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Article FEMALE FREEMASONS. ← Page 4 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Female Freemasons.
After more mature deliberation the landlady proposed to have a chest conveyed into the Lodge-room , and there let it remain for some time , and at a farther opportunity to assist the lady into it , and then fasten the cover with a padlock to prevent suspicion ancl search . But on consideration this plan was given up , first , because of the want of ventilation , and secondly , it was so low in situation as altogether to exclude a view of the actors while engaged in their sublime mysteries ancl avocations .
Ripe in expedients , it was next proposed to make a peep-hole in the ceiling , ancl start a board in the chamber overhead , through which aperture it was theoretically obvious that the lady could gratify her curiosity to the fullest extent , she having thereby a bird ' s-eye view of the proceedings generally , ancl would experience no constraint from confinement and want of air . But this very feasible plan was relinquished for some reason that has not transpired . About this time Mrs . Maberl y attended an auction in Hanover-street , then of the most
one respectable streets in Cork , and being in want of a clock purchased what was then esteemed a handsome one , having a circular pane of glass of small dimensions in the door of it for ornament , and to satisfy folks that the clock was going , as it was intended to command a view of the pendulum on which was painted the rising sun . In those days clock cases were usually painted and japanned , and Mrs . Maberly had Masonic emblems tastefully executed in gold leaf upon the clock-case as an appropriate ornament to the Lod ge-room for which it was destined .
The clock-case was intended as a hiding-place for Mrs . Aldworth as soon as the novelty of its beauty was worn out , ancl it was agreed to leave the works with one Mr . Aiken , a clock-maker in Cork , who was informed that he might take his own time in cleaning them , Mrs . Maberly having a plan in contemplation with which the pendulum and weights would considerably interfere . When matters were ripe for accomplishment , it was resolved upon by Mrs . Aldworth and the landladthat the clock the onl
y -case was y resource that remained , ancl at all risks Mrs . Aldworth determined to conceal herself within it on the following Monday evening , about half an hour before the meeting of the members . On which night one Mr . Skiddy , a merchant , and a Mr . Coppinger were to be made , as were also three officers of the 65 th , then in quarters at Barrack-hill barracks , now employed as a depot for convict prisoner , since the building of tbe New Barracks on the hill PatrickBrid
over ' s ge . Accordingly the evening came , ancl all due preparations were made by the address and activity of the landlad y , who had Mrs . Aldworth introduced in disguise , and aided by the help of one Nelly Macmahon , the bar-maid , Mrs . Aldworth was securely placed in the clock-case , but from its limits the lady was much incommoded , she not having been able to change her position ; and but for her firmness and resolution any other would certainl the in
person y relinquish object view rather than endure the torture of remaining in one position during the protracted period of a meeting in Lodge , with extra business to prolong the ceremonies . To screen Mrs . Aldworth from observation through the circular pane of glass in the door of the clock-case , it was partiall y obscured with black paint , leaving a space sufficient for seeing through , yet so small as to escape notice . The Brethren now began to assemble , ancl at length proceeded to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Female Freemasons.
After more mature deliberation the landlady proposed to have a chest conveyed into the Lodge-room , and there let it remain for some time , and at a farther opportunity to assist the lady into it , and then fasten the cover with a padlock to prevent suspicion ancl search . But on consideration this plan was given up , first , because of the want of ventilation , and secondly , it was so low in situation as altogether to exclude a view of the actors while engaged in their sublime mysteries ancl avocations .
Ripe in expedients , it was next proposed to make a peep-hole in the ceiling , ancl start a board in the chamber overhead , through which aperture it was theoretically obvious that the lady could gratify her curiosity to the fullest extent , she having thereby a bird ' s-eye view of the proceedings generally , ancl would experience no constraint from confinement and want of air . But this very feasible plan was relinquished for some reason that has not transpired . About this time Mrs . Maberl y attended an auction in Hanover-street , then of the most
one respectable streets in Cork , and being in want of a clock purchased what was then esteemed a handsome one , having a circular pane of glass of small dimensions in the door of it for ornament , and to satisfy folks that the clock was going , as it was intended to command a view of the pendulum on which was painted the rising sun . In those days clock cases were usually painted and japanned , and Mrs . Maberly had Masonic emblems tastefully executed in gold leaf upon the clock-case as an appropriate ornament to the Lod ge-room for which it was destined .
The clock-case was intended as a hiding-place for Mrs . Aldworth as soon as the novelty of its beauty was worn out , ancl it was agreed to leave the works with one Mr . Aiken , a clock-maker in Cork , who was informed that he might take his own time in cleaning them , Mrs . Maberly having a plan in contemplation with which the pendulum and weights would considerably interfere . When matters were ripe for accomplishment , it was resolved upon by Mrs . Aldworth and the landladthat the clock the onl
y -case was y resource that remained , ancl at all risks Mrs . Aldworth determined to conceal herself within it on the following Monday evening , about half an hour before the meeting of the members . On which night one Mr . Skiddy , a merchant , and a Mr . Coppinger were to be made , as were also three officers of the 65 th , then in quarters at Barrack-hill barracks , now employed as a depot for convict prisoner , since the building of tbe New Barracks on the hill PatrickBrid
over ' s ge . Accordingly the evening came , ancl all due preparations were made by the address and activity of the landlad y , who had Mrs . Aldworth introduced in disguise , and aided by the help of one Nelly Macmahon , the bar-maid , Mrs . Aldworth was securely placed in the clock-case , but from its limits the lady was much incommoded , she not having been able to change her position ; and but for her firmness and resolution any other would certainl the in
person y relinquish object view rather than endure the torture of remaining in one position during the protracted period of a meeting in Lodge , with extra business to prolong the ceremonies . To screen Mrs . Aldworth from observation through the circular pane of glass in the door of the clock-case , it was partiall y obscured with black paint , leaving a space sufficient for seeing through , yet so small as to escape notice . The Brethren now began to assemble , ancl at length proceeded to