After this visit Miss Belcher wrote:—
‘My dear Friend,—The strength and comfort of your visit has been with me ever since, and far from its doing me any harm it has done me untold good. May God bless you for having imparted to me so richly of the “comfort wherewith you yourself have been comforted of God.” I do so trust you were not over-tired; hope to hear from some one to-morrow.
‘Will you call me Marian in our private letters? I have never liked being only Miss Belcher, and since the close communion and rich gift of yesterday, I feel I should like it.’
Miss Beale’s reply was:—
‘October 23, 1898.
‘Dearest Marian,—It is good to hear that you were none the worse for my visit, and that our Lord put into my mouth some words of comfort. I shall hope to hear about Dr. Broadbent. I had a nice note from Susan. All here were so glad to get news of you direct....
‘I wonder if you know Fechner’s little book; there is one chapter I like much, from which I am sending you some extracts.’
The next letter was written after an operation Miss Belcher had undergone:—
‘ ... I lingered this morning, and the postman brought me Susan’s cheerful letter, just as I was starting, and I was able to make the service specially a Eucharist on your account. What a wonderful epistle; it is one to feed on. It tells how suffering strengthens the inner man, and enlarges one’s sympathies and makes us know the love of God. And the Gospel tells of renewed life after going down nearly to the grave. You and I can give thanks for both; may St. Paul’s wish be accomplished in us.’
Miss Belcher replied:—