Bessie Grove:

Loveday called to see her , and admired the work she was doing . " I have kept my promise as soon as I could , " she said , " and now , Bessie , I hope you will not mind telling me all about yourself . There are several charities that g ive pensions , and I must see what is most likely to suit you . " Bessie ' s case was a sad one . An accident

in childhood had crippled her ; and the little she could earn was not sufficient for her necessities , and her delicate health and niuch suffering really required some little comforts ; still she was patient and contented . Mrs . Loveday listened carefully to her recital , and then promised to write and ask a friend in London , if he could give a nomination to one of the Incurables .

" You must remember , " she said , " that a nomination does not give you the annuity , only the power of canvassing , which of course takes some time . " " I thank you very much , " replied Bessie , " but I fear it is hopeless . I have not money for printing the cardsand I

, should not like to run in debt . " " Quite right , quite right , about running jn debt ; but I mentioned the case to my riends that evening , and one gave me five hillings , and another half-a-crown , and I slunk more will come ; so I shall write to

Mr . Peirceall and see what he says " After her visitor had left , Bessie thought over what had passed , and a gleam of hope seemed to rise , but the thought of that little book depressed her again . Several days passed before she again saw Mrs . Loveday ; but one fine , frosty afternoon she came , bringing a letter from Mr . Peirceall . He said that his vote was

promised to a candidate , who he expected would succeed . That he would secure a nomination for Bessie , and help her as soon as he could . He sent down some questions to be answered , and showed how she must act to get on the list of candidates . " The reason , " he added , " why they are so long

getting in , is that there are so many more candidates than vacancies ; but the votes are carried on to succeeding elections . " He also sent a list of subscribers , and advised Bessie to get another one , by sending eight postage stamps to the Secretary . B y that means she found out who had votes ; and when she had been admitted

as a candidate , then came the question of names on the cards as recommenders . "Had not your father some business friends 1 " said Mrs . Allen , one day ; " you say he was an honourable man , and failed through trusting and assisting others . "

"Yes , " replied Bessie , "he had some very good friends , when he was prosperous ; I do not know if they would own me . " "Yon mig ht write and try , " said her friend . Bessie did write and try . Some did

not answer ; some were engaged ; but Messrs . Copstock were willing to receive proxies . She then called upon her clergyman , who kindly added his name , and a little help towards canvassing , and drew out the form of the cards , and got them reasonably printed for her . "I feel very sorry to trouble you so much , sir , " she said , " but I have been so

strongly advised to try . "Never mind about the trouble , " he replied , " wo were intended to help each other , and I trust that Providence will bless your efforts . " " I am going into the next town , " said Mrs . Allenone morning" shall I take one

, , or two of your cards 1 " " Many thanks , " said Bessie , " here they are , and a list of those in Coleside who subscribe . " Mrs . Allen wended her way , and entered the large grocer's shop . Mr . Owen was

standing surveying his customers . Mrs . Allen approached him . " Please , sir , I have brought this card ; I think you are a subscriber , and Her speech was cut short . Mr . Owen waved his hand and said , " We have so many of these things ; we cannot give to all . "

" That ' s true Sir , " she said , " but I thought perhaps you would just read it while your young man serves me with the sugar and bit of cheese . " Mr . Owen drew a gold-mounted eyeglass from his breast , and looked at the card , at first carelessly , and then with more interest . He asked Mrs . Allen some

questions , and promised his vote if "his lady" had not given it away . Meanwhile the shopman was doing up Mrs . Allen ' s parcel , and enquired if he was to put iu the usual quarter of tea . "No . " she said . "Poor Bessie bid me