It says volumes for the spirit of the age when the Atheneum makes provision for the entertainment of ladies. I believe it is possible to put up fcr the Atheneum and be elected, after 20 or 30 years, as an ordinary member, but of course the tradition is that you are invited to join after doing something frightfully distinguished in the scientific, literary, cheerful and comforting. Most of us would sooner have sooty atmosphere than give up the joys of the open fire place.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.