some distance from the wall, a wreath of flowers extended from the
house to the post at the curb of the pavement, the lamp of which
contained a transparency.

"At night the illumination consisted of a Prince's plume in gas
jets, which we bought for three pounds ten instead of hiring a
similar one for ten pounds; the wood used for seats will be made
into housemaids' boxes, etc. and the American cloth with which they
were covered made available for dress baskets.

"I think if you give five pounds it will be enough, as ten pounds
will cover the whole expense. The goods and glass cases were taken
out of the shop windows and three rows of seats, which gradually
receded and increased in height, were formed. The same kind of
seats were in the Committee room and the apartments above, out of
which the windows were taken. A rail was put to keep people from
going on to the balcony, as it was not safe; tables with wine and
biscuits were placed, and Mr. Osmond had something more substantial
in his rooms, with which Mr. Reid and others were well pleased."

On the 1st April 1872 the Rev. Frederick Denison Maurice died. Bessie
had been but slightly acquainted with him, but he was the brother of
her old and dear friends, Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Julius Hare. She had been
less startled by his written and spoken words than many of those in her
own circle, and on his death she recognised that a great power had gone
from amongst us, and sincerely mourned his loss.

She worked as usual at the arrangements for the annual meeting in 1872,
and on the 22d June the Archbishop of York, who presided, wrote to tell
her of its success.

_22d June 1872._

MY DEAR MISS GILBERT--I attended the meeting and made my short
speech. There never was a nicer meeting, the speakers were full of
gratitude to you for all you had done. We could have had twice the
number of speakers if we had wanted them.

I hope, my dear Miss Gilbert, that God will strengthen you and
enable you to carry on for many years your excellent
Association.--Ever with much regard, yours truly, W. EBOR.

The Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, sister of the Duke of Richmond,
conveyed a request from Bessie to the Duke and Duchess of Teck, whose
interest she hoped to enlist for the annual meeting of 1872. They were