking advantage of thepause on the girls' part due to their surprise, "you can't sell me anytonight for it is too late."

  "But we surely will tomorrow," Letty replied. "So let's be off to bed,Mary Lee."

  CHAPTER XX

  PREPARING FOR RED CROSS WORK

  Mary Lee and Letty permitted but a small part of the morning to passbefore 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 didnot consider me a possible customer. I think I'll buy from someone whowill give sufficient and proper importance to my purchase."

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

  The meeting of the Red Cross Group was held that afternoon and both ofthe girls were elated with the report they were to make. Their initialsuccess was but a spur to them
for further successes and they werekeen to solicit from all the other people they knew. They felt noqualms about it, for it was a patriotic duty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  "Of course, your success is quite wonderful. May I add, however, thatsuch deeds as Pauline's and Mary Lee's stand out. Of course, Mary Leewas able to use some money which was her own but she showed that shedid 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 youall know, it is the desire of the President to have all the peoplesubscribe to the Liberty Bonds. It would be a simple matter if onlythose who are specially well-to-do should subscribe.

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

  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 localrepresentative of the Red Cross Committee, as you know. I told themthat we had one hundred and twenty girls, some more active thanothers, some better able to collect subscriptions than others,although all are equally willing. They thought we should be able tocollect 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 meanthree hundred dollars, would it not, Miss James?" one of the girlsasked.

  Miss James nodded her head in assent.

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

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

  "Very well, then," said Miss James. "We'll understand, however, thatno actual attempts will be made until next week so that it does notinterfere 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 besplendid for us to have her visit us. The Committee on Plans will meettomorrow. Is there anything else?"

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

  CHAPTER XXI

  "WHAT SHALL WE WEAR?"

  Mrs. Anderson's interest in the girls had not abated in the leastbecause of her marriage. She had watched with pride the work they haddone as members of the Red Cross Group.

  One morning each of the former Campfire Girls received an invitationto dinner at the Anderson home. Formal dinner invitations did not comeoften to the girls; they were not old enough as yet. You may be surethat it left them an excited, eager lot. The very next morning AuntMadge received eight very formal acceptances.

  She smiled for she realized that the girls were very much flattered bythe dignity of the invitation. She had purposely made it so for thatvery reason.

  Thursday morning, the day of the party, found two girls greatlyexcited, on their way to school.

  "I haven't a thing to wear," said Letty, with true feminineconsistency.

  "Nonsense," replied Mary Lee. "You surely can wear your pale bluevoile. It goes so well with your pretty new hat. But as for myself, Ihaven't a fit dress for a formal dinner party."

  Now, Mary Lee had purchased, with the aid of Letty and Mrs. Saunders,two or three simple gowns, but as this dinner was to be formal, shewas afraid none of her dresses would do for the occasion.

  "Silly," replied Letty, "if I had that love of a Georgette crepe Iwouldn't worry a minute."

  "I guess," remarked Mary Lee with great truth, "we never have thething that is altogether satisfactory, it is always something we'dlike to have."

  School was but a half day. It was so near the end of the term that anunusual amount of free time was permitted. The Campfire girls wereglad to have this leisure. They actually thought they needed it forgetting ready.

  As a matter of fact, none of them really started to dress until fiveo'clock.

  At six-thirty Letty and Mary Lee arrived. Mrs. Anderson was in formalevening dress as was Dr. Anderson.

  "I'm sure there are going to be older folks at the dinner," Ruth, whohad already arrived, whispered to Letty. "Look," and when the host andhostess were engaged elsewhere she pointed to the formality of theirattire.

  "I don't think so," replied Mary Lee, who had overheard. "It's goingto be our party only and they are treating us as grown-ups, that isall."

  And so it proved.

  The girls arrived promptly. The dinner was one of many courses. Whenit was over, Dr. Anderson arose and said:

  "I don't know just where I fit in. I guess I'm just a husband; butMrs. Anderson thought I should tell you that we're very proud of ourCampfire Girls and the unselfish work they have done; and since yourwork was the equal of work done by people who are grown-up, wethought the most fitting occasion would be a very formal dinner. It ison such occasions that older folks usually tell each other how cleverand good they are.

  "But seriously, girls, your unselfish work in this great cause is whatmakes one happy in belonging to such a country. When the time comes,all of us, young and old, will give the best that is in us for ourcountry. Pretty soon my time will come, and I shall not fail to answerthe call. But when I go, it will not be I who will do the worth-whilething--it will be my wife, who will see me go, smilingly and bravely,because it's the thing I must do.

  "It is you girls and you women, you see, who more and more are doingthe big thing in a war like this."

  Dr. Anderson continued: "I've been very fortunate in knowing you youngladies and learning of your noble work. I can readily understand whymy wife thinks so much of you. And, of course," Dr. Anderson's eyestwinkled, "I can understand why you all think so much of her."

  The girls laughed as Dr. Anderson sat down.

  "One of the reasons," said Aunt Madge, "I invited you tonight was toextend another invitation. We are leaving for Mount Hope overDecoration Day. All of you girls deserve a rest and I think it can bearranged for you to go with us. You can leave Wednesday and come backSaturday."

  The girls applauded enthusiastically.

  "Good," said Le
tty.

  "Won't it be heavenly?" said Ruth, equally enthusiastic.

  "It will be different from our Thanksgiving party, for at least it isspring--and I love spring," said Grace Olcott.

  "You're the one that loved winter, too," said Clara.

  "Well, I did," replied Grace, not a whit abashed, "I like them all asthey come."

  "If we have half as good a time," said Irma, "I'll be satisfied."

  Letty and Mary Lee said nothing. The memory of that Thanksgiving partywhen Letty had tried to make trouble for Mary Lee was not a pleasantone for Letty. Mary Lee also thought of it. She looked at Letty intowhose eyes tears began to well.

  "It's all right," whispered Mary Lee, as she put her hand overLetty's, but in a way that the other people could not see. "We're goodfriends now. Let's forget all of that."

  Letty forced back her tears and gave her friend's hand a loving pat.

  "Of course," said Aunt Madge, "you will have to receive the necessarypermission both at school and at home. I hope you will be successful."

  "Now, girls," Mrs. Anderson continued, "let's make no plans for ourparty and instead talk of what we can do in the way of making folksbuy more Liberty Bonds. You see, we want to sell more among the peoplewho would buy but a few shares."

  The conversation turned to how the Red Cross Girls could further help.Many suggestions were made and discussed.

  "I want to tell you," said Mary Lee, "that the Red Cross Committeeintends to go out for more money as soon as the sale of the LibertyBonds closes."