I begged, if it was not too much trouble, to know what the regulations were.
'The first rule,' continued Mrs Maynard, 'was that whoever chose to take the benefit of this asylum, for such I may justly call it, should deposit in the hands of a person appointed for that purpose, whatever fortune she was mistress of, the security being approved by her and her friends, and remaining in her possession. Whenever she leaves the society, her fortune should be repaid her, the interest in the mean time being appropriated to the use of the community. The great design of this was to preserve an exact equality between them; for it was not expected that the interest of any of their fortunes should pay the allowance they were to have for their clothes. If any appeared to have secreted part of her fortune she should be expelled from the society.
'Secondly, each person to have a bed-chamber to herself, but the eating-parlour and drawing-room in common.
'Thirdly, all things for rational amusement shall be provided for the society; musical instruments, of whatever sort they shall choose, books, tents for work, and in short conveniences for every kind of employment.
'Fourthly, they must conform to very regular hours.
'Fifthly, a housekeeper will be appointed to manage the household affairs, and a sufficient number of servants provided.
'Sixthly, each person shall alternately, a week at a time, preside at the table, and give what family orders may be requisite.
'Seventhly, twenty-five pounds a year shall be allowed to each person for her clothes and pocket expenses.
'Eighthly, their dress shall be quite plain and neat, but not particular nor uniform.
'Ninthly, the expenses of sickness shall be discharged by the patronesses of this society.