n how
much was collected."
"A silver tea service, or something of that kind?" enquired Natalie
Preston, one of the prefects.
"Probably: we shall have to find out what Miss Roscoe would like
best."
"And where would the celebrations come in?" asked Iris Watson.
"That also must be talked over. So far, Miss Roscoe has always
arranged a treat for the school on anniversary day, but we think this
year it ought to be the other way, and the girls arrange a treat for
Miss Roscoe and the mistresses. I'm sure they'd appreciate it."
"Each Form might have a collecting book. We ought to raise quite a
handsome sum," said Bessie Manners. "Then there could be a garden fete
for the presentation."
"Only for the school? Or would parents and friends be allowed to
come?" asked one of the Sixth.
"I don't see why they shouldn't. It would make the affair seem of more
importance. We could get up an extra fund to provide afternoon tea."
"Or get it catered for, and let people pay for their own."
"Like one does at a bazaar?"
"Exactly."
"The idea is feasible. Anybody any amendments to offer?" said Bessie.
Then a sudden and brilliant suggestion came to Gwen--one of those
lucky flashes of inspiration that occasionally, in our happier
moments, strike us.
"May I speak?" she cried impulsively, starting up.
"By all means," nodded Chairman Bessie.
"It seems to me," said Gwen, "that if we're going to do this thing at
all, it might just as easily be on a large scale as a small one. Miss
Roscoe, no doubt, would be very pleased with a silver tea service, but
I know something I believe she'd like far better. Don't you remember
how frightfully interested she is in the new Convalescent Home? She
urged us all to help it if we could. Suppose we could raise enough
money to found a cot, and call it the Rodenhurst Cot, wouldn't that be
a nice memorial?"
"After Miss Roscoe's own heart!" gasped Bessie.
"Ripping!" agreed most of the girls.
"But what would it cost? Is it possible?" enquired Olga Hunter.
"I believe it is. We have some papers at the Parsonage about the
Convalescent Home. I was looking at them only yesterday. Any donor of
L100 is to be allowed to name a cot, and nominate the special children
who occupy it. Now in this big school we ought to be able to raise
L100."
"A large order," said Natalie Preston.
"Not if it's undertaken systematically. As it's for a charitable
object we can ask subscriptions from outside
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