‘MY VERY DEAR MARIAN,—We were all so full of hope at first, and are much disappointed that relief has not come, but that you are still stretched upon the cross. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous, yet at such times one can just _think_ of the ‘Mystery of Pain,’ and realise that each sufferer does in uniting his will with God’s in some measure, ‘fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ ... for His body’s sake.’” I think perhaps you may be suffering specially for one, that her faith may be once more awakened. Every sufferer thus “lifted up” does in a measure draw the hearts of others to Him through whom we are able to reveal the power of faith.... I said to Miss Drummond, “I dare say you would not have been spared any of the suffering”; she answered so heartily, “not one half-hour.” We see now what a wonderful work she did among the College boys, and it must be that your suffering is a part of the work God has given you to do for the school, and that you, too, will be enabled to say “not one half-hour,” when the darkness passes away, and the true light shines into the things of earth, and we know as we are known. I know that suffering so _claims_ the attention, but one can only know and believe, not feel it; but it is much to live by faith. Faith is the illuminating power through which alone we truly know. Was not Miss Carter’s suffering felt by you to be mediatorial too, and you are her successor. I shall try to spend a few days with Miss Martin at Christmas. ‘To-day the Jairus window comes before me; the thought of the Lord sending away all those who pressed round the maiden, that she might know the advent of Him who is the Lord and Giver of life.’ The following is the last letter Miss Beale wrote to Miss Belcher:— ‘_December 5, 1898._ ‘MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,—I have tried to write several times, but tore up what I wrote. Susan is good in telling me about you, and at times my heart sinks, when I think of all you are suffering, though there do seem to me to be some hopeful signs.... Well, we ought not, I suppose, to wish, we are so sure that “in all our afflictions He is afflicted,” and “the angel of His presence saves us,” and makes our souls strong to bear and our “light affliction is but for a moment.” ‘I dare say this term has seemed to you unending. I think when the strain of thinking about school is taken off, you will feel stronger. I hope to go to Kilburn from January 5 to the 9th; there we shall think much about you. I am just writing about St. Hilda’s East.... Things seem going on well, I think I shall stay there after the Retreat, and try to get more into touch.’