Page:Hannah More (1887 Charlotte Mary Yonge British).djvu/159

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BARLEY WOOD.
147

saying that he was in much difficulty and distress, but not explaining why. Three days later came the following:—

My Dear Mrs. More,

Prayer has had its usual effect, and all is now perfectly right.

B. L.

It was the last note she was ever to have from him. On the 24th Mrs. Kennicott wrote from Fulham to announce his death, and she then explained what had troubled him, namely the report of the institution of a club, under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, which was to meet on a Sunday. Feeble as he was, he requested an audience of the Prince. He was supported by two servants and hardly able to move with their assistance; but he reached the presence of the Prince, and with agitated earnestness implored him to change the day. The Prince was touched, and this great effort gained the victory. The old man went home to die content.

He had bequeathed one hundred pounds to Hannah More, and, after the fashion of the time, she dedicated to his memory a plantation at Barley Wood, putting up an inscription, as she had done in the case of other much-loved friends. She must have missed the approval of one who had so warmly appreciated her works, one after the other, when, in the winter,