CHAPTER X. "For us whatever's undergone, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. HE year 1892 had drawn quietly to its close, and expecting Phyllis Rowe to come for her usual winter. visit. The latter had been staying for a short time with another Friend in the neighbourhood, and whilst there was seized suddenly with influenza in a severe and painful form. The Friend she had been visiting entreated her to remain and be nursed at her house, but Phyllis Rowe preferred going to Brunswick Square, as had been previously arranged. She arrived there on the afternoon of January 16th, and on the 20th, after a few days of great anxiety, she passed quietly away. It was a severe shock, and the difficulties which often attend sudden and alarming illness were in this case neither few nor slight. The way in which Ann Hunt bore this unexpected trial was an illustration of her faith. She received it in meek submission, and while feeling deeply the loss of so kind a friend, she indulged in no vain regrets about anything that had been done or left undone-acting herself according to the advice she had given to her niece Rebecca Zaytoun-never to do this where the aim and endeavour of those concerned had been to do that which was right. There were many others who mourned for Phyllis Rowe, who had been known and loved in the circle of Friends in Bristol and elsewhere. She was one in whom the Christian graces shone with no uncertain light; disregard of self and consideration for others seemed natural to her; she shared in many of Ann Hunt's interests, and seemed during her long visits to be the very companion that she needed. The vacant place left by this great loss was filled for the next few weeks by a cousin who was truly glad to render any help, and a more permanent arrangement was made with a friend some months afterwards, as it had become evident even to herself that it was not well she should be left alone. Ann Hunt had taken an interest in Mary C. Salmon, who had joined Friends a few years before, and had cherished a wish to live with and assist her aged friend; so it was decided to try this plan, which afterwards became permanent. It was not, however, till the summer that she actually came, to bestow, as it proved, her care and affection to the end. Ann Hunt's sight had failed again, and her letters from about this time appear to have been less full and frequent. Yet she was never lacking when she thought she could give help or comfort to any of her friends. To Hannah Southall. "6th of First Month, 1893. "Yes, last year was indeed a perplexed and trying one to many; I trust that the present one may bring more of rest to you, and, if it may be so, of repair and restoration. My sympathies are warmly with dear The experiences of aunthood are in a sphere of service and suffering by no means understood or appreciated generally, in my opinion. You know a good deal about it, and so do I, in large measure." To the same. "2nd of Third Month, 1893. (In allusion to the religious visit of a party of Friends to Bristol Meeting.) . . "I do want very much to write to thee, but intentions are so often frustrated. We have gone through those meetings now, and the Friends are all gone. It is truly encouraging to observe what different and what really grand gifts are bestowed on some members of our Church. And yet, as the greatest forces are made up by combinations of lesser, perhaps the most work of all is done through the faithful use of the smaller gifts, those least noticed by man. Well, about these meetings. They have been really remarkable times, nothing like them has occurred during the seventy years over which I can look back. Not that I could agree with everything said and done, but it is impossible not to feel that a good work was going on in the experience of very many, and I have not met with any one who did not feel helped in some way, though unable to accept all." To F. S. Fry. "Portishead, 17th of Fifth Month, 1893. "I need hardly say that I think much of what lies before Friends in London. There must be decisions made of great importance to our branch of the Church, even perhaps far beyond its visible limits. I desire to take such share as is possible to me in the exercise of spirit which the occasion will bring, and in seeking for the guidance so greatly needed. Perhaps it is a mistake, but my great fear is lest a separating spirit should get a hold among us, lest those that look at truth under differing aspects, and set a special value on that portion which they see most clearly, should conclude that there is some real contradiction of the truth itself involved in the view which differs from their own, and so there might be a division which would tend to extreme views on both sides. I will not trouble thee with needless words. I know how truly we both feel in whom alone our help lies. He has been mindful of us, and will be so still. May we be permitted again to bless His name!" Portishead had been selected this year instead of Clevedon for her annual change, partly on account of the little Meeting there, which had recently been incorporated with Bristol and Frenchay Monthly Meeting. On her return she writes thus : To Hannah Southall. "I am safely at home again, looking back on much privilege in health and comfort of companionship, all things to be acknowledged with thankfulness. Welcome letters awaited me here, one from dear C. R. Charleton, telling me a little of your Yearly Meeting proceedings. All information is so especially welcome in its freshness. Now I feel entering as it were into the world again, the world and its various interests. It seemed almost like being out of it at Portishead, and yet that is my ignorance, for the world is everywhere." To Alice M. Sturge. "23rd of Eleventh Month, 1893. "I do often wonder what there is to repay any of my dear young friends for the effort of coming into this remote region, unless indeed it is the pleasure of doing a kindness. Much as I love, and long to help them in any way, there feels so little qualification for it that I am ready to lament our opportunities to some extent wasted, leading as I fear to disappointment on their part. Let us hope that it may not be so in the future, if a future be given." 66 To F. S. Fry. "23rd of Eleventh Month, 1893. Though I am afraid I come to thee by note almost too often, I must ask thee to accept a warm acknowledgment of thy very kind birthday greeting, . . not in the least less acceptable because I entered on my eighty-fourth year just a month earlier. It feels wonderful to have lived so long, and |