Chapter I: Preface

In a life written by a friend for friends there must of necessity be more of the intimacy of private friendship than in a record written dispassionately for an unknown public. The world in general knows Frances Mary Buss as a public worker—capable, energetic, successful. By her friends she was loved as one of the most womanly of women—true, and tender, and loyal. Her work, to which all women of this generation owe so much, must assume prominence in the story of her life; but what is most desired is to show her as she was to her friends.

My warmest thanks are here offered to all who have so freely and so kindly helped me in this labour of love: first, to Miss Buss’ own family and personal friends, and to old pupils; to Mrs. Bryant, D.Sc., and the members of the staff in both schools; and, for many valuable educational details, to Miss Emily Davies, Miss Beale, Mrs. William Grey, Miss Shirreff, Miss Mary Gurney, Miss Agnes J. Ward, Miss Hughes, and Dr. and Mrs. Fitch.

A. E. R.

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
INTRODUCTORY—THEN AND NOW 1

BOOK I.

EARLY LIFE.

I. CHILDHOOD 25
II. GIRLHOOD 41
III. INFLUENCE 58
IV. HELPFULNESS 73

BOOK II.

PUBLIC WORK.

I. TRANSITION 87

II. “WE WORK IN HOPE” 103

III. “THE SISTERS OF THE BOYS” 117

IV. TIMELY HELP 131

V. TRIUMPH 146

VI. WITH HER FELLOW-WORKERS 166

VII. LIFE AT MYRA LODGE 181

VIII. EARLY EDUCATIONAL IDEALS 200

IX. PRACTICAL WORK 215

X. THE HEAD-MISTRESSES’ 231
ASSOCIATION

XI. UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR WOMEN 252

XII. TRAINING COLLEGES FOR TEACHERS 273

XIII. GENERAL INTERESTS 287