“A. M. Hall.
“I shall have a great deal more to say on this matter hereafter, if I live.”
This letter was as discouraging as it was unexpected. But I bided my time. Happily, Miss Jones had succeeded better. She not only received a donation of £30 from Miss Caroline Haddon, but Mrs. Offord, Miss Haddon’s sister, became a member of the Board, and by her practical knowledge gave a sympathy most helpful to Miss Buss. Hearty adherence had also been secured from Mr. E. C. Robins, a successful architect, who made schools his spécialité. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robins proved valuable friends to Miss Buss’ work, as they have since done to the Hampstead High School, to the New Technical Schools, and the Hampstead Branch of the Parents’ Union, started by themselves.
Mr. Robins first of all demanded a personal statement of her needs from Miss Buss, as he said—
“We are interested in her; in her experience; in her aspirations;—we want to know her ultimate aims. We want a sketch contrasting what is provided for middle-class boys with what is provided for middle-class girls; also how this particular scheme is likely to effect the desired result.”
This paper was accordingly drawn up, with Miss Buss, Mrs. Robins, Miss Jones, and myself as honorary secretaries, and we confidently expected to get the £1000 which was then the modest limit of our hopes.
Soon after this all the friends of the movement were gathered together at a drawing-room meeting at Myra Lodge, that they might see Miss Buss, and hear from herself of her plans. Her notes at this time are in curious contrast with those written nine years after in the height of her fame—
“Nov. 20, 1870.
“My dear Miss Ridley,
“Many thanks for your note; you have worked hard and successfully. I have invited several people, but as yet the number of acceptances only amount to fourteen.