No account of her life would be adequate which did not bring out the stimulating effect of Bessie's friendship, and the way in which even an hour spent with her would have its result, and open a way to useful activity. Miss Law was specially influenced with regard to her poems, in which Bessie took a warm interest. At first they were sent for approval and criticism, but before long Miss Law was more than able to stand alone, and she published a small volume, which was well received and favourably noticed.
The following pretty lines have been preserved amongst Bessie's papers:--
Will you please tell me very truly what you think of this little poem? You know I have a great respect for your opinion, and that is why I send it.
It is the perfect tune that lies Underneath all harmonies. The brook that sings in summertide Between the flowers on either side. It is that voiceless under part, That, still unheard, heart sings to heart. The interchange of thoughts that lie Too deep for louder melody. The breath that makes the lyre move With silent echoings of love. ISABELLA LAW.
Bessie paid other short visits to old friends at this time. We hear of her with Miss Bathurst at Stanmore, and greatly interested in Miss Bathurst's most honoured friend, Lady Byron. She also stayed with Miss Butler, who remembers that one day when she was about to mount her horse Bessie stood stroking his legs, saying: "Surely this must be thorough-bred." Another time, as Bessie stood near him, the horse stretched out his head and took the rose she was wearing so gently from her dress that she did not know it until she was told that he was eating it. Bessie used to drive in a pony carriage with Miss Butler, and to puzzle her hostess by a request for a description of the scenery.
On one occasion a gentleman who had become recently blind was asked to meet Bessie at Stanmore. It was very touching to see her sit by the blind man's side, take his hand and try to encourage and comfort him. Work for others, help for others; these were the things she told him that would make life worth living, and her own ardour was able to inspire him as well as others with hope and energy.
[7] _Town and Country Sermons_; 18. "Character of Peter."