express not only my desire that the best blessing may rest upon them, but that the young Princess might follow the example of our blessed Lord; that as she grew in stature she might also grow in favor with God and man.  I also ventured to remind her of King Josiah, who began to reign at eight years old, and did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, which seemed to be well received.  Since that I thought it right to send the Duke of Gloucester my brother Joseph’s work on the Sabbath, with a rather serious letter, and had a very valuable answer from him, full of feeling.  I have an invitation to visit the Duchess of Gloucester the next Fourth Day.  May good result to them and no harm to myself; but I feel those openings a rather weighty responsibility, and desire to be faithful and not forward.  I had long felt an inclination to see the young Princess, and endeavor to throw a little weight into the right scale, seeing the very important place she is likely to fill.  I was much pleased with her, and think her a sweet, lovely and hopeful child.”

Some three years afterwards the Duke of Gloucester died, and his death recalled the old times when he was quartered at Norwich with his regiment.  The biographers of Elizabeth Fry tell us that the Duke “was amongst the few who addressed words of friendly caution and sound advice to the young and motherless sisters at Earlham.”  She never forgot the old friendship—­a friendship which had been increased by the unfailing interest of both the Duke and Duchess in her philanthropic work.  As soon as she heard of the bereavement she wrote the following letter to the Princess Sophia of Gloucester:—­

     MY DEAR FRIEND: 

I hope thou wilt not feel it an intrusion my expressing my sympathy with thee in the death of the Duke of Gloucester.  To lose a dear and only brother is no small trial, and for a while makes the world appear very desolate.  But I trust that having thy pleasant pictures marred in this life may be one means of opening brighter prospects in the life to come, and of having thy treasure increased in the heavenly inheritance.  The Duchess of Gloucester kindly commissioned a lady to write to me, who gave me a very comforting account of the state of the Duke’s mind.  I feel it cause for much thankfulness that he was so sustained through faith in his Lord and Saviour; and we may humbly trust, through His merits, saved with an everlasting salvation.  It would be very pleasant to me to hear how thy health and spirits are after so great a shock, and I propose inquiring at Blackheath, where I rather expect to be next week; or if thou wouldst have the kindness to request one of thy ladies in waiting to write me a few lines I should be much obliged.  I hope that my dear and valued friend, the Duchess of Gloucester, is as well as we can expect after her deep affliction.

Shortly after this she paid a visit of condolence to the Duchess by appointment.