e before
the end. The record of work for the Institution dwindles down during
these years, but she lived for it as completely as she had ever done.
She would deny herself the one pleasure that remained--a visit from some
one she loved, because it would exhaust her and render her incapable of
the little she could now do.

For three or four years she received almost daily business letters from
Colonel Fyers, and dictated replies to them when her health allowed,
but this uncertain interposition was of little value, and by degrees
matters of business ceased to be submitted to her. When any question on
which she entertained a strong opinion was brought forward, she would
occasionally explain her view in a letter to the Committee, but these
letters also diminished in number. Her interest in individuals never
decreased; the blind workpeople and their affairs occupied her to the
very last.

In 1878 she heard that one of the workmen was about to marry a
workwoman, since dead, who was blind, deformed, and very much out of
health. She could not approve of such a marriage, and did her utmost to
prevent it. She wrote to express her views, and sent a favourite
sick-nurse to the Institution to emphasise them. The result was that she
received the following letter, informing her that the engagement was at
end:

INSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE WELFARE OF THE BLIND.

28 BERNERS STREET, LONDON, W., _3d August 1878._

MADAM--I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind letter of
the 2d inst., and to express to you how deeply I feel the very
great interest you on all occasions have shown towards me, and
especially now. I know you must have my welfare at heart, otherwise
you would not have favoured me with this communication, for which I
sincerely thank you. I, as well as L. W., have, through the means
of your kind letter, seen the matter of our proposed marriage from
a different point of view, and have therefore decided to act in
harmony with your wishes, which no doubt are for our best.

I regret very much that any uneasiness should have been caused you
by this affair, and trust that in future nothing on my part will
occur to cause it again.--I am, madam, your obedient servant, C. C.

Miss Elizabeth Gilbert.

Bessie warmly approved of marriage for the blind, and was sometimes
charged with promoting it injudiciously. In thi