Greek or Roman Church with whom
they had come in contact, or with the irreligious pleasure-seeking of
tourists, or travellers by the overland route to India. The Copts, or
descendants of the early Egyptian Christians, were almost without
exception buried in the profoundest ignorance of the Scriptures and of
Christian truth, given over to superstitious beliefs and practices, and
destitute of any real spiritual life. Education for boys was of the most
primitive character; for girls it was never thought of, nor had any
educational effort ever been made for them during the twelve centuries
which had elapsed since the rise of Mohammedanism. Christian missionary
operations were almost non-existent. The American Presbyterians had
recently commenced missionary effort, but their work was mainly, as it
still is, among the Copts, and they had not yet opened a station in
Cairo. Since 1827 indeed the Church Missionary Society had maintained a
missionary--sometimes two--in Cairo, but their work had not issued in
the formation of a Protestant Christian Church.

"It was laid on my heart," says Mary Whately, "to try and do something
for the girls and women of the land, especially those of the Moslem
poorer classes, far the most numerous, of course. The only schools
hitherto opened for the children of the land had no scholars except from
the Copts or native Christians; others were considered quite out of
reach, and many of my friends endeavoured to dissuade me from an attempt
which was sure to end in failure, as they said. However, it seemed best
to make an effort, at all events. But it was begun in prayer, and
therefore difficulties and delays did not greatly discourage me." [l]

[Footnote 1: _Life of Mary L. Whately_, pp. 21, 25.]

Mary Whately, accompanied by a cousin, resided for a time with Mrs.
Lieder, of the Church Missionary Society. But in order to open a school
she had to engage a house for herself; and after great difficulties one
was secured in a suitable position. It was but a comfortless abode, and
only rude furniture and inefficient domestic help were obtainable. But
Miss Whately held outward comforts in light regard. Even in later days,
when she had built for herself a capacious and comfortable house, it was
furnished in the simplest, even rudest fashion, and all her personal
expenses were cut down to the lowest possible point, that she might have
the more to spend the work to which she gave both her heart and her
life