Elizabeth Fry tell us that the Duke "was
amongst the few who addressed words of friendly caution and sound advice
to the young and motherless sisters at Earlham." She never forgot the
old friendship--a friendship which had been increased by the unfailing
interest of both the Duke and Duchess in her philanthropic work. As soon
as she heard of the bereavement she wrote the following letter to the
Princess Sophia of Gloucester:--

MY DEAR FRIEND:

I hope thou wilt not feel it an intrusion my expressing my sympathy
with thee in the death of the Duke of Gloucester. To lose a dear
and only brother is no small trial, and for a while makes the world
appear very desolate. But I trust that having thy pleasant pictures
marred in this life may be one means of opening brighter prospects
in the life to come, and of having thy treasure increased in the
heavenly inheritance. The Duchess of Gloucester kindly commissioned
a lady to write to me, who gave me a very comforting account of the
state of the Duke's mind. I feel it cause for much thankfulness
that he was so sustained through faith in his Lord and Saviour; and
we may humbly trust, through His merits, saved with an everlasting
salvation. It would be very pleasant to me to hear how thy health
and spirits are after so great a shock, and I propose inquiring at
Blackheath, where I rather expect to be next week; or if thou
wouldst have the kindness to request one of thy ladies in waiting
to write me a few lines I should be much obliged. I hope that my
dear and valued friend, the Duchess of Gloucester, is as well as we
can expect after her deep affliction.

Shortly after this she paid a visit of condolence to the Duchess by
appointment.

Early in 1840 the young Queen, her present Majesty, sent Mrs. Fry a
present of fifty pounds by Lord Normanby for the Refuge at Chelsea, and
appointed an audience. On the first day of February Mrs. Fry,
accompanied by her brother, Samuel Gurney, and William Allen, attended
at Buckingham Palace. This was only a few days before Her Majesty
espoused Prince Albert. Mrs. Fry writes as follows in her journal,
respecting that interview:--

We went to Buckingham Palace and saw the Queen. Our interview was
short. Lord Normanby, the Home Secretary, presented us. The Queen
asked us when we were going on the Continent. She said it was some
years s