‘If it be the fact that you do hold opinions such as are attributed to you, it is clear that you will not only inflict serious injury on the Institution, but also on yourself, by assuming the office—for if you hold us to the appointment the Council would and must, I imagine, at once give you the three months’ notice (or salary equivalent), and cancel it at the earliest period, publishing their reasons for so extraordinary a step. If, however, you are misrepresented, I shall heartily rejoice on every account, but I beg of you, _by return of post_, to favour me with a definite reply to the two questions I feel it now my duty to put to you:— ‘1st. Do you or do you not hold the doctrine of the _opus operatum_ in the Sacrament of Baptism? ‘2nd. Do you or not sympathise with and are attached to the principles of the High Church party?—Believe me to remain, yours very truly, J. PENRICE BELL, _Hon. Sec._ ‘_PS._—I think it better not to print the Prospectus until the present difficulty is settled in some way.’ This letter, which must have come as a bolt from the blue, was a blow, but not of a crushing nature to one whose energies were ever braced by conflict. Miss Beale wrote at once to Mr. Bellairs to tell him what had happened, and to Mr. Bell in answer to his attack. Both letters are given, as they clearly state her religious position. To Mr. Bellairs she wrote:— ‘31 FINSBURY SQUARE, _July 12_. ‘ ... Although our acquaintance has been very short, owing to the kindness with which you received me, I cannot help considering you in some measure as a friend, and feeling that you will understand me: perhaps, also, your office both as Clergyman and Vice-President of the Cheltenham Ladies’ College gives me some right to trouble you upon this occasion.