The
Diary
of a Young Lady
September 1883 - January 1884
Below are
some extracts From my Great Grandmother's diary. Grandmother was
13 or 14 years old at the beginning of this series of excerpts
(we do not have an exact date of birth), although she was French
she was living in southern UK.
I have
interrupted and somewhat condensed them, as the diary is in
French. I had to annotate the text somewhat where her entries
are unclear, which is displayed in brackets [ ]. Please forgive
any inaccuracy.
As the diary
continues over the next months toward holiday season dressing
etc, and toward sending her to a 'Finishing School', which will
be submitted later.
Sept 14,
1883
Today was a
wonderful day as I finally received my corsets. I was surprised
that I received three sets, real corsets. Two of which are
identical and beautiful, but some longer then I expected, going
from just below my armpit to the middle of my hips. The third,
which I have not worn yet is much longer and of thick calf skin,
along with much stiffer boning. My sisters have cautioned me not
to incline mother to lace me into the last set as they are most
restrictive, and although I have seen how uncomfortable they
appear while wearing theirs I am very curious about how they
feel.
Immediately
when the corsetiere drew my laces in I could tell I would enjoy
then, the feel of their tightness against my skin and the new
posture it induced was wonderful. I feel slightly disappointed
that my mother would not allow me laced down more then she will,
as I long to quickly develop a waist like my sisters, but mother
said to be patient..... I am surprised that I must adjust more
then expected to my stays. As hard as I try to have the grace of
my sisters the stiffness of my spine and the restriction of my
shoulder braces cause me to stumble often.
Sept 15,
1883
This morning
offered a wonderful event and I felt extremely lady like waiting
with my sisters for mother to lace us down. Before we dressed
for breakfast my sisters each carefully inspected my narrowed
waist and helped me practice properly sitting and walking, the
thrill of them accepting me as other then a baby was most
marvelous... In some regard I was disappointed when mother
declined my requests to be tightened like my sisters before we
dressed for supper, but my spine and shoulders are rather sore
and I understand her reasoning... My sisters assured me the pain
will subside in a few days and I feel it a slight price to pay
for all the joy in my life at present.
Sept 22,
1883
This morning
was wonderfully exciting as mother laced me down another inch.
[it appears she now has a three inch reduction, from 24 inches I
think] I was surprised but very pleased after she tightened my
lacings she instructed me to stay in my house coat instead of
getting dressed, and she returned a few minutes later and again
tightened them. I was startled how harshly she had to pull to
obtain this and how tautly it binds me, but love the sight of my
waist now... We went to breakfast at a neighbor's house and I
was honored by the comments of my mother's friends about my lady
like appearance and poise...
I do wish
mother would release my shoulder straps at least some times, as
holding my shoulders back in such a stiff position is causing
some pain in my neck and shoulders. I have asked her repeatedly
but she insures me it is for my best interest, that I grow
straight and tall... At times I long to run and frolic as I used
to, but I completely love being treated as a lady and the
acceptance of everyone...
Sept 24,
1883
Today has
been a rather uncomfortable day. We aggravated mother a lunch
and after a harsh scolding she laced each of us into our
correction corsets. I had only observed my sisters being
disciplined with them until now, but now know I do not wish to
repeat the experience soon... As soon as mother began to lace me
in I could tell the corsets would be very confining, reaching
from very low below my hip bones to pinching my armpits. Just
when I thought she was done tightening my laces she instructed
me to stretch to my toes and grasp as high as possible on her
bedpost then harshly laced me down another 2 inches... We are
being on our best behavior hoping mother will not force us to
remain in these overnight...
Sept 25,
1883
...These
corsets are much more confining then I could have imagined my
entire torso is immobilized and I feel fatigued after an almost
sleepless night... With any exertion I feel as if my breath has
been robbed almost to feeling faint and sitting is very
difficult as the busk pinches into my groin and ribs [a very
unclear entry, sorry]
Sept 26,
1883
We were all
most thankful this morning when mother finally removed our
correction corsets, a bath and getting into my regular corsets
felt most wonderful. Although I feel most humbled by my time so
tightly laced I was thrilled that mother, almost by accident
laced me down to 20 inches... As much as I have longed for
sleeping stays like my sisters wear I am reconsidering how badly
I want then now as retiring laced in the correction corsets was
most uncomfortable.
Oct 10,1883
My good
friend Francis arrived today, and will be living with us for two
months while her parents are traveling.... I have had to
chastise myself several times for the jealousy I have felt
toward her, she has only had her stays slightly longer then I
but has already reduced her waist 5 inches [I think to 19
inches] and now has very mature hips. She is also permitted to
wear night stays which she gives credit for her wonderful
figure... I hope mother is relenting regarding night stays, on
information that Francis sleeps in them she seems to be
reflecting...
Oct 11,
1883
I think
mother detected my rebuffed feelings last night when she helped
Francis dress for bed... she was overly considerate toward me...
Francis did express memories indicating sleeping without stays
is more relaxing but considers it a small tolerance for the
benefits...
Oct 16,
1883
Francis and
I errored this morning and angered mother greatly. We had gone
for a stroll along the river but quickly became winded as we
walked so we loosened each other's laces. Much to our
disappointment we did not have the strength to draw each other
in properly and mother immediately noticed this upon our return
home. Although we tried to explain we meant it innocently mother
was much more angered then I could have imagined. She scolded us
very frankly both for disrobing outdoors and for tampering with
our stays, then caned us most harshly. I felt thoroughly humbled
by this correction but mother then laced us most cruelly into
our correction corsets, drawing our laces until the corsets met
in back. She also fashioned a piece of straw into the knot of
our laces [this is very unclear, but seems to be a small stick
woven or inserted into the knot] and informed each of us its
disturbance would result in the harshest of punishments.
Oct 18,
1883
I was most
pleasantly surprised this afternoon when a parcel was delivered
containing my sleeping stays... I am very hopeful mother will
remove my correction corsets shortly, not only because of the
continued discomfort but such that I may begin wearing them... I
indeed wish we had not angered mother so much... she thankfully
released us this morning but only long enough to bathe and
immediately relaced us. I am finding myself becoming light
headed less then I had, but even the exertion of climbing the
stairs takes my breath.
Oct 23,
1883
Francis and
I were most pleased today, when we were about to dress for
supper mother released us from our correction corsets... my
regular stays feel wonderfully light and almost loose on my
waist despite mother lacing me down to 19 inches... although we
now indeed know better mother proceeded to weave a piece of
straw into our knots and repeated her caution regarding
tampering with it.
Oct 24,1883
I find
myself fatigued despite how early in the evening it is...
although everyone assures me I will soon adjust I find it most
difficult to sleep in my night stays they are much more
restrictive then I envisioned.... it is of comfortably soft
fabric and is absent of shoulder braces but is much longer then
either Francis or my sisters... the constriction about my hips
and derriere is rather severe [this is a little unclear], such
that mother had to help me arise from my bed....
Oct 28,
1883
Francis's
grandmother visited today and dispensed most wonderful news...
She is a most beautiful lady... with one of the narrowest waists
I have seen [translation loose here] her dress flows most
magnificently from her waist which she confided to Francis is 14
inches... and moves with poise of nobility. She has not seen
Francis in her stays before and although she complimented both
of us regarding our ladylike appearance she criticize Francis
regarding her posture... Francis is to attend a dance honoring
her grandfather's retirement [I think] and I was requested to
accompany her... Mother has been commissioned to order
appropriate garments for Francis and pledged to immediately.
Oct 29,
1883
Today was a
very full but sincerely wonderful day. Immediately after
breakfast we visited the corsetiere then the dressmaker and were
occupied well into the afternoon... After a surprisingly intense
measuring session we both were thrilled when mother ordered each
of us evening [party?] corsets and after much pleading mother
approved mine be fitted to 16 inches although she clearly stated
I will not be so laced yet.. as was Francis's. Francis was
shocked that mother ordered shoulder bracing also... The
corsetiere recommended our other stays be returned for
alterations to adjust for my growth and will have a courier
collect the first of them tomorrow... Although fitting at the
dressmaker was fatiguingly lengthy we were enthralled by our
treatment I felt more ladylike [mature?] then ever before, and
mother approved our choices including tailored waists.
Nov 2, 1883
I was
somewhat dismayed this morning as mother laced me into my
correction corsets although my behavior has been proper... but
she explained my only regular stays will be collected for
alteration today and must be available... thankfully she only
laced me down to my normal waist and replaced them with my newly
altered regular stays when we dressed supper.
Nov 5, 1883
I am
adjusting to the alterations made to my corsets but I am still
feeling some soreness in my ribs, but my sisters assure me this
is normal and will soon subside... I am thrilled with my
appearance in them...
Nov 7, 1883
Today has
been very full but most wonderful I feel much of the elation
still... we returned to the corsetiere who most masterfully
laced us into our evening corsets... and deposited my correction
corset for alteration... we then visited the dressmaker and were
dressed into our gowns for a final fitting where I felt so
wonderfully adult being attended by three ladies [a little
unclear]... I was thrilled that mother authorized my dress be
prepared for a 17 inch waist.... Francis and I felt most
fortunate too... [it seems her sisters engaged in some argument
just as they left the room ] mother scolded most bluntly them
and laced them harshly into their correction corsets...
Nov 9,1883
Mother
allowed us to wear our evening corsets to supper and until we
dressed for bed... this is most wonderful I love the feel of
them and the flower of my hips... Mother laces these somewhat
tighter then our regular corsets, I wish she would see fit to
tighten me further but I accept her wisdom... Francis is
somewhat discomforted at present all of her stays have been
fitted with shoulder bracing which she finds unpleasant...
Nov 11,
1883
I felt
honored greatly today as did Francis mother and my sisters spent
a great amount of time... mother laced me down to 18 inches and
dressed me in my party dress... I was completely thrilled at how
wonderful I looked almost completely a lady [a bit hard to
translate, I hope it correct]... I was surprised how heavy the
garments were but a slight exchange for the wonderful
experience... Francis looks most flattering I must be very
careful to repress my jealousy of her mature appearance...
Nov 13,
1883
We had a
most exciting day... mother laced me into my evening corsets
directly after lunch and when we dressed for supper laced me
down to 17 inches and helped me put on my party dress... I was
startled how tightly she set my laces to achieve this... despite
our pleads mother only allowed us to stay in our dresses most
briefly...
Nov 14,
1883
This has
been a most strange day... mother laced Francis and I into our
evening stays before lunch lacing us down most tautly... after
our lessons we were dressed in our petticoats [?] and mother and
my sisters instructed us in poise and walking [a bit unclear]...
we were embarrassed too father arrived home early to find all of
us in the parlor attired only in our stays and petticoats...
Nov 16,
1883
Today has
been I am sure the most exciting day of my life I am sure I will
not sleep any... Directly after breakfast Francis grandmother's
coach collected us...Two wonderfully muscular coachmen hoisted
us effortlessly into the coach and we were escorted to the manor
in the company of a strict but understanding maid [I'm not sure
if this is a governess (mentor) or servant, sorry]... upon our
arrival we were assigned a huge chamber, assisted to refresh by
three servants including the lady that assists Francis's
grandmother... before we presented ourselves to her... Dressing
for the evening was exciting but much more involved then
expected [several remarks about being bathed and pampered by
servants, etc]... our lacings were adjusted three times before
deemed acceptable then our dresses altered about our waists
while we wore them... I know I will never experience a more
wonderful experience then that of this evening how I wish mother
was here to witness such... I felt flushed repeatedly by the
attentive stares of the other guests [a little hard to relate
her feelings] and was saddened when we were sent to bed so
early... [this was condensed from a two page entry]
Nov 18,
1883
I have felt
most relaxed now appreciating the comforts of my bedroom and the
warmth of my family including mothers gentle touch... mother has
agreed to allow me to maintain my 17 inch waist during my waking
hours but was correct as always regarding her demands to loosen
them to 18 inches for sleeping... I wish she would permit my
wear of more tailored garments but accept her judgment...
Nov 23,
1883
Mother
entertained two of her friends for breakfast today and although
it was slightly flustering I was honored by mother's praise of
my figure and the ladies reactions... after a careful inspection
each of them complimented me highly...
Nov 24,
1883
[somewhat
rearranged and condensed for clarity] This evening was exciting
but slightly fatiguing... we attended the theater [I think] we
were allowed to wear our evening corsets which mother laced very
tightly... although I love the feel of these corsets and the
ladylike posture it imposes I found to be painful to remain
seated for such an extended period, mother sternly chastised my
restlessness... I found it necessary to seek the support of
father's arm when leaving, but found it most wonderful when a
handsome [actually the more correct translation would be
beautiful] carriage man grasp my waist and hoisted me into the
carriage.
Nov 27,
1883
Today was
both uncomfortable and disappointing I am attempting to repress
my unkind feelings... Francis and I were in the room when my
sisters began bickering but, despite our assuring her we were
there innocently mother scolded everyone then laced us into our
correction corsets... I angered mother further by my rebuffs
which she expressed by lacing me down brutally quickly
completely taking my breath away and immobilizing my torso most
uncomfortably rigidly ... I am being careful to maintain my best
behavior hopeful that mother will remove these before I retire.
Nov 29,
1883
I felt most
humiliated this morning mother released everyone but me from
their correction corsets, choosing to punish me additionally for
my insubordination which I now understand was completely
improper... I was allowed to bathe but immediately relaced into
it...
Dec 3, 1883
Today was a
most splendid day but rather exhausting... directly after
breakfast we visited the dressmaker to be measured for three new
dresses [apparently two for upcoming holidays, another for a
dinner (party?, previously discussed) celebrating Francis'
parents return)]... mother was most wonderful in supporting our
choices and allowing one with a tailored waist... I was further
honored by the dressmakers treatment... when I changed into my
evening corset she tightened me with elaborate detail adjusting
my laces several times... she suggested I should be tightened to
16 inches but despite my pleads mother only took under
advisement...
Dec 4, 1883
This morning
Mother and I visited the corsetiere who performed a detailed
examination of my figure in and out of my stays... I savored the
masterful way the corsetiere laced me back into my stays but was
disappointed that my shoulder braces were adjusted
[tightened?]... The corsetiere conferred with mother at length
out of my presence [a little hard to translate].. While we were
waiting for mother we witnessed [apparently another teen, this
passage a little unclear] being most harshly laced by two other
corsetieres, while she grasp an overhead bar they leveraged her
laces almost brutally despite her painful groans... after brief
pauses this process was repeated three times until her mother
granted approval.. although her waist was wonderfully narrowed
she clearly was in pain having to be assisted to a seat... We
think [I believe referring to her sisters and herself] mother is
reflecting, this afternoon she strangely summoned me into her
chambers to disrobe, after which she very closely examined my
stays for an extended time...
Dec 7, 1883
I felt
sweeping honored this afternoon mother summoned me for a most
mature and frank dialogue speaking to me in a very adult
manner... [I will attempt to make this as accurate as possible
while still understandable] she is willing to experiment with
reducing my waist to 16 inches but reserved the right to
terminate this if she has any concerns regarding my health,
demanding I unquestioningly respect her judgment... Beginning
tomorrow she will tighten me toward 16 inches for part of the
day..
Dec 8, 1883
I have had
to be very careful to conceal the soreness in my neck and back
from mother but I am sure this is from the adjustment to my
shoulder braces... This afternoon mother tightened my laces more
severely then I had expected, requiring me to stretch and grasp
her bed post as if being laced into my correction corsets...
although I love the appearance of my figure I found this much
more confining then I had expected, the closeness of my corsets
in back is very immobilizing and I felt some relief when she
loosened my laces when we dressed for supper... Francis is
rather jealous but gracious wishing mother would allow her
further reduction...
Dec 11,
1883
This morning
was most wonderful but fatiguing... mother laced us into our
evening corsets and tightened me to 16 inches for the first time
before breakfast. She allowed us to retain in them until we
dressed for supper but loosened my laces before lunch... We
returned to the dressmaker for another fitting of our new
dresses which are completely beautiful... wearing the one
tailored to my waist will be the most magnificent evening of my
life... I was distressed slightly at how exhausted I became
during the walk but I think hid this from mother... we were
honored by the wonderful attention received from the dressmaker
attending us made me feel very ladylike...
Dec 14,
1883
I felt most
pleased mother allowed me to remain fully laced down for the
entire day... I found it to be moderately uncomfortable toward
the evening but find this a small price for my success... I felt
slight relief when dressed in my sleeping stays...
Dec 17,
1883
Francis
parents returned today... they expressed a wonderful degree of
praise regarding our poise and appearance. Her mother examined
each of us repeatedly expressing a degree of disbelief at our
maturity... Francis parents further announced having arranged
for Francis to attend a boarding school next year to which
Francis was excited but somewhat apprehensive... Father startled
us too requesting more information regarding the school...
Dec 18,
1883
[this entry
has been rearranged for clarity] Mother hosted a breakfast to
honor Francis mother after which Francis returned home... which
I found rather sorrowful I will miss her constant
companionship... Mother laced us most carefully before breakfast
adjusting my stays twice before approval... although I had to
rebuff my impatience I found it worthwhile considering the high
praise expressed by all the adults attending.
Dec 22,
1883
Yesterday
was a most full day and last night the banquet [party? for
Francis parents] was more magnificent then I could have dreamed
but I still feel fatigued [There was not an entry on Dec 21,
very unusual. This lengthy entry has been condensed]... we were
curious regarding how mother loosely mother laced us for
breakfast but were soon pleased considering our labors [a
description of labors preparing the banquet]... we rushed home
and mother and Miss G [apparently an old spinster or widow
neighbor] laced and dressed us for the evening with the most
splendid detail... adjusting our corsets and altering our
dresses repeatedly I could almost fantasize being dressed for
court [a little hard to translate]... my presentation was
equally wonderful I felt almost as mother's peer I could feel
many eyes scrutinizing my figure and poise... [Without going
into detail her father departed for 3 days, returning on Dec
29th]
Dec 30,
1883
Mother and
father startled me today announcing I will be sent to attend
boarding school with Francis next year... my sisters are
graciously accepting but I can detect their jealousness
insisting I journal ever detail... I feel honored by [her
parent's] bestowment in my future but do feel in some quandary
regarding living away from home...
Dec 31,
1883
Mother and I
shopped extensively such that occupied the entire morning
[apparently clothes shopping etc]... the corsetiere after peruse
of the specifications mother presented [a little unclear seems
to be a set of specifications from the school] stated only my
sleeping stays would be acceptable after alteration and most
carefully measured me for new corsets...
Jan 1, 1884
Mother laced
us extremity carefully into our evening corsets for our luncheon
[I think, or a midday party at Francis house] then honoring me
by praising my appearance highly... but I was embarrassed by my
puerile appearance compared to Francis wonderfully mature
figure... We are excited about our school adventure but Francis
confided her school corsets are confining depriving her breath
and movement rather uncharitably...
Jan 3, 1884
I find
myself longing for the return of my sleeping stays such that I
can more restfully slumber in their soft fabric...
Jan 4, 1884
[a
discussion of more shopping] the corsetiere treated me with
wonderful detail carefully lacing each of my new corsets,
rejecting one for its poor fit... they have a wider busk and are
of thicker material and heavier boning but will allow for a
further reduction... the corsetiere conferred they would be
somewhat unforgiving requiring adjustment to be comfortable, but
she assured me I would prize their appearance.. as I was laced
into them I instantly felt increased pressure on my ribs. I was
disappointed I was not permitted to wear these home but respect
the corsetiere's advice to adjust to them during limited
activity... just the partial tightening into my new correction
corsets [a little unclear] was sufficient to remind me to temper
my behavior It is of much thicker calf skin and an extremely
stiff banding around its upper and lower edge more stiffly and
has almost harsh boning... these are capable of even further
waist reduction then the others... We witnessed [another young
lady] being fitted to her bridal corsets, I am sure the most
wonderful garment I have ever seen as she was laced down the
care with which it was fitted provided a perfect contour... the
detailed embroidery and lace adornment were majestic beyond
words...
Jan 5, 1884
Today has
been very discomforting my new stays will require more
adjustment then I expected... I was disappointed that mother
laced me only to 17 inches before breakfast but soon understood
her wisdom as they began pushing unforgivingly on my ribs with
any movement and demand a most erect posture to prevent my
shoulder braces cutting into me ... mother adjusted my laces
responding to my faintness [I'm not sure faintness or light
headed]... I love the look of my elongated waist [also unclear]
but was pleased when mother laced me into my sleeping stays
early...
Jan 8, 1884
I feel
somewhat elevated I [a little unclear] remained fully laced all
day and able to perform most normal activities with only slight
discomfort... mother considered further tightening my laces when
we dressed for supper but chose not to. Although I was slightly
disappointed I had to concur with her decision and am most
thrilled by how ladylike they make me appear... Tomorrow we will
revisit the corsetiere and I feel fairly confident I can
distance it successfully... [some statements within this entry
regarding her sisters wanting the newer style corsets and mother
agreeing (relenting?), a reflection of fashion fads of the day?]
Jan 9, 1884
... after
the corsetiere measured my sisters she disrobed me and most
carefully inspected then adjusted my new corsets with great
expertise... reducing my waist slightly more while making the
much more comfortable, further instructing mother in properly
tightening them [this entry is a little unclear]... she greatly
honored me by her praise of my flowering figure and poise
treating me most wonderfully adult like...
Jan 14,
1884
Today was
full and fatiguing... after breakfast we visited the corsetiere
[apparently for her sisters' fitting] and the dressmaker... the
corsetiere advised mother to reduce my waist further which
honored me but I feel concerns regarding the upcoming
discomfort... after which we visited Francis house [a discussion
of travel plans etc]... I felt great sympathy regarding Francis
discomfort having been confined in her correction corsets by her
mother... her description of their harsh confinement I found
very disquieting reminding me to maintain proper behavior...
Jan 18,
1884
I hope I
will be able to sleep tonight despite my weariness I feel far
too excited to rest well... after spending the majority of the
day packing [a little unclear] mother laced us into our evening
corsets very carefully for dinner [seemingly a small party, I
think only for the family]
Jan 19,
1884
Today has
been most exhausting but exciting... our travel was most lengthy
and taxing upon my shoulders and back, toward the end of the
journey my stays relaying each bounce of the carriage to them...
The Academy is more enchanting then I had imagined a stately
manor gloriously placed in a beautiful wooded knoll.. provided I
am up to the challenge of its protocols I find my treatment most
lady like and have been honored it... [a little hard to
translate, and lengthy so I am summarizing]... after refreshing
ourselves mother and I presented ourselves to the Headmistress
who instantly impressed me with her decorum and splendid figure
which she conveyed is over an inch smaller then the academy's
standard... she assured me I would soon obtain this standard...
My chambers which I share with three other girls are quiet
acceptable... after we unpacked I found them most comforting
following mothers departure... I found it curious as I unpacked
our proctor [I think] removed my correction corsets from my
possession...[there seems to be two staff levels (from further
reading) the Headmistress (Principle?) and proctors (teachers or
governesses)]
Jan 20,
1884
[this entry
rearranged for clarity]...I am relaxing somewhat despite the
soreness of my shoulders and spine... after extended sitting
during church and music today in my evening corsets all day...
which were tightened more harshly then I am accustom my sleeping
stay are most welcome.... I must learn to adjust to customs
here... This morning we laced each other into our corsets [I'm
sure her room mates, she makes reference to older girls
tightening her] after which we stretched to grasp our trapeze [I
think actually a lacing bar] until a proctor adjusts our laces
to her approval...
Jan 21,
1884
I felt
honored by the attention I received all day but was cautioned my
training will not be without discomfort, a statement I am
finding to be accurate... being tightened while stretched to my
trapeze imposes a most exacting posture for any level of
comfort... but is providing wonderfully rapid reduction of my
waist... the proctor assured I can achieve a 15 in waist within
the week but I find myself longing for mother's gentle touch...
Jan 23,
1884
Today has
been rather bleak, after being reprimanded repeatedly and
cautioned regarding my poise and restlessness I am pleased to be
in the shelter of my chambers without having received
sanctions... Early on I was scolded after objecting to the
unreasonable time I had to grasp my trapeze and later the
proctor chastised me harshly and issued a caution for fidgeting
[I think, or tampering] with my stays ignoring my assurance it
was due to soreness and again for squirming in my seat...
Jan 24,
1884
[this entry
rearranged for clarity] I errored seriously angering my proctor
for which I was humbled with more dreadful experience then I
ever would have imagined... after a harsh scolding from the
Headmistress I was ushered into her anteroom [I think] where my
hands were lashed to a trapeze and I was drawn up such that I
could not feel any weight on my feet... after being harshly
laced into my correction corsets then left suspended for awhile
and for three additional adjustments until my waist was reduced
to 14 inches... these corsets are most terrible painfully biting
into my chest and armpits even when attempting to take a full
breath... I was greatly relieved when released into my sleeping
stays...
Jan 26,
1884
This morning
was most exciting... after extra efforts and adjustment I was
laced down to 15 inches and am completely thrilled with my
ladylike appearance and fell only moderate discomfort...
directly after breakfast I was summoned by the Headmistress who
carefully surveyed my corsets and appearance before grandly
congratulating me [this seems to be the school's standard] and
read to me a most praising letter to she would post to mother...
at lunch she announced my success publicly which drew wonderful
applause and praise...
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