‘I feel sure the Conference will do good, there were so many good women there;—only we missed _one_.’ A day or two later she wrote:— ‘MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,—I feel somewhat cheered by Susan’s letter to-night. Each morning I have so many enquiries, “Have you heard?” Susan is good in writing. Here are three letters from some staying at St. Hilda’s, where we were always thinking of you.... ‘Just two years on the 11th, since the Archbishop fell asleep. I wonder if he looks down at the school, and its first Head-mistress too. Shall we see and be able in some measure to “succour” those on earth? May the peace of God which passeth all understanding be with you.’ The next alludes to a proposed visit of Miss Beale to Miss Belcher:— ‘_St. Luke’s Day._ ‘DEAR FRIEND,—I am so looking forward to Friday. I thought of you so much on this the Physician’s day, as we sang that beautiful hymn and Psalm xxx.; and our window told of the raising of the daughter by the Healer. My own life seems to me almost a resurrection, I must hope that you too may be raised up to do work on earth, ere you go to a higher sphere.’ After this visit Miss Belcher wrote:— ‘MY DEAR FRIEND,—The strength and comfort of your visit has been with me ever since, and far from its doing me any harm it has done me untold good. May God bless you for having imparted to me so richly of the “comfort wherewith you yourself have been comforted of God.” I do so trust you were not over-tired; hope to hear from some one to-morrow. ‘Will you call me Marian in our private letters? I have never liked being only Miss Belcher, and since the close communion and rich gift of yesterday, I feel I should like it.’ Miss Beale’s reply was:— ‘_October 23, 1898._ ‘DEAREST MARIAN,—It is good to hear that you were none the worse for my visit, and that our Lord put into my mouth some words of comfort. I shall hope to hear about Dr. Broadbent. I had a nice note from Susan. All here were so glad to get news of you direct.... ‘I wonder if you know Fechner’s little book; there is one chapter I like much, from which I am sending you some extracts.’ The next letter was written after an operation Miss Belcher had undergone:— ‘ ... I lingered this morning, and the postman brought me Susan’s cheerful letter, just as I was starting, and I was able to make the service specially a Eucharist on your account. What a wonderful epistle; it is one to feed on. It tells how suffering strengthens the inner man, and enlarges one’s sympathies and makes us know the love of God. And the Gospel tells of renewed life after going down nearly to the grave. You and I can give thanks for both; may St. Paul’s wish be accomplished in us.’ Miss Belcher replied:—