The meetings of the branch went on for several years, and then, for want of support, it came to an end.
Temperance was another subject in which she took increasing interest, as it came more directly before her in the work of the Rev. Septimus Buss and his energetic wife, so well known in Shoreditch. Miss Buss became practically an abstainer, and the subject was brought before the old pupils on more than one occasion. Miss Frances Willard received an enthusiastic welcome at one of these meetings, and a note to her shows the feeling of the head-mistress—
“Myra Lodge, Jan., 1893.
“Dear Miss Willard,
“As one of the many Englishwomen who have long known and admired your great work in the United States, I send you a hearty greeting.
“I felt it a great privilege to be personally introduced to you, and only regret that the necessity of rest during the holidays has prevented me from attending some of the large meetings called to do honour to you as a teacher and a leader in the great cause of temperance.
“Believe me,
“Very faithfully yours,
“Frances M. Buss.”
From the nature of her own work, Miss Buss was unable to take any active part in the work of Mrs. Josephine Butler, Miss Ellice Hopkins and others, for the promotion of a higher standard of morals; but her sympathy was with every wise effort in this direction, and, in several instances, when her head disapproved the means used, her heart went out to the sufferer from rash but well-meant endeavours. I can recall the intense feeling with which she told me of the direct action of the Queen in relation to a well-known case of this kind. Of such sympathy Mrs. Percy Bunting speaks warmly—