“No doubt the sun is still shining behind the clouds! Perhaps even these may clear off in some unexpected way.” “Feb. 13, 1877. “Yesterday’s meeting went smoothly. Miss Ewart was very kind. She told me in my room that she was quite sorry for me and that she sympathized strongly. “Mr. Buxton and Mr. Worsley, as representatives of the donors of the money, mean to protest against abandoning the Upper School, or delaying its buildings. Mr. Lee and Mr. Thorold also will make a stand; the former is coming up on purpose. I will send you a line to say what hope there is. “We have another meeting on Monday, of which you have probably had notice. “The governors granted all the things I asked for, in the way of salaries, house expenses, etc. Mr. Robins was not kept waiting, and got away when he had explained to Miss E. the ventilation matter. “At the last meeting, he was kept two hours, and then not summoned. It made me quite fidgety and uncomfortable. I think his patience is _almost_ exhausted. What a good friend he is! “I wrote a note to the chairman for yesterday’s meeting, offering—(1) on condition of not letting the Upper School be ‘put in abeyance,’ (2) of raising the fees, and (3) of adding the sum so obtained to the rent saved by the buildings (about £800 per annum)—to pay another sum of £800 per annum towards the building fund, during my working life, or so long as necessary. This note was read in my absence. “I must, as Alfred says, be allowed ‘to endow my own child.’ I also wrote to Mr. Lee, making the same offer. I tell you, as you would have heard it had you been able to be present. “My very dear Annie, if only some of my cares would save you from yours, how thankful I should be. “May God bless and strengthen you. “Ever yours lovingly, “ARNIE.” “Feb. 18, 1877. “The answer from the Charity Commissioners is expected next week. I should think it will be favourable. “All this discipline is strengthening, and helps one to strengthen others, if one will but learn the lesson it is meant to teach. I have not been rebellious this time, I think, but have tried to use means and be content with the issue.” “April 14. “Mr. Worsley writes to say that the Brewers’ Company will take up the loan of £8000, and therefore there need be no delay in beginning the Camden School. “Also that there will be no necessity for me to insure my life for the debt. “So ends our great difficulty!” In July, 1878, there is a note referring to the work involved in laying the memorial stones of the new building, and an indication of delay, since Miss Buss says—