shop wrote to her, the eldest
daughter at home, as he had done in the old days when she was a girl, to
prepare for the return of the family from Brighton.

Christmas was spent as usual at the palace, and with the new year Bessie
began gradually to resume her work for the Institution.

Her first frame letter was written in March 1862 to her father, and has
been preserved:

PALACE, CHICHESTER, _1st March 1862_.

MY DEAREST PAPA--I had long ago settled that my first letter with
the frame should be to you, and most thankful I am to be able to
be at the "stocking making" again, though very likely I shall not
make a very good workwoman; but please take the work, such as it
is, as a little sign that Bessie has not forgotten all the love
shown her while she was ill, how you used to come and sit with her
in the midst of all you had to do. I am very very thankful to be so
much stronger, and to have been brought through the suffering as I
have been.

I hope you will take care of yourself when you start for
confirmations, the winds now are so bitterly cold. Indeed, you do
provide well for us; it will be very enjoyable to have the Brownes.
Did you see that curious letter in _The Times_ not long since,
headed "Is it--;" I thought it would interest you. I hope it has
not been necessary to light gas to-day for morning service.
However, the day has not been very bright here. Yesterday I was out
in the garden in the morning, but I have a little cold and so was
not tempted to-day, as there was no sun. Robin is to sleep here
to-night; he preaches, I think, at St. Andrews. Very much love to
mamma and all.--I am ever your dutiful and loving child,
BESSIE.

The difficulties of the Association had increased during the period of
Bessie's illness and absence.

Subscriptions and donations now amounted to between two and three
thousand a year, and goods had been sold to about the same amount. But
so large a percentage on sales was paid to all blind agents and
travellers and to Mr. Levy that the increase of trade threatened to
swamp the undertaking. Moreover, sales did not keep pace with productive
power, and a large quantity of stock was on hand.

A Sub-Committee was appointed to investigate the financial condition of
the Association, and thei