‘Sunday Evening.
‘My dear Miss Beale,—My first few lines written by myself must be to you. All through last week the Epistle and your words about it have been such a help. It was just like one of your Scripture lessons every day all to myself. I am still going on so well, but of course it must take time, and I am not out of the wood. Still, as you said, all is well and will be well. Thank you so much for Lilla’s letter. I am so sorry she is not well, and Lucy Soulsby too. I am so rejoiced to hear you are so well and vigorous, and that College is overflowing. How wonderful it all is, and so inspiring.
‘I had begun Archbishop Benson’s St. Cyprian and your book before the operation, but have been too weak to read since. I hope to begin to-morrow. If you have read anything lately you think I should like, will you tell me the names? It must not be philosophy. I hope to have the best papers of the Church Congress read to me....’
Shortly after this Miss Belcher wrote herself on an anticipated visit from another physician:—
‘My very dear Friend,— ... Dr. Robson of Leeds comes to-morrow. I know you will pray that the “right judgment” will be given. It is thought he will operate, but not certain. Please let Eliza and Susan Draper know. I cannot forget all I owe to you, my friend and guide, of so many years. We have a private celebration to-morrow at eight, but you will not get this in time to think of us.—Ever your loving and grateful friend,
‘M. Belcher.
‘You shall hear as soon as possible.’
‘Dearest Marian,—I have heard from Susan.... Of course we can’t understand, and we only know that all is well. I thought of you so much at prayers this morning. I read the Lesson instead of the Epistle. “The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them.” We missed your accustomed visit on the term holiday yesterday.’
‘First Sunday in Advent, 1898.
‘My very dear Marian,—We were all so full of hope at first, and are much disappointed that relief has not come, but that you are still stretched upon the cross. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous, yet at such times one can just think of the ‘Mystery of Pain,’ and realise that each sufferer does in uniting his will with God’s in some measure, ‘fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ ... for His body’s sake.’” I think perhaps you may be suffering specially for one, that her faith may be once more awakened. Every sufferer thus “lifted up” does in a measure draw the hearts of others to Him through whom we are able to reveal the power of faith.... I said to Miss Drummond, “I dare say you would not have been spared any of the suffering”; she answered so heartily, “not one half-hour.” We see now what a wonderful work she did among the College boys, and it must be that your suffering is a part of the work God has given you to do for the school, and that you, too, will be enabled to say “not one half-hour,” when the darkness passes away, and the true light shines into the things of earth, and we know as we are known. I know that suffering so claims the attention, but one can only know and believe, not feel it; but it is much to live by faith. Faith is the illuminating power through which alone we truly know. Was not Miss Carter’s suffering felt by you to be mediatorial too, and you are her successor. I shall try to spend a few days with Miss Martin at Christmas.