Summary

With the truth open in front of her, Emmy learned what her exact duties would be. Kathleen showed her around the office and shared the history of the publication. Woman’s Friend was once popular, but never “kept up with the times,” so its circulation declined (35). Kathleen introduced Emmy to the few remaining employees: Mr. Collins, fiction writer; Mr. Newton in advertising; Mr. Brand of the art department; and Mrs. Mahoney, in charge of production and very strict about deadlines

Kathleen showed Emmy that her job was to sort through letters from readers asking advice from “Henrietta Helps” and to type up Mrs. Bird’s replies. Although the copy in the magazine said that Mrs. Bird’s postbag was always full, Kathleen assured Emmy that they typically received very little mail.

The reasons were clear to Emmy. Mrs. Bird was strictly opposed to...