THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY 



were so ladylike in their caligraphy. These, of 

 course, were days anterior to the advent of the 

 lady-clerk, when those of the gentler sex were 

 supposed either to devote themselves to spinning 

 or its modern-day equivalent, or to sit with folded 

 hands ; any participation in male activities was 

 in genteel circles apt to be regarded as unladylike. 

 I am not at all sure that suspicions were not 

 aroused in some homesteads when envelopes arrived 

 on which the pot-hooks and hangers bore the 

 evident impress of feminality. However, the 

 raising of the veil set all doubts at rest, particu- 

 larly when it was realized that it was the only 

 way of getting necessary work done. So ere 

 long the new official became in the minds of the 

 members part and parcel of the establishment, 

 and when, on festive occasions, the toast of the 

 secretary was honoured, it was usual for a sup- 

 plementary and complimentary recognition of his 

 co-worker to be called for. This being a faithful 

 record of how I fought my way towards my 

 ultimate goal, and how I was able to tide over 

 many real difficulties, I should be claiming too 

 much credit for myself did I not acknowledge my 

 indebtedness to one whose help went far towards 

 enabling me to hold the fort. 



Then came the eventful day in May, 1871, when 

 the success or failure of the Thame Show would 

 go far to decide the future fate of the Society 

 and myself. The sky was lowering, but our 

 spirits rose as the country-folk poured in, though 

 there was more rain than one liked. But, not- 

 withstanding that the elements were somewhat 

 against us, there was a bustle and go about the 



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