‘I am so glad you are feeling somewhat refreshed. You really must forget “the things that are behind”—the bad things as well as the good, or the heart “would fail in looking back.” And if no other way opens, and you are both called to go back to Truro, you will be able. “I can do all things,” and the sorrows for both of you will be like the mist which, though it came up from the face of the ground, yet watered Paradise and made it fruitful. Does not all consciousness of sin and failure bring us nearer not only to Him in Whom alone is strength, but to our brothers and sisters in sympathy and compassion. We are touched with the feeling of their infirmities.
‘So, my dear child (I feel inclined to say children, for this has made me feel nearer to your friend), “lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, lest that which is weak be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed” by your sorrows—your wounds too.
‘I have had a very pleasant but exhausting time since we met. I spent a fortnight at Oxford, attending both Oxford Extension and British Association. We heard a good deal about social and economic problems. Mr. Sydney Webb and Dr. Rein of Jena, who trains men as teachers, gave some nice lectures. Miss Louch is come back, having had a delightful time at the Educational Congress at the Clarke University, under the Presidency of Dr. Stanley Hall. She says she has learned a great deal.... I think our Training Department has as many if not more than any College there is, in spite of not having received any of the thousands that have been given to them—or, shall I say, because of it? I am sure it is good to have to pay one’s way. I believe our Universities would do better work if they had nothing. “Then welcome each rebuff.”
‘We had many parties at St. Hilda’s, and everybody admired the house. The girls enjoy the boat very much; I hope there will be no accidents. It is a very safe one, but one is always nervous about the water....
‘I am pleased with the Higher Cambridge List ... and I am glad that we manage to keep up our lists, because we do not buy up our neighbours’ girls, and try not to make examinations the end. Glad your girl has done so well.
‘I am working hard at the Magazine and my Reports to the Council, and trying to rest a little after my Oxford labours. On Tuesday I hope to go to the hills near Stroud.
‘I must lend you some day Streets and Lanes, by the late Miss Benson. The Archbishop has sent me a copy.
‘May God bless and comfort your hearts, my dear children, and make this light affliction, which is but for a moment, work out an eternal good.’
To the same:—
‘Ambleside, May 1895.