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of the Unitarian Association.
I confess that it was not without trepidation that I heard the toast-master say to the assembled company, ‘I crave your attention for Julia Ward Howe.’
My heart, however, was so full of my theme that I spoke very readily, without hesitation, and, if I might judge by the applause which followed, with some acceptance.
Sir John Bowring now made my acquaintance, and complimented me upon my speech.
The eloquent French preacher, Athanase Coquerel, also spoke with me. The occasion was to me a memorable one.
I had already attended the anniversary meeting of the English Peace Society, and had asked permission to speak, which had been denied me on the ground that women never had spoken at these meetings.
Finding but little encouragement for my efforts from existing societies in London, I decided to hire a hall of moderate size, where I myself might speak on Sunday afternoons.
The Freemasons' Tavern presented one just suited to my undertaking.
With the help of a friend, the meeting was properly advertised, and I betook myself thither on the first Sunday afternoon, strong in the belief that my effort was of the right sort, but very uncertain as to its result.
Arriving at Freemasons Tavern, I asked the doorkeeper whether there was any one in the hall.
‘Oh, yes!
a good many,’ he said.
I entered
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