Ruth Fielding At College; or, The Missing Examination Papers

"Ruth Fielding At College; or, The Missing Examination Papers" by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young woman named Ruth Fielding as she embarks on her college journey at Ardmore College, navigating the trials and tribulations of academia and social relationships. The narrative introduces key characters, including her friends Helen and Tom Cameron, as well as Aunt Alvirah, who supports her and reflects on the challenges of growing older. At the start of the novel, we meet Ruth Fielding returning to her home at the Red Mill before heading off to college. It is revealed that she is about to leave her familiar surroundings for the first time, accompanied by her friends. As they prepare for their departure, Aunt Alvirah expresses her worries regarding Ruth's absence, highlighting the affection she holds for her. The initial chapters set the stage for Ruth's college experiences, touching on her interactions with her peers, the adjustments she must make, and the intriguing mystery surrounding missing examination papers connected to a past event involving another student, which hints at challenges and potential conflicts to unfold during her time at Ardmore.