piled high with
letters concerning the new movement for Chautauqua readings all the
year. He was simply overwhelmed by the demands, for everybody must have
an immediate answer. Walking out one day, he met one of the teachers of
the High School, told her of his difficulties, and asked her if she
could suggest anyone who might relieve him. She thought a moment, and
then said:

"I think I know a girl of unusual ability who can help you--Miss Kate
Kimball, who was graduated from the High School last June, and I will
send her to you."

She came, a tall young lady, only eighteen years old, with a pair of
brown eyes peculiarly bright, and a manner retiring though
self-possessed. Dr. Vincent mentioned some of the help that he required,
but looked doubtfully at her, and said, "I am afraid that you are too
young to undertake this work."

She answered, "I would like to try it; but if you find that I am not
equal to it, I will not be offended to have it given to some other
person. Let me see if I can help you even a little."

That was the introduction of Miss Kate Fisher Kimball to the work and
care of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, of which she was
the Executive Secretary until her death in 1917. She was born in 1860,
at Orange, New Jersey, her father, Dr. Horace F. Kimball, being a
dentist with office in New York. Young as she was, she at once showed
rare abilities in administration. Under her vigorous and wise efforts,
the C. L. S. C. was soon reduced to a system, the members were
classified, the course was made orderly, circulars of various sorts were
prepared and sent out to answer as many kinds of questions, and the
calls from all over the nation, almost all over the world were met. Kate
Kimball had a wonderful memory, as well as a systematic mind. Dr.
Vincent would tell her in one sentence the answer to be sent to a
letter, and twenty sentences in succession for twenty letters. She made
no note, but remembered each one; would write to each correspondent a
letter framed as it should be, with a clear statement, of just the
right length, never getting the wrong answer on her pen. And if six
months afterward, or six years, there came a letter requiring the same
answer, she did not need to ask for information, but could send the
right reply without consulting the letter-file. Thousands of
correspondents who may never have met her will remember that signature,
"K. F. Kimball," for they have been strengthened a