‘_June 1891._ ‘This was a birthday eight years ago into a world of larger scope than this, and I feel as if her spirit were still watching over those she loved on earth.... ‘Surely the tides of eternal love, flowing in upon our narrow lives, will make us all of one spirit, sorrowing and rejoicing with one another, instead of judging, because we feel, as she taught in that beautiful parable, that we are one. ‘May our Lord give you an ever larger measure of His own love.’ The next letter refers to the death of Mrs. Russell Gurney:— ‘_October 1896._ ‘I got a letter from Orme Square this morning. Our beloved friend entered into rest yesterday. I think of the glad meeting of those who were kindred souls on earth. I had also a note from Addington saying how thankful Mrs. Benson is, and happy in spite of her loss.’ Several other letters of a kindred nature follow. To Miss Giles, on the death of her father:— ‘_April 1871._ ‘Still in one way we who are old suffer less from parting. To us the time seems so short, ere we may hope to meet once more where are no more partings or tears.’ To Miss Susan Wood, on the death of her mother:— ‘_May 1880._ ‘I need not tell you I have felt much for you. One could not have wished the suffering prolonged, and yet one does not feel the loss less. Happily, one seems generally to forget, when all is over, the last painful incidents of the sickness, and to remember the past years. Few have had a more devoted mother. How proud she was of your successes! How old it makes us feel when we take our place in the front rank of the army of life; may we be able to say, when we too are struck down, “I have fought a good fight.” May God bless your work, my dear child, to the everlasting weal of those whom He has given you.’ To Miss Frances Crawley, afterwards Mrs. Wells:— ‘_July 1881._