ELIZABETH FRY, orderly habits ; and to send some of their children to school ; while she aided them in many ways. In a lane near Plashet, there was generally an encampment of gipsies, on their way to neighbouring fairs : and often in their tents, as in the garrets of Irish Row, would our now earnest philanthropist be seen ;; assisting them with clothing for their children, or with medicines, and furnishing themwith Bibles, and with a few timely words of comfort and advice. At home and abroad, her labours were unceasing. Her large and interesting family of children were attended to as sedulously as if she had had no other claims upon her ; and although in very delicate health, and naturally averse to exertion, no duty was left unfulfilled. Always " jealous over herself lest her avocations as the head of a family should be neglected," she allowed herself no rest nor leisure. Many heavy sorrows tried her at this time. She lost, especially, one lovely, intelligent little girl, who had just reached the attractive age of five years ; her grief was bitter, but she bowed beneath the rod which chastened in love. She mingled, too, in many scenes of deep affliction at Earlham, with her beloved sisters and brothers. In 1810, Elizabeth Fry lost her kind and gener- ous father, who " had been so inexpressibly dear" to her through life, since she " knew what love was." Beside his grave, " her heart so full that she could hardly hinder utterance," she poured forth her spirit in a long and impressive prayer. From that time 22
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