That empty hand thrown impotently out
Were sooner caught, I think, by One in heaven,
Than may a hand that reaped a harvest in,
And kept the scythe’s glow on it.”
Then, when one thinks of what the world was in his early days, and what it is now, and what his share in its attainment of higher ideals and simpler life, one realises something of what he has achieved.
The picture of the Brantwood life was, to me, specially charming. Some of the book was, as you will know, exquisitely painful. But I cling on to greater confidence in silence than in words. The chasms and ruins of tempest and earthquake are healed best by the quiet growth of all that is lovely and gentle; but Time is needed. Time, and to be let alone.
November 22nd, 1893.
To Ellen Chase.
... Queen Street goes wonderfully. Miss Gee does wonders there. I have been collecting on your side, and greatly do I enjoy it. I have with me, usually, there a charming young lady, Miss Ter Meulen from Amsterdam, who is spending a few months in England, to prepare for taking up houses in her own country. She is full of power, brightness, and sweet human sympathy. Mrs. C. is clear, never missed a 6d., as she promised you, very righteous and grand now; the home looks very happy and comfortable. Mrs. L. is taking pattern by her, is paying 3d., without fail, but still has £2 7s. 0d. to clear. Poor Mrs. M. met with bad accident, a barrel from a dray fell on her, and she has been in bed for weeks; but M. says with a real loving smile, “I shall have her about again by Xmas.” C. is out of work! Maria C. is as responsible and satisfactory as ever. Her influence tells at home; the place is a pattern of neatness. Bridget C. is married; at first I thought the others were going to the dogs without her, and her husband wouldn’t let her live in the street; but we had one row with old C., conquered him, and began on sound footing....
Thank you very much for report of Public Reservations. It is most useful. Mr. Rawnsley has taken up the idea of a similar trust; we are getting it up, and had a first meeting this month. Forty-one acres of Hilly Fields are really bought; the four acres of Glebe still hang fire. I am invited to unveiling of Lowell’s Memorial at the Abbey on Tuesday; I should like to go, but it is just in the heart of Southwark work. Can I go?