as the description of a blind man at a fire, with all his
wits about him, and other blind men to help him.

127 EUSTON ROAD, _3d July 1861_.

DEAR MADAM--Last night a fire of an alarming character broke out
nearly opposite the Institution, and at one time our premises were
placed in great danger, large masses of fire falling thickly over
our premises for upwards of half an hour.

It is a matter of thankfulness that I was at home.

Our officers and other people hastened from their homes to our
assistance. I caused the cocoa-matting to be taken from the floors,
immersed in water, and spread over the roof, and every vessel
capable of holding water was filled and passed from hand to hand in
regular succession, so that the stream was continually kept up on
all exposed parts.

The office books were tied in blankets ready to be carried away,
but providentially the wind changed and we were relieved from
anxiety. Four houses were destroyed or injured, but the only
damage we have received is from the water, which is very slight--I
am, dear madam, yours truly, W. H. LEVY.

During the early summer of 1861 a tent was set up in the garden at
Chichester, to which Bessie was carried on all suitable days. She was
happy with birds and trees and flowers around her, and received visits
from many old and tried friends. Her recovery was very slow, but there
was always sufficient progress to point to the ultimate restoration of
health.

Throughout the year the workpeople sent affectionate greetings and
appreciative verses to their generous friend and patron. Bessie resumed
the occupations of her youth, and in the months of her enforced absence
from London and the work of the Association she wrote long poems and
gave her time to music and reading.

With a view to publication, she submitted some of her poems to her old
friend, the Rev. H. Browne, asking for a candid opinion. He writes as
follows:

PEVENSEY, EASTBOURNE, _15th August 1861_.

DEAR BESSIE--I have read your poems, and, as you desired, have
criticised closely. The faults are chiefly in the versification.
Here and there I suspect they have not been written down correctly
from your dictation. The thoughts, sentiments, and images are very
pleasing, and the expression generally good. That on "The Po