THE EARNEST PHILANTHROPIST. Immediately on establishing herself at Plashet, Mrs. Fry founded a girls' school on the Lancasterian system; and continued her usual labours of love. She kept a supply of flannels, calico, and under garments, in addition to a store of medicines, ever ready for the poor; and oftenwould her soft, cheerful smile light up a desolate hearth, or soothe the agonies of a sick or dying friend. She was a warm advocate of vaccination, and did an incalculable amount of good by extending the knowledge ofit; and having been instructed by Dr. Willan, the eminent physician, was enabled to perform many operations herself. In consequence of her exertions, the small- pox soonbecame unknown in the surroundingvillages. Within half a mile of her pretty country house, there existed a colony of the poorest and most neglected Irish peasants,-wild but warm-hearted creatures. Speedily did Mrs. Fry gain a magic influence over them by her sympathy and kindness ; she had in her nature "a touch of poetry and a quick sense of the droll," which made her under- stand their character at once ; and soon " Madam Fry," as their friend and benefactress, was hailed with boisterous delight whenever she would appear among them. Indeed, so much did she enter into their feelings and griefs that frequently, against her judgment, she would grant " the linen shirt and the boughs of evergreen" to adorn the wake." After a little while " Madam Fry" induced many of the poor creatures to adopt somewhat more quiet and 21
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=