nervous fever from which he suffered, and that the doctor told him
he must have rest. In his absence from the room it was proposed to
arrange that he might spend every Saturday and Sunday out of
London. Mr. Dixon, the oculist, who was a member of the Committee,
said he must be careful not to go too far, as in a weak state of
health people suffered more than they gained by long railway
journeys. Levy came back into the room and announced that nothing
could be done or thought of till "the annual meeting" was over.
There was a debt of L1400 hanging over the Institution, half of it
trade debt, and half from customers who could not be got to pay
ready money; and Levy announced that the loss of custom from the
underground railway stopping access to the shop amounted to L20 a
week.

Mrs. Powell concludes by saying:

I need not add that much sympathy and regret were expressed by the
Committee at your continued weakness and suffering, and all hoped
soon to see you there again. I know how anxious you must feel to be
amongst them; but you will remember "your strength is now to sit
still," until it can be said "Arise, He calleth thee." In patience
you will possess your spirit. May God bless you at all times.

On the 13th of May the Bishop writes to give an account of the annual
meeting held at St. James's Hall, and presided over by the Bishop of
London.

QUEEN ANNE STREET, W., _13th May 1861_.

MY VERY DEAR BESSIE--Ford [her maid] gives a most encouraging
account of your progress and walking performances, and I can
reciprocate with a capital one of this day's meeting. The room was
quite full, galleries and all; 2067 were stated to be present.
There were some donations, but I have not heard yet the amount of
the collection.

It is clear to me the Association has now taken its footing in
London and in the nation, and that with God's blessing it will go
on and become a national Institution, and that you, my dear child,
may humbly rejoice in it. I have not time for more.--Yr. ever
affectionate father, A. T. CICESTR.

Such a letter would greatly help forward Bessie's convalescence, which,
though slow, was beginning to show signs of progress. In July a letter
from Levy must have reassured her as to the state of his health, and it
is interesting