and other people
have thought the same thing.

Occasionally, when she had been to a film show, Ruth had wondered why she
could not write a playlet quite as good as many she saw, and get money for
it. But it had been only a thought; she knew nothing about the technique
of the scenario, or how to go about getting an opinion upon her work if
she should write one.

Here chance had thrown her into the company of a girl who was working for
the films, and evidently was of some importance in the moving picture
companies, despite the treatment she had received from the unpleasant
director, Mr. Grimes.

Ruth remembered now of having seen Hazel Gray upon the screen more than
once within the year. She was regarded as a coming star, although she had
not achieved the fame of many actresses for the silent drama who were no
older.

So Ruth, feeling the importance of the occasion, selected from her store
the very prettiest night gown that she owned--one she had never even worn
herself--and brought it down stairs to the girl who had been in the river.
A little later Hazel Gray was between Aunt Alvirah's blankets, and was
sipping her hot tea.

"My dear! you are very, very good to me," she said, clinging to Ruth's
hand. You and the dear little old lady. Are you as good to every stranger
who comes your way?"

"Aunt Alvirah is, I'm sure," replied Ruth, laughing and blushing. Somehow,
despite the fact that the young actress was only two or three years older
than herself, the girl of the Red Mill felt much more immature than Miss
Gray.

"You belittle your own kindness, I am sure," said Hazel. "And that _dear_
boy who got me out of the river--Where is he?"

"Unseeable at present," laughed Ruth. "He is dressed in some of Uncle
Jabez's clothing, a world too big for him. But Tom _is_ one of the dearest
fellows who ever lived."

"You think a great deal of him, I fancy?"

"Oh, yes, indeed!" cried Ruth, innocently. "His sister is my very dearest
friend. We go to Briarwood Hall together."

"Briarwood Hall? I have heard of that. We go there soon, I understand. Mr.
Hammond is to take some pictures in and around Lumberton."

"Oh!" exclaimed Ruth. 'That will be nice! I hope we shall see you up
there, Miss Gray, for Helen and I go back to school in a week."

"Whether I see you there or not," said the young actress with a sigh, "I
hope that I shall be able some time to repay you for what you do for me
now. You are entirely too kind."

"Pe