e received and welcomed it; that simple
message in these sad days of rebuke and blasphemy becomes more and
more precious. I am not likely to be again a traveller, tho' I
should like to see Hilgrove in his new home, only fifteen miles
away, so that I am not likely to see you again in this life. May it
be granted that we may enjoy a happy reunion in that which shall
be. Best love to the "Duchess" and Nora, with much to yourself
from yours, dearest Bessie, ever affectionately, H. O. COXE.

The year 1881 brought to Bessie a long fit of depression, due mainly to
an attack of deafness; but she had also much anxiety with regard to the
Association. She heard of custom diminishing, a manager dismissed for
dishonesty, heavy losses upon Government contracts undertaken in order
to give work to the blind throughout the winter, diminished income and
subscriptions, and increased demands for aid. In the old days she would
have stirred up her friends, made appeals through the press, organised a
public meeting, and surmounted all difficulties.

The utmost she could now do was to draw up a short circular, asking all
those interested in her work to become Associates, and to subscribe a
sum of not less than one shilling a year. Such Associates were to pledge
themselves to promote the sale of goods made by the blind. She submitted
her scheme and circular to the Committee, and was advised to make the
minimum subscription half a crown. In this form it was issued, but,
lacking the energy with which she would in former time have launched it,
there was no appreciable result.

On the 2d of May 1882 a concert in aid of the Association was held, by
the kindness of the Duke of Westminster, at Grosvenor House. Bessie did
what she could, but by far the greater part of the work connected with
it fell upon her sisters. The Duke wrote directly it was over to
congratulate her upon a very successful result; and Bessie was greatly
cheered to learn that when all incidental expenses were paid, there
would remain the sum of L326: 17: 6.

The Committee endeavoured as far as possible to save her the distress of
knowing the difficulties in which they were involved. Sir E. Sotheby was
untiring in his zealous endeavours to promote the interests of the
Association, and to shield Bessie from anxiety. Colonel Fyers, though in
failing health, never lost sight of the object he had so long worked
for. But all efforts were unavailin