‘It is thought that a protest in act is specially needed in these days, now that teachers are so highly paid, and that an association of teachers who should be ready to take up any work required, whether it was paid or not, would be able to carry on work more effectively and continuously than an unorganised body of women. ‘It is proposed, therefore, that after three years,—ten of those who agree in this general principle should unite together as members of the Society of St. Hilda,—that they should pay, if young, into the funds of the Society whatever they earn from that time (but keeping complete control over any invested property), the Society providing them a fixed salary, a home when disengaged or out of health, but holding a right to send them out to any work which seems needed. The community may, if two-thirds agree, reject any member on returning to her what she has paid in, minus a fair sum for her maintenance. A member may withdraw with half any calculated surplus of earnings over expenditure, on giving one year’s notice. Some members might reside permanently and assist in various ways as writers and editors. ‘It is proposed that the members contributing the money should form the governing body,—elect a Superior,—that the votes should be in proportion to the money contributed. That all the money should, after paying maintenance, be expended, after leaving a moderate reserve fund, on providing some charitable work, and that the members should, at the will of the Superior, be assigned to any post she may think fit. ‘The work should be primarily teaching or assisting in some way in educational work amongst rich or poor, specially religious teaching, to which, it is hoped, some members will chiefly devote themselves, _e.g._ by lectures, by corresponding with those who need advice or help in religious matters, opening the house to receive as visitors any who need a time of quiet and retreat doing mission work at home and abroad. There should be only a very simple rule to be signed by the workers. Prayer at morning, evening, and midday; and such special rules as seem desirable. A holiday in proportion to the character of the work. The dress should be simple, but not conspicuous, and some badge should be worn by the members.’ In this connection it is interesting to read this extract from a letter written to a teacher who was unsettled as to her vocation, and was contemplating entering a sisterhood:— ‘_April 89._