Bethinks him he is heir of heaven.
CHAPTER XVI
THE FIRST LOSS
"The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction."—Wordsworth.
In August 1861 Bessie was removed to Bognor for the benefit of sea air, and began to show signs of complete recovery. Some of the sisters were her constant companions and devoted nurses; she received visits from her parents, and loving letters from many friends.
She returned to Chichester in the late autumn, restored to her usual average of health; and in December the Bishop wrote to her, the eldest daughter at home, as he had done in the old days when she was a girl, to prepare for the return of the family from Brighton.
Christmas was spent as usual at the palace, and with the new year Bessie began gradually to resume her work for the Institution.