in this direction. Next to the benefit of real Christian
principles must be placed that of enabling the sightless to earn
their own living; but where this is impossible pensions should be
given.

_Lastly._ Let the blind themselves be consulted, and have as much
voice as possible in the measures adopted for their welfare; and
this is said not only with a view to the educated, but especially
to the more intelligent blind in humbler positions, since, as is
well known, the mass of those without sight will be found among the
poorer classes. The more this is done the more will the blind feel
that the sighted desire to carry out such measures as shall act
like so many levers with which to raise them from their present
depressed condition, and will then heartily second the efforts
made, and thankfully grasp the friendly hands held out to them; but
which they will only accept reluctantly and coldly, not having
their own heart in the work, unless convinced that the main object
in view is to enable them, by their own efforts, to stand as far as
possible on an equality with their fellow-creatures.

The suggestions made in this little paper had all been thought out upon
a bed of pain, and with sorrows of her own that might well have
engrossed her attention. But Bessie never, to the end of her life, lost
an opportunity of working and speaking on behalf of those to whom that
life had been devoted.

Two events in the history of the Association which deeply interested
her were the removal from Oxford Street to more commodious premises in
Berners Street, and the Special Bequest of L10,000 by Mr. Gardner. She
was gratified to learn that the Special Bequest was no bar to the
participation of the Association in the general advantages provided by
Mr. Gardner for the blind.

CHAPTER XXI

LIFE IN THE SICK-ROOM

"They also serve who only stand and wait."--MILTON.

During the last few years of life Bessie Gilbert never left her invalid
couch and bed. In addition to blindness she was liable to distressing
attacks of deafness, to sleeplessness, agonising pain, and weary
exhaustion. Her throat was often affected, swallowing was difficult. She
had lost power in the upper limbs, could only use her hands for a few
seconds to read the raised type for the blind, or to do a few stitches
of chain work for those she loved; even that became impossibl