Meanwhile Bessie Westland had been considering the same question, and with the same faith in God's loving care for them; but just as Audrey felt she must stay and help God take care of her aunt, Bessie decided she must bestir herself, and get help to carry on the business, or it might come to a stand-still, and then what would become of them all? She recognised now that it was God's voice to her that had made her desire to learn the art and craft of hat-making; but she could do very little by herself, and even with the help of the two apprentices they could not do all that was required. So when Madam Lowe and Audrey came into the room, Bessie slipped out, and, putting on her duffle cloak and hood, went to the house of another Friend in the neighbourhood, and told them what had happened. "Martha Drayton is ill, and can do nought, even if she had learned as much as I have concerning the business," said Bessie. "What is needed is one who can see that the work we do is well done, and then finish off the hats ready to go away; but he must also be willing to work for small pay, I trow, and none but a Friend will do that for us in our distress." The girl of fourteen was far more practical and energetic than the gentle, dreamy Friend she had come to consult. "Thee must ask counsel of the Lord concerning this thing," he said after a pause. "Yea, verily; but thinkest thou not that it is the leading of the Lord that I should aforetime have desired to learn this hat-making?" asked Bessie quickly. "An it were so, the Lord will guide thee into the next step to be taken," said the old man. "Yea; and therefore have I come to thee, for thou dost know many in the Society who companied with my father and Friend Drayton, and would doubtless be ready to come to their help, an they knew how this help should be given. The Lord hath showed me what is needful for this time of distress. If one can be found who understands this art of hat-making, and could give some time each day to the care of what we do, Friend Drayton may be supplied with what is needful while he is in prison, as well as we who are at home, and dependent for bread upon what we can earn." The old man could only look at the girl in amazement. "The Lord hath verily given thee the spirit of wisdom concerning this thing, and hath raised thee up to help and cheer our hearts, when we so sorely needed such comfort." The old man's words were a great encouragement to Bessie in her self-imposed task. "I greatly desired to preach to sinners, and show them the error of their ways, even as my father had done," said the girl, with a heightened colour; "but Martha Drayton talked to me concerning this matter, showing me that what was the word of the Lord to one, was not meant for all—that all could not be preachers of the word as my father was."