‘ ... I heard from Miss Beale this morning that the Cheltenham College had written for her testimonials. I hope she may obtain the appointment she desires, it seems one for which she is so well qualified. Of her power of teaching others, and making them delight in their studies, there is no doubt. But you do not know her as I do, in her home and daily life; there all look up to her and seek her counsel. Our friendship commenced when we were eighteen; since that time I have not only profited, I trust, by the instruction she has given me in the pursuit of various studies, but I have always consulted her on all my plans, where the welfare of others has been concerned, and have found her counsel full of common sense and kind consideration for the feelings of those we desired to help or instruct. She is good-tempered and has plenty of tact, but shows instantly her dislike to anything untrue in word or act. Forgive this long letter, but I thought you might have some influence, and I am much interested for my friend, and at the same time feel that I should rather place any one I loved under her than with any one else I have met. With kind regards,—Believe me yours very sincerely,
Eliza Ann Alston.’
On June 14 came a letter summoning Miss Beale to Cheltenham. Her diary does not tell us where she stayed, or give any particulars of the interviews she had with the Council as a body, or with individuals. It records her election on the 16th, and the fact that Mr. Bellairs came to breakfast on the 17th. On the same day she saw Mr. Hartland and Dr. Comyn. By the single word ‘dress,’ which concludes her meagre entries of what were such momentous events for her, hangs a little tale of personal need supplied by the kind thought of a sister who willingly lent a blue silk gown for the would-be Lady Principal to wear at her first interview with her Council. Absorption in the Textbook and kindred subjects had precluded care of the writer’s wardrobe, and when this important moment came, it was felt that neither the simple black nor the mouse-coloured grey was equal to the occasion. The conscientious care of the borrowed plumes is still remembered.
On June 18 she returned from Cheltenham, full of hope, to write innumerable letters—stamps, under their ancient name of ‘heads,’ became almost a daily entrance in the diary, which sometimes served as account-book;—to finish the lessons at Barnes, for the school year had not yet ended; and to correct the proofs of the Textbook, with the satisfaction of feeling that she had in it something that would help in the formation of her teachers-to-be. She received many congratulations. Some letters were kept; Mr. Shepheard’s is given, as it bears upon a subject which was about to cause fresh trouble.
‘Silverdale, June 24, 1858.
‘ ... I must tell you how pleased I am on your account personally, at your success—and the triumph of justice in your case over unfairness and tyranny. My pleasure would be indeed great, if I had any hope that you might be led to reconsider those opinions on sacramental grace which have formed the only subject of division in opinion between us. The longer I live the more I am convinced of their danger as containing in fact the germ of all popery; and subverting the very nature and essence of vital godliness, by substituting the form for the reality, the outward act for the inward spiritual power and operation.
‘I wish you would read Mr. Litton’s book, The Church of Christ, on that subject; it is unanswerable.
‘What is exactly the name and nature of your College?—Very sincerely yours with all kindest regards,
H. Shepheard.’
There were also through these weeks a good many interchanged visits on matters both of business and pleasure. The name of Miss Vincent occurs twice among others mentioned in the diary. This is the lady who in August of 1858 became Lady Superintendent at Casterton, and remained there till 1888, when she died there in harness at the age of seventy-five.