ifficult and painful, that
Dr. Little was consulted on her behalf.

He pronounced the spine to be in fault, ordered a mechanical support,
tonics, regular exercise, much rest in a recumbent position, and
recommended Folkstone and sea air for some months. Bessie followed his
directions most obediently. She was very brave in bearing the discomfort
and oftentimes the pain of the cumbersome "support." She persevered in
walking for an hour daily according to his orders, dragging herself
along with great difficulty, and getting so heated and overtired that
the sister who accompanied her thought the walk did more harm than good.
But she had been told to do it, and with the old submission to authority
she did it. Her faithful attendant, Charlotte Gadney, was also with her
at Folkstone from the end of July to October. She spent much time out of
doors, on the Lees, in a bath chair. By the autumn she and those with
her were convinced that, in spite of rest and care, she could not walk
so well as she had done in the spring. There was much reading aloud, for
she was compelled to allow herself more time than usual for relaxation.

The sisters especially remember her enjoyment of George MacDonald's
_Robert Falconer_. In later times, if any one spoke of violins or
violinists, she would say "Ah, do you remember _My Beautiful Lady_?" She
heard parts of _Sir Gibbie_ also; and said of _Janet_, "She realises
most fully the truth that we are indeed all members one of another."

There were several pleasant days to stand out in after years as
associated with the months spent at Folkstone. One of these was a day at
Saltwood with Canon and Mrs. Erskine Knollys. Bessie drove there, and
then the Canon himself wheeled her in an arm-chair to the American
Garden. Even in late autumn this was very beautiful, and she enjoyed the
description of it. An afternoon at Cheriton with Mr. and Mrs.
Knatchbull-Hugessen was also a great pleasure to her. At this time
riding in a carriage was not only no fatigue, but she was able to enjoy
long drives and all that they brought within her reach.

She returned to Chichester and London in somewhat better health, and
resumed work on behalf of the Deputation.

Whilst she was at Folkstone her time was chiefly occupied in writing
letters, and in reply to one of her petitions she heard from General
Knollys that "it would afford the Prince of Wales much satisfaction to
be placed on the list of Vice-Patrons of the Society