in aid of the
Blind;" and also "that H. R. H. had been pleased to direct him to
enclose a cheque for twenty-five guineas in aid of the funds of the
Society."

The following letter, which she received at this time from Pennsylvania,
interested her:

TO MISS GILBERT.

NO. 1040 PENN STREET,
READING, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A.,
_13th September 1869_.

I take the liberty of addressing you as one who has taken so
philanthropic an interest in the blind. About the mid-winter of
'62-3 I was travelling in Idaho Territory, and, owing to the severe
effects of the "glare" produced by the sun's rays upon the snow, my
sight received so severe a shock that I became temporarily blind.
Afterwards I partially recovered my sight; but through the want of
skill in my medical attendant and general improper treatment, the
optic nerve became entirely and, as I fear, hopelessly paralysed.
I am now completely deprived of sight. Being thus, unfortunately,
among those with whom you so greatly sympathise, I too, losing in
my full-grown manhood, this perhaps most benign of the Great
Father's gifts to poor humanity, feel a strong personal interest in
my fellow-sufferers.

Understanding then that you have successfully established an
"Association for the General Welfare of the Blind," in which each
occupant is finally paid for his labour, in contradistinction to
the usual plan of blind asylums, where there is no remuneration,
except what education may afford, I purpose attempting a similar
enterprise.

Will I therefore be taxing your kindness too much in asking you to
forward to me to this place (as headed) the last report of your
noble institution, and, if not contained therein, such instructions
as will enable me to establish such institution in this country?
And praying that the Good God may prosper you in your benevolent
designs, I remain, with the greatest respect, your obt. servt.,
THEODORE B. VACHE.

A bright letter to the present writer shows Bessie in a playful mood. It
was written after her return from Folkstone, and when health and spirits
were much better than they had been in July. But locomotion had become
very difficult; and it was painful to witness