ison enterprise. But
some days later, the family at Plashet House were apprised of the fact
that the Princess intended honoring them with her company at breakfast.
She came at the hour appointed, and, while partaking of their
hospitality, entered fully into Mrs. Fry's work, learning of her those
particulars which she could not otherwise gain. The foundation of a firm
friendship with the Princess Royal of Denmark was thus laid, which
continued through all Mrs. Fry's after life.

In 1831 she obtained her first interview with our gracious Queen, then
the young Princess Victoria. Then, as now, the Royal Family of England
was always interested in works of charity and philanthropy, and the
young Princess displayed the early bent of her mind in this interview.
In the most unaffected style Mrs. Fry thus tells the story: "About three
weeks ago I paid a very satisfactory visit to the Duchess of Kent, and
her very pleasing daughter, the Princess Victoria. William Allen went
with me. We took some books on the subject of slavery, with the hope of
influencing the young Princess in that important cause. We were received
with much kindness and cordiality, and I felt my way open to express not
only my desire that the best blessing may rest upon them, but that the
young Princess might follow the example of our blessed Lord; that as she
grew in stature she might also grow in favor with God and man. I also
ventured to remind her of King Josiah, who began to reign at eight years
old, and did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, turning
neither to the right hand nor to the left, which seemed to be well
received. Since that I thought it right to send the Duke of Gloucester
my brother Joseph's work on the Sabbath, with a rather serious letter,
and had a very valuable answer from him, full of feeling. I have an
invitation to visit the Duchess of Gloucester the next Fourth Day. May
good result to them and no harm to myself; but I feel those openings a
rather weighty responsibility, and desire to be faithful and not
forward. I had long felt an inclination to see the young Princess, and
endeavor to throw a little weight into the right scale, seeing the very
important place she is likely to fill. I was much pleased with her, and
think her a sweet, lovely and hopeful child."

Some three years afterwards the Duke of Gloucester died, and his death
recalled the old times when he was quartered at Norwich with his
regiment. The biographers of