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diff --git a/19011.txt b/19011.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..849332d --- /dev/null +++ b/19011.txt @@ -0,0 +1,21194 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Charlotte Bronte and Her Circle, by Clement +K. Shorter + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Charlotte Bronte and Her Circle + + +Author: Clement K. Shorter + + + +Release Date: August 8, 2006 [eBook #19011] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLOTTE BRONTE AND HER CIRCLE*** + + + + + +Transcribed from the 1896 Hodder and Stoughton edition by Les Bowler. + + + + + + CHARLOTTE BRONTE AND HER CIRCLE + + + BY CLEMENT K. SHORTER + + LONDON + + HODDER AND STOUGHTON + + 27 PATERNOSTER ROW + + 1896 + + [Picture: CHARLOTTE BRONTE] + + + + +PREFACE + + +It is claimed for the following book of some five hundred pages that the +larger part of it is an addition of entirely new material to the romantic +story of the Brontes. For this result, but very small credit is due to +me; and my very hearty acknowledgments must be made, in the first place, +to the Rev. Arthur Bell Nicholls, for whose generous surrender of +personal inclination I must ever be grateful. It has been with extreme +unwillingness that Mr. Nicholls has broken the silence of forty years, +and he would not even now have consented to the publication of certain +letters concerning his marriage, had he not been aware that these letters +were already privately printed and in the hands of not less than eight or +ten people. To Miss Ellen Nussey of Gomersall, I have also to render +thanks for having placed the many letters in her possession at my +disposal, and for having furnished a great deal of interesting +information. Without the letters from Charlotte Bronte to Mr. W. S. +Williams, which were kindly lent to me by his son and daughter, Mr. and +Mrs. Thornton Williams, my book would have been the poorer. Sir Wemyss +Reid, Mr. J. J. Stead, of Heckmondwike, Mr. Butler Wood, of Bradford, Mr. +W. W. Yates, of Dewsbury, Mr. Erskine Stuart, Mr. Buxton Forman, and Mr. +Thomas J. Wise are among the many Bronte specialists who have helped me +with advice or with the loan of material. Mr. Wise, in particular, has +lent me many valuable manuscripts. Finally, I have to thank my friend +Dr. Robertson Nicoll for the kindly pressure which has practically +compelled me to prepare this little volume amid a multitude of +journalistic duties. + + CLEMENT K. SHORTER. +198 STRAND, LONDON, + _September_ 1_st_, 1896. + + + + +CONTENTS + + +PRELIMINARY +CHAPTER I PATRICK BRONTE AND MARIA HIS WIFE +CHAPTER II CHILDHOOD +CHAPTER III SCHOOL AND GOVERNESS LIFE +CHAPTER IV PENSIONNAT HEGER, BRUSSELS +CHAPTER V PATRICK BRANWELL BRONTE +CHAPTER VI EMILY JANE BRONTE +CHAPTER VII ANNE BRONTE +CHAPTER VIII ELLEN NUSSEY +CHAPTER IX MARY TAYLOR +CHAPTER X MARGARET WOOLER +CHAPTER XI THE CURATES AT HAWORTH +CHAPTER XII CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S LOVERS +CHAPTER XIII LITERARY AMBITIONS +CHAPTER XIV WILLIAM SMITH WILLIAMS +CHAPTER XV WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY +CHAPTER XVI LITERARY FRIENDSHIPS +CHAPTER XVII ARTHUR BELL NICHOLLS + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +CHARLOTTE BRONTE Frontispiece +PATRICK BRANWELL BRONTE facing page 120 +FACSIMILE OF PAGE OF EMILY BRONTE'S DIARY facing page 146 +FACSIMILE OF TWO PAGES OF EMILY BRONTE'S DIARY facing page 154 +ANNE BRONTE facing page 182 +MISS ELLEN NUSSEY AS A SCHOOLGIRL ) +MISS ELLEN NUSSEY TO-DAY ) facing page 207 +THE REV. ARTHUR BELL NICHOLLS facing page 467 + + + + +A BRONTE CHRONOLOGY + + +_Patrick Bronte born_ 17 _March_ 1777 +_Maria Bronte born_ 1783 +_Patrick leaves Ireland for Cambridge_ 1802 +_Degree of A.B._ 1806 +_Curacy at Wetherfield_, _Essex_ 1806 + ,, _Dewsbury Yorks_ 1809 + ,, _Hartshead-cum-Clifton_ 1811 +_Publishes_ '_Cottage Poems_' (_Halifax_) 1811 +_Married to Maria Branwell_ 18 _Dec._ 1812 +_First Child_, _Maria_, _born_ 1813 +_Publishes_ '_The Rural Minstrel_' 1813 +_Elizabeth born_ 1814 +_Publishes_ '_The Cottage in the Wood_' 1815 +_Curacy at Thornton_ 1816 +_Charlotte Bronte born at Thornton_ 21 _April_ 1816 +_Patrick Branwell Bronte born_ 1817 +_Emily Jane Bronte born_ 1818 +'_The Maid of Killarney_' _published_ 1818 +_Anne Bronte born_ 1819 +_Removal to Incumbency of Haworth_ _February_ 1820 +_Mrs. Bronte died_ 15 _September_ 1821 +_Maria and Elizabeth Bronte at Cowan Bridge_ _July_ 1824 +_Charlotte and Emily_ ,, ,, _September_ 1824 +_Leave Cowan Bridge_ 1825 +_Maria Bronte died_ 6 _May_ 1825 +_Elizabeth Bronte died_ 15 _June_ 1825 +_Charlotte Bronte at School_, _January_ 1831 +_Roe Head_ +_Leaves Roe Head School_ 1832 +_First Visit to Ellen Nussey at The Rydings_ _September_ 1832 +_Returns to Roe Head as governess_ 29 _July_ 1835 +_Branwell visits London_ 1835 +_Emily spends three months at Roe Head_, _when Anne 1835 + takes her place and she returns home_ +_Ellen Nussey visits Haworth in Holidays_ _July_ 1836 +_Miss Wooler's School removed to Dewsbury Moor_ 1836 +_Emily at a School at Halifax for six months_ 1836 + (_Miss Patchet of Law Hill_) +_First Proposal of Marriage_ (_Henry Nussey_) _March_ 1839 +_Anne Bronte becomes governess at Blake Hall_, _April_ 1839 + (_Mrs. Ingham's_) +_Charlotte governess at Mrs. Sidgwick's at Stonegappe_, 1839 + _and at Swarcliffe_, _Harrogate_ +_Second Proposal of Marriage_ (_Mr. Price_) 1839 +_Charlotte and Emily at Haworth_, 1840 +_Anne at Blake Hall_ +_Charlotte's second situation as governess with _March_ 1841 + Mrs. White_, _Upperwood House_, _Rawdon_ +_Charlotte and Emily go to School at Brussels_ _February_ 1842 +_Miss Branwell died at Haworth_ 29 _Oct._ 1842 +_Charlotte and Emily return to Haworth_ _Nov._ 1842 +_Charlotte returns to Brussels_ _Jan._ 1843 +_Returns to Haworth_ _Jan._ 1844 +_Anne and Branwell at Thorp Green_ 1845 +_Charlotte visits Mary Taylor at Hounsden_ 1845 +_Visits Miss Nussey at Brookroyd_ 1845 +_Publication of Poems by Currer_, 1846 +_Ellis and Acton Bell_ +_Charlotte Bronte visits Manchester with her father for _Aug._ 1846 + him to see an Oculist_ +'_Jane Eyre_' _published_ (_Smith & Elder_) _Oct._ 1847 +'_Wuthering Heights_' _and_ '_Agnes Grey_', (_Newby_) _Dec._ 1847 +_Charlotte and Emily visit London_ _June_ 1848 +'_Tenant of Wildfell Hall_' 1848 +_Branwell died_ 24 _Sept._ 1848 +_Emily died_ 19 _Dec._ 1848 +_Anne Bronte died at Scarborough_ 28 _May_ 1849 +'_Shirley_' _published_ 1849 +_Visit to London_, _first meeting with Thackeray_ _Nov._ 1849 +_Visit to London_, _sits for Portrait to Richmond_ 1850 +_Third Offer of Marriage_ (_James Taylor_) 1851 +_Visit to London for Exhibition_ 1851 +'_Villette_' _published_ 1852 +_Visit to London_ 1853 +_Visit to Manchester to Mrs. Gaskell_ 1853 +_Marriage_ 29 _June_ 1854 +_Death_ 31 _March_ 1855 +_Patrick Bronte died_ 7 _June_ 1861 + + + + +PRELIMINARY: MRS. GASKELL + + +In the whole of English biographical literature there is no book that can +compare in widespread interest with the _Life of Charlotte Bronte_ by +Mrs. Gaskell. It has held a position of singular popularity for forty +years; and while biography after biography has come and gone, it still +commands a place side by side with Boswell's _Johnson_ and Lockhart's +_Scott_. As far as mere readers are concerned, it may indeed claim its +hundreds as against the tens of intrinsically more important rivals. +There are obvious reasons for this success. Mrs. Gaskell was herself a +popular novelist, who commanded a very wide audience, and _Cranford_, at +least, has taken a place among the classics of our literature. She +brought to bear upon the biography of Charlotte Bronte all those literary +gifts which had made the charm of her seven volumes of romance. And +these gifts were employed upon a romance of real life, not less +fascinating than anything which imagination could have furnished. +Charlotte Bronte's success as an author turned the eyes of the world upon +her. Thackeray had sent her his _Vanity Fair_ before he knew her name or +sex. The precious volume lies before me-- + + [Picture: First Thackeray Inscription] + +And Thackeray did not send many inscribed copies of his books even to +successful authors. Speculation concerning the author of _Jane Eyre_ was +sufficiently rife during those seven sad years of literary renown to make +a biography imperative when death came to Charlotte Bronte in 1855. All +the world had heard something of the three marvellous sisters, daughters +of a poor parson in Yorkshire, going one after another to their death +with such melancholy swiftness, but leaving--two of them, at +least--imperishable work behind them. The old blind father and the +bereaved husband read the confused eulogy and criticism, sometimes with a +sad pleasure at the praise, oftener with a sadder pain at the grotesque +inaccuracy. Small wonder that it became impressed upon Mr. Bronte's mind +that an authoritative biography was desirable. His son-in-law, Mr. +Arthur Bell Nicholls, who lived with him in the Haworth parsonage during +the six weary years which succeeded Mrs. Nicholls's death, was not so +readily won to the unveiling of his wife's inner life; and although we, +who read Mrs. Gaskell's _Memoir_, have every reason to be thankful for +Mr. Bronte's decision, peace of mind would undoubtedly have been more +assured to Charlotte Bronte's surviving relatives had the most rigid +silence been maintained. The book, when it appeared in 1857, gave +infinite pain to a number of people, including Mr. Bronte and Mr. +Nicholls; and Mrs. Gaskell's subsequent experiences had the effect of +persuading her that all biographical literature was intolerable and +undesirable. She would seem to have given instructions that no biography +of herself should be written; and now that thirty years have passed since +her death we have no substantial record of one of the most fascinating +women of her age. The loss to literature has been forcibly brought home +to the present writer, who has in his possession a bundle of letters +written by Mrs. Gaskell to numerous friends of Charlotte Bronte during +the progress of the biography. They serve, all of them, to impress one +with the singular charm of the woman, her humanity and breadth of +sympathy. They make us think better of Mrs. Gaskell, as Thackeray's +letters to Mrs. Brookfield make us think better of the author of _Vanity +Fair_. + +Apart from these letters, a journey in the footsteps, as it were, of Mrs. +Gaskell reveals to us the remarkable conscientiousness with which she set +about her task. It would have been possible, with so much fame behind +her, to have secured an equal success, and certainly an equal pecuniary +reward, had she merely written a brief monograph with such material as +was voluntarily placed in her hands. Mrs. Gaskell possessed a higher +ideal of a biographer's duties. She spared no pains to find out the +facts; she visited every spot associated with the name of Charlotte +Bronte--Thornton, Haworth, Cowan Bridge, Birstall, Brussels--and she +wrote countless letters to the friends of Charlotte Bronte's earlier +days. + +But why, it may be asked, was Mrs. Gaskell selected as biographer? The +choice was made by Mr. Bronte, and not, as has been suggested, by some +outside influence. When Mr. Bronte had once decided that there should be +an authoritative biography--and he alone was active in the matter--there +could be but little doubt upon whom the task would fall. Among all the +friends whom fame had brought to Charlotte, Mrs. Gaskell stood prominent +for her literary gifts and her large-hearted sympathy. She had made the +acquaintance of Miss Bronte when the latter was on a visit to Sir James +Kay Shuttleworth, in 1850; and a letter from Charlotte to her father, and +others to Mr. W. S. Williams, indicate the beginning of a friendship +which was to leave so permanent a record in literary history:-- + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '20_th_ _November_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--You said that if I wished for any copies of _Shirley_ + to be sent to individuals I was to name the parties. I have thought + of one person to whom I should much like a copy to be + offered--Harriet Martineau. For her character--as revealed in her + works--I have a lively admiration, a deep esteem. Will you inclose + with the volume the accompanying note? + + 'The letter you forwarded this morning was from Mrs. Gaskell, + authoress of _Mary Barton_; she said I was not to answer it, but I + cannot help doing so. The note brought the tears to my eyes. She is + a good, she is a great woman. Proud am I that I can touch a chord of + sympathy in souls so noble. In Mrs. Gaskell's nature it mournfully + pleases me to fancy a remote affinity to my sister Emily. In Miss + Martineau's mind I have always felt the same, though there are wide + differences. Both these ladies are above me--certainly far my + superiors in attainments and experience. I think I could look up to + them if I knew them.--I am, dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 29_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I inclose two notes for postage. The note you sent + yesterday was from Harriet Martineau; its contents were more than + gratifying. I ought to be thankful, and I trust I am, for such + testimonies of sympathy from the first order of minds. When Mrs. + Gaskell tells me she shall keep my works as a treasure for her + daughters, and when Harriet Martineau testifies affectionate + approbation, I feel the sting taken from the strictures of another + class of critics. My resolution of seclusion withholds me from + communicating further with these ladies at present, but I now know + how they are inclined to me--I know how my writings have affected + their wise and pure minds. The knowledge is present support and, + perhaps, may be future armour. + + 'I trust Mrs. Williams's health and, consequently, your spirits are + by this time quite restored. If all be well, perhaps I shall see you + next week.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 1_st_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--May I beg that a copy of _Wuthering Heights_ may be + sent to Mrs. Gaskell; her present address is 3 Sussex Place, Regent's + Park. She has just sent me the _Moorland Cottage_. I felt + disappointed about the publication of that book, having hoped it + would be offered to Smith, Elder & Co.; but it seems she had no + alternative, as it was Mr. Chapman himself who asked her to write a + Christmas book. On my return home yesterday I found two packets from + Cornhill directed in two well-known hands waiting for me. You are + all very very good. + + 'I trust to have derived benefit from my visit to Miss Martineau. A + visit more interesting I certainly never paid. If self-sustaining + strength can be acquired from example, I ought to have got good. But + my nature is not hers; I could not make it so though I were to submit + it seventy times seven to the furnace of affliction, and discipline + it for an age under the hammer and anvil of toil and self-sacrifice. + Perhaps if I was like her I should not admire her so much as I do. + She is somewhat absolute, though quite unconsciously so; but she is + likewise kind, with an affection at once abrupt and constant, whose + sincerity you cannot doubt. It was delightful to sit near her in the + evenings and hear her converse, myself mute. She speaks with what + seems to me a wonderful fluency and eloquence. Her animal spirits + are as unflagging as her intellectual powers. I was glad to find her + health excellent. I believe neither solitude nor loss of friends + would break her down. I saw some faults in her, but somehow I liked + them for the sake of her good points. It gave me no pain to feel + insignificant, mentally and corporeally, in comparison with her. + + 'Trusting that you and yours are well, and sincerely wishing you all + a happy new year,--I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + 'THE BRIERY, WINDERMERE, + '_August_ 10_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I reached this place yesterday evening at eight o'clock, + after a safe though rather tedious journey. I had to change + carriages three times and to wait an hour and a half at Lancaster. + Sir James came to meet me at the station; both he and Lady + Shuttleworth gave me a very kind reception. This place is + exquisitely beautiful, though the weather is cloudy, misty, and + stormy; but the sun bursts out occasionally and shows the hills and + the lake. Mrs. Gaskell is coming here this evening, and one or two + other people. Miss Martineau, I am sorry to say, I shall not see, as + she is already gone from home for the autumn. + + 'Be kind enough to write by return of post and tell me how you are + getting on and how you are. Give my kind regards to Tabby and + Martha, and--Believe me, dear papa, your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +And this is how she writes to a friend from Haworth, on her return, after +that first meeting:-- + + 'Lady Shuttleworth never got out, being confined to the house with a + cold; but fortunately there was Mrs. Gaskell, the authoress of _Mary + Barton_, who came to the Briery the day after me. I was truly glad + of her companionship. She is a woman of the most genuine talent, of + cheerful, pleasing, and cordial manners, and, I believe, of a kind + and good heart.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 20_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I herewith send you a very roughly written copy of + what I have to say about my sisters. When you have read it you can + better judge whether the word "Notice" or "Memoir" is the most + appropriate. I think the former. Memoir seems to me to express a + more circumstantial and different sort of account. My aim is to give + a just idea of their identity, not to write any narration of their + simple, uneventful lives. I depend on you for faithfully pointing + out whatever may strike you as faulty. I could not write it in the + conventional form--_that_ I found impossible. + + 'It gives me real pleasure to hear of your son's success. I trust he + may persevere and go on improving, and give his parents cause for + satisfaction and honest pride. + + 'I am truly pleased, too, to learn that Miss Kavanagh has managed so + well with Mr. Colburn. Her position seems to me one deserving of all + sympathy. I often think of her. Will her novel soon be published? + Somehow I expect it to be interesting. + + 'I certainly did hope that Mrs. Gaskell would offer her next work to + Smith & Elder. She and I had some conversation about publishers--a + comparison of our literary experiences was made. She seemed much + struck with the differences between hers and mine, though I did not + enter into details or tell her all. Unless I greatly mistake, she + and you and Mr. Smith would get on well together; but one does not + know what causes there may be to prevent her from doing as she would + wish in such a case. I think Mr. Smith will not object to my + occasionally sending her any of the Cornhill books that she may like + to see. I have already taken the liberty of lending her Wordsworth's + _Prelude_, as she was saying how much she wished to have the + opportunity of reading it. + + 'I do not tack remembrances to Mrs. Williams and your daughters and + Miss Kavanagh to all my letters, because that makes an empty form of + what should be a sincere wish, but I trust this mark of courtesy and + regard, though rarely expressed, is always understood.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Miss Bronte twice visited Mrs. Gaskell in her Manchester home, first in +1851 and afterwards in 1853, and concerning this latter visit we have the +following letter:-- + + TO MRS. GASKELL, MANCHESTER + + 'HAWORTH, _April_ 14_th_, 1853. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. GASKELL,--Would it suit you if I were to come next + Thursday, the 21st? + + 'If that day tallies with your convenience, and if my father + continues as well as he is now, I know of no engagement on my part + which need compel me longer to defer the pleasure of seeing you. + + 'I should arrive by the train which reaches Manchester at 7 o'clock + P.M. That, I think, would be about your tea-time, and, of course, I + should dine before leaving home. I always like evening for an + arrival; it seems more cosy and pleasant than coming in about the + busy middle of the day. I think if I stay a week that will be a very + long visit; it will give you time to get well tired of me. + + 'Remember me very kindly to Mr. Gaskell and Marianna. As to Mesdames + Flossy and Julia, those venerable ladies are requested beforehand to + make due allowance for the awe with which they will be sure to + impress a diffident admirer. I am sorry I shall not see + Meta.--Believe me, my dear Mrs. Gaskell, yours affectionately and + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +In the autumn of 1853 Mrs. Gaskell returned Charlotte Bronte's visit at +Haworth. She was not, however, at Charlotte's wedding in Haworth Church. +{8} + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 8_th_. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Your letter was truly kind, and made me warmly + wish to join you. My prospects, however, of being able to leave home + continue very unsettled. I am expecting Mrs. Gaskell next week or + the week after, the day being yet undetermined. She was to have come + in June, but then my severe attack of influenza rendered it + impossible that I should receive or entertain her. Since that time + she has been absent on the Continent with her husband and two eldest + girls; and just before I received yours I had a letter from her + volunteering a visit at a vague date, which I requested her to fix as + soon as possible. My father has been much better during the last + three or four days. + + 'When I know anything certain I will write to you again.--Believe me, + my dear Miss Wooler, yours respectfully and affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +But the friendship, which commenced so late in Charlotte Bronte's life, +never reached the stage of downright intimacy. Of this there is abundant +evidence in the biography; and Mrs. Gaskell was forced to rely upon the +correspondence of older friends of Charlotte's. Mr. George Smith, the +head of the firm of Smith and Elder, furnished some twenty letters. Mr. +W. S. Williams, to whom is due the credit of 'discovering' the author of +_Jane Eyre_, lent others; and another member of Messrs. Smith and Elder's +staff, Mr. James Taylor, furnished half-a-dozen more; but the best help +came from another quarter. + +Of the two schoolfellows with whom Charlotte Bronte regularly +corresponded from childhood till death, Mary Taylor and Ellen Nussey, the +former had destroyed every letter; and thus it came about that by far the +larger part of the correspondence in Mrs. Gaskell's biography was +addressed to Miss Ellen Nussey, now as 'My dearest Nell,' now simply as +'E.' The unpublished correspondence in my hands, which refers to the +biography, opens with a letter from Mrs. Gaskell to Miss Nussey, dated +July 6th, 1855. It relates how, in accordance with a request from Mr. +Bronte, she had undertaken to write the work, and had been over to +Haworth. There she had made the acquaintance of Mr. Nicholls for the +first time. She told Mr. Bronte how much she felt the difficulty of the +task she had undertaken. Nevertheless, she sincerely desired to make his +daughter's character known to all who took deep interest in her writings. +Both Mr. Bronte and Mr. Nicholls agreed to help to the utmost, although +Mrs. Gaskell was struck by the fact that it was Mr. Nicholls, and not Mr. +Bronte, who was more intellectually alive to the attraction which such a +book would have for the public. His feelings were opposed to any +biography at all; but he had yielded to Mr. Bronte's 'impetuous wish,' +and he brought down all the materials he could find, in the shape of +about a dozen letters. Mr. Nicholls, moreover, told Mrs. Gaskell that +Miss Nussey was the person of all others to apply to; that she had been +the friend of his wife ever since Charlotte was fifteen, and that he was +writing to Miss Nussey to beg her to let Mrs. Gaskell see some of the +correspondence. + +But here is Mr. Nicholls's actual letter, unearthed after forty years, as +well as earlier letters from and to Miss Nussey, which would seem to +indicate a suggestion upon the part of 'E' that some attempt should be +made to furnish a biography of her friend--if only to set at rest, once +and for all, the speculations of the gossiping community with whom +Charlotte Bronte's personality was still shrouded in mystery; and indeed +it is clear from these letters that it is to Miss Nussey that we really +owe Mrs. Gaskell's participation in the matter:-- + + TO REV. A. B. NICHOLLS + + 'BROOKROYD, _June_ 6_th_, 1855. + + 'DEAR MR. NICHOLLS,--I have been much hurt and pained by the perusal + of an article in _Sharpe_ for this month, entitled "A Few Words about + _Jane Eyre_." You will be certain to see the article, and I am sure + both you and Mr. Bronte will feel acutely the misrepresentations and + the malignant spirit which characterises it. Will you suffer the + article to pass current without any refutations? The writer merits + the contempt of silence, but there will be readers and believers. + Shall such be left to imbibe a tissue of malignant falsehoods, or + shall an attempt be made to do justice to one who so highly deserved + justice, whose very name those who best knew her but speak with + reverence and affection? Should not her aged father be defended from + the reproach the writer coarsely attempts to bring upon him? + + 'I wish Mrs. Gaskell, who is every way capable, would undertake a + reply, and would give a sound castigation to the writer. Her + personal acquaintance with Haworth, the Parsonage, and its inmates, + fits her for the task, and if on other subjects she lacked + information I would gladly supply her with facts sufficient to set + aside much that is asserted, if you yourself are not provided with + all the information that is needed on the subjects produced. Will + you ask Mrs. Gaskell to undertake this just and honourable defence? + I think she would do it gladly. She valued dear Charlotte, and such + an act of friendship, performed with her ability and power, could + only add to the laurels she has already won. I hope you and Mr. + Bronte are well. My kind regards to both.--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'E. NUSSEY.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _June_ 11_th_, 1855. + + 'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--We had not seen the article in _Sharpe_, and very + possibly should not, if you had not directed our attention to it. We + ordered a copy, and have now read the "Few Words about _Jane Eyre_." + The writer has certainly made many mistakes, but apparently not from + any unkind motive, as he professes to be an admirer of Charlotte's + works, pays a just tribute to her genius, and in common with + thousands deplores her untimely death. His design seems rather to be + to gratify the curiosity of the multitude in reference to one who had + made such a sensation in the literary world. But even if the article + had been of a less harmless character, we should not have felt + inclined to take any notice of it, as by doing so we should have + given it an importance which it would not otherwise have obtained. + Charlotte herself would have acted thus; and her character stands too + high to be injured by the statements in a magazine of small + circulation and little influence--statements which the writer + prefaces with the remark that he does not vouch for their accuracy. + The many laudatory notices of Charlotte and her works which appeared + since her death may well make us indifferent to the detractions of a + few envious or malignant persons, as there ever will be such. + + 'The remarks respecting Mr. Bronte excited in him only + amusement--indeed, I have not seen him laugh as much for some months + as he did while I was reading the article to him. We are both well + in health, but lonely and desolate. + + 'Mr. Bronte unites with me in kind regards.--Yours sincerely, + + 'A. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 24_th_, 1855. + + 'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--Some other erroneous notices of Charlotte having + appeared, Mr. Bronte has deemed it advisable that some authentic + statement should be put forth. He has therefore adopted your + suggestion and applied to Mrs. Gaskell, who has undertaken to write a + life of Charlotte. Mrs. Gaskell came over yesterday and spent a few + hours with us. The greatest difficulty seems to be in obtaining + materials to show the development of Charlotte's character. For this + reason Mrs. Gaskell is anxious to see her letters, especially those + of any early date. I think I understood you to say that you had + some; if so, we should feel obliged by your letting us have any that + you may think proper, not for publication, but merely to give the + writer an insight into her mode of thought. Of course they will be + returned after a little time. + + 'I confess that the course most consonant with my own feelings would + be to take no steps in the matter, but I do not think it right to + offer any opposition to Mr. Bronte's wishes. + + 'We have the same object in view, but should differ in our mode of + proceeding. Mr. Bronte has not been very well. Excitement on Sunday + (our Rush-bearing) and Mrs. Gaskell's visit yesterday have been + rather much for him.--Believe me, sincerely yours, + + 'A. B. NICHOLLS.' + +Mrs. Gaskell, however, wanted to make Miss Nussey's acquaintance, and +asked if she might visit her; and added that she would also like to see +Miss Wooler, Charlotte's schoolmistress, if that lady were still alive. +To this letter Miss Nussey made the following reply:-- + + TO MRS. GASKELL, MANCHESTER + + 'ILKLEY, _July_ 26_th_, 1855. + + 'MY DEAR MADAM,--Owing to my absence from home your letter has only + just reached me. I had not heard of Mr. Bronte's request, but I am + most heartily glad that he has made it. A letter from Mr. Nicholls + was forwarded along with yours, which I opened first, and was thus + prepared for your communication, the subject of which is of the + deepest interest to me. I will do everything in my power to aid the + righteous work you have undertaken, but I feel my powers very + limited, and apprehend that you may experience some disappointment + that I cannot contribute more largely the information which you + desire. I possess a great many letters (for I have destroyed but a + small portion of the correspondence), but I fear the early letters + are not such as to unfold the character of the writer except in a few + points. You perhaps may discover more than is apparent to me. You + will read them with a purpose--I perused them only with interests of + affection. I will immediately look over the correspondence, and I + promise to let you see all that I can confide to your friendly + custody. I regret that my absence from home should have made it + impossible for me to have the pleasure of seeing you at Brookroyd at + the time you propose. I am engaged to stay here till Monday week, + and shall be happy to see you any day you name after that date, or, + if more convenient to you to come Friday or Saturday in next week, I + will gladly return in time to give you the meeting. I am staying + with our schoolmistress, Miss Wooler, in this place. I wish her very + much to give me leave to ask you here, but she does not yield to my + wishes; it would have been pleasanter to me to talk with you among + these hills than sitting in my home and thinking of one who had so + often been present there.--I am, my dear madam, yours sincerely, + + 'ELLEN NUSSEY.' + +Mrs. Gaskell and Miss Nussey met, and the friendship which ensued was +closed only by death; and indeed one of the most beautiful letters in the +collection in my hands is one signed 'Meta Gaskell,' and dated January +22, 1866. It tells in detail, with infinite tenderness and pathos, of +her mother's last moments. {14} That, however, was ten years later than +the period with which we are concerned. In 1856 Mrs. Gaskell was +energetically engaged upon a biography of her friend which should lack +nothing of thoroughness, as she hoped. She claimed to have visited the +scenes of all the incidents in Charlotte's life, 'the two little pieces +of private governess-ship excepted.' She went one day with Mr. Smith to +the Chapter Coffee House, where the sisters first stayed in London. +Another day she is in Yorkshire, where she makes the acquaintance of Miss +Wooler, which permitted, as she said, 'a more friendly manner of writing +towards Charlotte Bronte's old schoolmistress.' Again she is in +Brussels, where Madame Heger refused to see her, although M. Heger was +kind and communicative, 'and very much indeed I both like and respect +him.' Her countless questions were exceedingly interesting. They +covered many pages of note-paper. Did Branwell Bronte know of the +publication of _Jane Eyre_,' she asks, 'and how did he receive the news?' +Mrs. Gaskell was persuaded in her own mind that he had never known of its +publication, and we shall presently see that she was right. Charlotte +had distinctly informed her, she said, that Branwell was not in a fit +condition at the time to be told. 'Where did the girls get the books +which they read so continually? Did Emily accompany Charlotte as a pupil +when the latter went as a teacher to Roe Head? Why did not Branwell go +to the Royal Academy in London to learn painting? Did Emily ever go out +as a governess? What were Emily's religious opinions? Did _she_ ever +make friends?' Such were the questions which came quick and fast to Miss +Nussey, and Miss Nussey fortunately kept her replies. + + TO MRS. GASKELL, MANCHESTER + + 'BROOKROYD, _October_ 22_nd_, 1856. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. GASKELL,--If you go to London pray try what may be done + with regard to a portrait of dear Charlotte. It would greatly + enhance the value and interest of the memoir, and be such a + satisfaction to people to see something that would settle their ideas + of the personal appearance of the dear departed one. It has been a + surprise to every stranger, I think, that she was so gentle and + lady-like to look upon. + + 'Emily Bronte went to Roe Head as pupil when Charlotte went as + teacher; she stayed there but two months; she never settled, and was + ill from nothing but home-sickness. Anne took her place and remained + about two years. Emily was a teacher for one six months in a ladies' + school in Halifax or the neighbourhood. I do not know whether it was + conduct or want of finances that prevented Branwell from going to the + Royal Academy. Probably there were impediments of both kinds. + + 'I am afraid if you give me my name I shall feel a prominence in the + book that I altogether shrink from. My very last wish would be to + appear in the book more than is absolutely necessary. If it were + possible, I would choose not to be known at all. It is my friend + only that I care to see and recognise, though your framing and + setting of the picture will very greatly enhance its value.--I am, my + dear Mrs. Gaskell, yours very sincerely, + + 'ELLEN NUSSEY.' + +The book was published in two volumes, under the title of _The Life of +Charlotte Bronte_, in the spring of 1857. At first all was well. Mr. +Bronte's earliest acknowledgment of the book was one of approbation. Sir +James Shuttleworth expressed the hope that Mr. Nicholls would 'rejoice +that his wife would be known as a Christian heroine who could bear her +cross with the firmness of a martyr saint.' Canon Kingsley wrote a +charming letter to Mrs. Gaskell, published in his _Life_, and more than +once reprinted since. + + 'Let me renew our long interrupted acquaintance,' he writes from St. + Leonards, under date May 14th, 1857, 'by complimenting you on poor + Miss Bronte's _Life_. You have had a delicate and a great work to + do, and you have done it admirably. Be sure that the book will do + good. It will shame literary people into some stronger belief that a + simple, virtuous, practical home life is consistent with high + imaginative genius; and it will shame, too, the prudery of a not over + cleanly though carefully white-washed age, into believing that purity + is now (as in all ages till now) quite compatible with the knowledge + of evil. I confess that the book has made me ashamed of myself. + _Jane Eyre_ I hardly looked into, very seldom reading a work of + fiction--yours, indeed, and Thackeray's, are the only ones I care to + open. _Shirley_ disgusted me at the opening, and I gave up the + writer and her books with a notion that she was a person who liked + coarseness. How I misjudged her! and how thankful I am that I never + put a word of my misconceptions into print, or recorded my + misjudgments of one who is a whole heaven above me. + + 'Well have you done your work, and given us the picture of a valiant + woman made perfect by suffering. I shall now read carefully and + lovingly every word she has written, especially those poems, which + ought not to have fallen dead as they did, and which seem to be (from + a review in the current _Fraser_) of remarkable strength and purity.' + +It was a short-lived triumph, however, and Mrs. Gaskell soon found +herself, as she expressed it, 'in a veritable hornet's nest.' Mr. +Bronte, to begin with, did not care for the references to himself and the +suggestion that he had treated his wife unkindly. Mrs. Gaskell had +associated him with numerous eccentricities and ebullitions of temper, +which during his later years he always asserted, and undoubtedly with +perfect truth, were, at the best, the fabrications of a dismissed +servant. Mr. Nicholls had also his grievance. There was just a +suspicion implied that he had not been quite the most sympathetic of +husbands. The suspicion was absolutely ill-founded, and arose from Mr. +Nicholls's intense shyness. But neither Mr. Bronte nor Mr. Nicholls gave +Mrs. Gaskell much trouble. They, at any rate, were silent. Trouble, +however, came from many quarters. Yorkshire people resented the air of +patronage with which, as it seemed to them, a good Lancashire lady had +taken their county in hand. They were not quite the backward savages, +they retorted, which some of Mrs. Gaskell's descriptions in the beginning +of her book would seem to suggest. Between Lancashire and Yorkshire +there is always a suspicion of jealousy. It was intensified for the +moment by these sombre pictures of 'this lawless, yet not unkindly +population.' {17} A son-in-law of Mr. Redhead wrote to deny the account +of that clergyman's association with Haworth. 'He gives another as true, +in which I don't see any great difference.' Miss Martineau wrote sheet +after sheet explanatory of her relations with Charlotte Bronte. 'Two +separate householders in London _each_ declares that the first interview +between Miss Bronte and Miss Martineau took place at _her_ house.' In +one passage Mrs. Gaskell had spoken of wasteful young servants, and the +young servants in question came upon Mr. Bronte for the following +testimonial:-- + + 'HAWORTH, _August_ 17_th_, 1857. + + 'I beg leave to state to all whom it may concern, that Nancy and + Sarah Garrs, during the time they were in my service, were kind to my + children, and honest, and not wasteful, but sufficiently careful in + regard to food, and all other articles committed to their charge. + + P. BRONTE, A.B., + '_Incumbent of Haworth_, _Yorkshire_.' + +Three whole pages were devoted to the dramatic recital of a scandal at +Haworth, and this entirely disappears from the third edition. A casual +reference to a girl who had been seduced, and had found a friend in Miss +Bronte, gave further trouble. 'I have altered the word "seduced" to +"betrayed,"' writes Mrs. Gaskell to Martha Brown, 'and I hope that this +will satisfy the unhappy girl's friends.' But all these were small +matters compared with the Cowan Bridge controversy and the threatened +legal proceedings over Branwell Bronte's suggested love affairs. Mrs. +Gaskell defended the description in _Jane Eyre_ of Cowan Bridge with +peculiar vigour. Mr. Carus Wilson, the Brocklehurst of _Jane Eyre_, and +his friends were furious. They threatened an action. There were letters +in the _Times_ and letters in the _Daily News_. Mr. Nicholls broke +silence--the only time in the forty years that he has done so--with two +admirable letters to the _Halifax Guardian_. The Cowan Bridge +controversy was a drawn battle, in spite of numerous and glowing +testimonials to the virtues of Mr. Carus Wilson. Most people who know +anything of the average private schools of half a century ago are +satisfied that Charlotte Bronte's description was substantially correct. +'I want to show you many letters,' writes Mrs. Gaskell, 'most of them +praising the character of our dear friend as she deserves, and from +people whose opinion she would have cared for, such as the Duke of +Argyll, Kingsley, Greig, etc. Many abusing me. I should think seven or +eight of this kind from the Carus Wilson clique.' + +The Branwell matter was more serious. Here Mrs. Gaskell had, indeed, +shown a singular recklessness. The lady referred to by Branwell was Mrs. +Robinson, the wife of the Rev. Edmund Robinson of Thorp Green, and +afterwards Lady Scott. Anne Bronte was governess in her family for two +years, and Branwell tutor to the son for a few months. Branwell, under +the influence of opium, made certain statements about his relations with +Mrs. Robinson which have been effectually disproved, although they were +implicitly believed by the Bronte girls, who, womanlike, were naturally +ready to regard a woman as the ruin of a beloved brother. The +recklessness of Mrs. Gaskell in accepting such inadequate testimony can +be explained only on the assumption that she had a novelist's +satisfaction in the romance which the 'bad woman' theory supplied. She +wasted a considerable amount of rhetoric upon it. 'When the fatal attack +came on,' she says, 'his pockets were found filled with old letters from +the woman to whom he was attached. He died! she lives still--in May +Fair. I see her name in county papers, as one of those who patronise the +Christmas balls; and I hear of her in London drawing-rooms'--and so on. +There were no love-letters found in Branwell Bronte's pockets. {19} When +Mrs. Gaskell's husband came post-haste to Haworth to ask for proofs of +Mrs. Robinson's complicity in Branwell's downfall, none were obtainable. +I am assured by Mr. Leslie Stephen that his father, Sir James Stephen, +was employed at the time to make careful inquiry, and that he and other +eminent lawyers came to the conclusion that it was one long tissue of +lies or hallucinations. The subject is sufficiently sordid, and indeed +almost redundant in any biography of the Brontes; but it is of moment, +because Charlotte Bronte and her sisters were so thoroughly persuaded +that a woman was at the bottom of their brother's ruin; and this belief +Charlotte impressed upon all the friends who were nearest and dearest to +her. Her letters at the time of her brother's death are full of censure +of the supposed wickedness of another. It was a cruel infamy that the +word of this wretched boy should have been so powerful for mischief. +Here, at any rate, Mrs. Gaskell did not show the caution which a +masculine biographer, less prone to take literally a man's accounts of +his amours, would undoubtedly have displayed. + +Yet, when all is said, Mrs. Gaskell had done her work thoroughly and +well. Lockhart's _Scott_ and Froude's _Carlyle_ are examples of great +biographies which called for abundant censure upon their publication; yet +both these books will live as classics of their kind. To be interesting, +it is perhaps indispensable that the biographer should be indiscreet, and +certainly the Branwell incident--a matter of two or three pages--is the +only part of Mrs. Gaskell's biography in which indiscretion becomes +indefensible. And for this she suffered cruelly. 'I did so try to tell +the truth,' she said to a friend, 'and I believe _now_ I hit as near to +the truth as any one could do.' 'I weighed every line with my whole +power and heart,' she said on another occasion, 'so that every line +should go to its great purpose of making _her_ known and valued, as one +who had gone through such a terrible life with a brave and faithful +heart.' And that clearly Mrs. Gaskell succeeded in doing. It is quite +certain that Charlotte Bronte would not stand on so splendid a pedestal +to-day but for the single-minded devotion of her accomplished biographer. + +It has sometimes been implied that the portrait drawn by Mrs. Gaskell was +far too sombre, that there are passages in Charlotte's letters which show +that ofttimes her heart was merry and her life sufficiently cheerful. +That there were long periods of gaiety for all the three sisters, surely +no one ever doubted. To few people, fortunately, is it given to have +lives wholly without happiness. And yet, when this is acknowledged, how +can one say that the picture was too gloomy? Taken as a whole, the life +of Charlotte Bronte was among the saddest in literature. At a miserable +school, where she herself was unhappy, she saw her two elder sisters +stricken down and carried home to die. In her home was the narrowest +poverty. She had, in the years when that was most essential, no mother's +care; and perhaps there was a somewhat too rigid disciplinarian in the +aunt who took the mother's place. Her second school brought her, indeed, +two kind friends; but her shyness made that school-life in itself a +prolonged tragedy. Of the two experiences as a private governess I shall +have more to say. They were periods of torture to her sensitive nature. +The ambition of the three girls to start a school on their own account +failed ignominiously. The suppressed vitality of childhood and early +womanhood made Charlotte unable to enter with sympathy and toleration +into the life of a foreign city, and Brussels was for her a further +disaster. Then within two years, just as literary fame was bringing its +consolation for the trials of the past, she saw her two beloved sisters +taken from her. And, finally, when at last a good man won her love, +there were left to her only nine months of happy married life. 'I am not +going to die. We have been so happy.' These words to her husband on her +death-bed are not the least piteously sad in her tragic story. That her +life was a tragedy, was the opinion of the woman friend with whom on the +intellectual side she had most in common. Miss Mary Taylor wrote to Mrs. +Gaskell the following letter from New Zealand upon receipt of the +_Life_:-- + + 'WELLINGTON, 30_th_ _July_ 1857. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. GASKELL,--I am unaccountably in receipt by post of two + vols. containing the Life of C. Bronte. I have pleasure in + attributing this compliment to you; I beg, therefore, to thank you + for them. The book is a perfect success, in giving a true picture of + a melancholy life, and you have practically answered my puzzle as to + how you would give an account of her, not being at liberty to give a + true description of those around. Though not so gloomy as the truth, + it is perhaps as much so as people will accept without calling it + exaggerated, and feeling the desire to doubt and contradict it. I + have seen two reviews of it. One of them sums it up as "a life of + poverty and self-suppression," the other has nothing to the purpose + at all. Neither of them seems to think it a strange or wrong state + of things that a woman of first-rate talents, industry, and integrity + should live all her life in a walking nightmare of "poverty and + self-suppression." I doubt whether any of them will. + + 'It must upset most people's notions of beauty to be told that the + portrait at the beginning is that of an ugly woman. {22} I do not + altogether like the idea of publishing a flattered likeness. I had + rather the mouth and eyes had been nearer together, and shown the + veritable square face and large disproportionate nose. + + 'I had the impression that Cartwright's mill was burnt in 1820 not in + 1812. You give much too favourable an account of the black-coated + and Tory savages that kept the people down, and provoked excesses in + those days. Old Robertson said he "would wade to the knees in blood + rather than the then state of things should be altered,"--a state + including Corn law, Test law, and a host of other oppressions. + + 'Once more I thank you for the book--the first copy, I believe, that + arrived in New Zealand.--Sincerely yours, + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + +And in another letter, written a little later (28th January 1858), Miss +Mary Taylor writes to Miss Ellen Nussey in similar strain:-- + + 'Your account of Mrs. Gaskell's book was very interesting,' she says. + 'She seems a hasty, impulsive person, and the needful drawing back + after her warmth gives her an inconsistent look. Yet I doubt not her + book will be of great use. You must be aware that many strange + notions as to the kind of person Charlotte really was will be done + away with by a knowledge of the true facts of her life. I have heard + imperfectly of farther printing on the subject. As to the mutilated + edition that is to come, I am sorry for it. Libellous or not, the + first edition was all true, and except the declamation all, in my + opinion, useful to be published. Of course I don't know how far + necessity may make Mrs. Gaskell give them up. You know one dare not + always say the world moves.' + +We who do know the whole story in fullest detail will understand that it +was desirable to 'mutilate' the book, and that, indeed, truth did in some +measure require it. But with these letters of Mary Taylor's before us, +let us not hear again that the story of Charlotte Bronte's life was not, +in its main features, accurately and adequately told by her gifted +biographer. + +Why then, I am naturally asked, add one further book to the Bronte +biographical literature? The reply is, I hope, sufficient. Forty years +have gone by, and they have been years of growing interest in the +subject. In the year 1895 ten thousand people visited the Bronte Museum +at Haworth. Interesting books have been written, notably Sir Wemyss +Reid's _Monograph_ and Mr. Leyland's _Bronte Family_, but they have gone +out of print. Many new facts have come to light, and many details, +moreover, which were too trivial in 1857 are of sufficient importance +to-day; and many facts which were rightly suppressed then may honestly +and honourably be given to the public at an interval of nearly half a +century. Added to all this, fortune has been kind to me. + +Some three or four years ago Miss Ellen Nussey placed in my hands a +printed volume of some 400 pages, which bore no publisher's name, but +contained upon its title-page the statement that it was _The Story of +Charlotte Bronte's Life_, _as told through her Letters_. These are the +Letters--370 in number--which Miss Nussey had lent to Mrs. Gaskell and to +Sir Wemyss Reid. Of these letters Mrs. Gaskell published about 100, and +Sir Wemyss Reid added as many more as he considered circumstances +justified twenty years back. + +It was explained to me that the volume had been privately printed under a +misconception, and that only some dozen copies were extant. Miss Nussey +asked me if I would write something around what might remain of the +unpublished letters, and if I saw my way to do anything which would add +to the public appreciation of the friend who from early childhood until +now has been the most absorbing interest of her life. A careful study of +the volume made it perfectly clear that there were still some letters +which might with advantage be added to the Bronte story. At the same +time arose the possibility of a veto being placed upon their publication. +An examination of Charlotte Bronte's will, which was proved at York by +her husband in 1855, suggested an easy way out of the difficulty. I made +up my mind to try and see Mr. Nicholls. I had heard of his +disinclination to be in any way associated with the controversy which had +gathered round his wife for all these years; but I wrote to him +nevertheless, and received a cordial invitation to visit him in his Irish +home. + +It was exactly forty years to a day after Charlotte died--March 31st, +1895--when I alighted at the station in a quiet little town in the centre +of Ireland, to receive the cordial handclasp of the man into whose +keeping Charlotte Bronte had given her life. It was one of many visits, +and the beginning of an interesting correspondence. Mr. Nicholls placed +all the papers in his possession in my hands. They were more varied and +more abundant than I could possibly have anticipated. They included MSS. +of childhood, of which so much has been said, and stories of adult life, +one fragment indeed being later than the _Emma_ which appeared in the +_Cornhill Magazine_ for 1856, with a note by Thackeray. Here were the +letters Charlotte Bronte had written to her brother and to her sisters +during her second sojourn in Brussels--to 'Dear Branwell' and 'Dear E. +J.,' as she calls Emily--letters even to handle will give a thrill to the +Bronte enthusiast. Here also were the love-letters of Maria Branwell to +her lover Patrick Bronte, which are referred to in Mrs. Gaskell's +biography, but have never hitherto been printed. + + 'The four small scraps of Emily and Anne's manuscript,' writes Mr. + Nicholls, 'I found in the small box I send you; the others I found in + the bottom of a cupboard tied up in a newspaper, where they had lain + for nearly thirty years, and where, had it not been for your visit, + they must have remained during my lifetime, and most likely + afterwards have been destroyed.' + +Some slight extracts from Bronte letters in _Macmillan's Magazine_, +signed 'E. Balmer Williams,' brought me into communication with a gifted +daughter of Mr. W. S. Williams. Mrs. Williams and her husband generously +placed the whole series of these letters of Charlotte Bronte to their +father at my disposal. It was of some of these letters that Mrs. Gaskell +wrote in enthusiastic terms when she had read them, and she was only +permitted to see a few. Then I have to thank Mr. Joshua Taylor, the +nephew of Miss Mary Taylor, for permission to publish his aunt's letters. +Mr. James Taylor, again, who wanted to marry Charlotte Bronte, and who +died twenty years afterwards in Bombay, left behind him a bundle of +letters which I found in the possession of a relative in the north of +London. {25} I discovered through a letter addressed to Miss Nussey that +the 'Brussels friend' referred to by Mrs. Gaskell was a Miss Laetitia +Wheelwright, and I determined to write to all the Wheelwrights in the +London Directory. My first effort succeeded, and _the_ Miss Wheelwright +kindly lent me all the letters that she had preserved. It is scarcely +possible that time will reveal many more unpublished letters from the +author of _Jane Eyre_. Several of those already in print are forgeries, +and I have actually seen a letter addressed from Paris, a city which Miss +Bronte never visited. I have the assurance of Dr. Heger of Brussels that +Miss Bronte's correspondence with his father no longer exists. In any +case one may safely send forth this little book with the certainty that +it is a fairly complete collection of Charlotte Bronte's correspondence, +and that it is altogether a valuable revelation of a singularly +interesting personality. Steps will be taken henceforth, it may be +added, to vindicate Mr. Nicholls's rights in whatever may still remain of +his wife's unpublished correspondence. + + + + +CHAPTER I: PATRICK BRONTE AND MARIA HIS WIFE + + +It would seem quite clear to any careful investigator that the Reverend +Patrick Bronte, Incumbent of Haworth, and the father of three famous +daughters, was a much maligned man. We talk of the fierce light which +beats upon a throne, but what is that compared to the fierce light which +beats upon any man of some measure of individuality who is destined to +live out his life in the quiet of a country village--in the very centre, +as it were, of 'personal talk' and gossip not always kindly to the +stranger within the gate? The view of Mr. Bronte, presented by Mrs. +Gaskell in the early editions of her biography of Charlotte Bronte, is +that of a severe, ill-tempered, and distinctly disagreeable character. +It is the picture of a man who disliked the vanities of life so +intensely, that the new shoes of his children and the silk dress of his +wife were not spared by him in sudden gusts of passion. A stern old +ruffian, one is inclined to consider him. His pistol-shooting rings +picturesquely, but not agreeably, through Mrs. Gaskell's memoirs. It has +been already explained in more than one quarter that this was not the +real Patrick Bronte, and that much of the unfavourable gossip was due to +the chatter of a dismissed servant, retailed to Mrs. Gaskell on one of +her missions of inquiry in the neighbourhood. The stories of the burnt +shoes and the mutilated dress have been relegated to the realm of myth, +and the pistol-shooting may now be acknowledged as a harmless pastime not +more iniquitous than the golfing or angling of a latter-day clergyman. +It is certain, were the matter of much interest to-day, that Mr. Bronte +was fond of the use of firearms. The present Incumbent of Haworth will +point out to you, on the old tower of Haworth Church, the marks of pistol +bullets, which he is assured were made by Mr. Bronte. I have myself +handled both the gun and the pistol--this latter a very ornamental +weapon, by the way, manufactured at Bradford--which Mr. Bronte possessed +during the later years of his life. From both he had obtained much +innocent amusement; but his son-in-law, Mr. Nicholls, who, at the +distance of forty years still cherishes a reverent and enthusiastic +affection for old Mr. Bronte, informs me that the bullet marks upon +Haworth Church were the irresponsible frolic of a rather juvenile +curate--Mr. Smith. All this is trivial enough in any case, and one turns +very readily to more important factors in the life of the father of the +Brontes. Patrick Bronte was born at Ahaderg, County Down, in Ireland, on +St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1777. He was one of the ten children of +Hugh Brunty, farmer, and his nine brothers and sisters seem all of them +to have spent their lives in their Irish home, to have married and been +given in marriage, and to have gone to their graves in peace. Patrick +alone had ambition, and, one must add, the opportune friend, without whom +ambition counts for little in the great struggle of life. At sixteen he +was a kind of village schoolmaster, or assistant schoolmaster, and at +twenty-five, stirred thereto by the vicar of his parish, Mr. Tighe, he +was on his way from Ireland to St. John's College, Cambridge. It was in +1802 that Patrick Bronte went to Cambridge, and entered his name in the +college books. There, indeed, we find the name, not of Patrick Bronte, +but of Patrick Branty, {28} and this brings us to an interesting point as +to the origin of the name. In the register of his birth his name is +entered, as are the births of his brothers and sisters, as 'Brunty' and +'Bruntee'; and it can scarcely be doubted that, as Dr. Douglas Hyde has +pointed out, the original name was O'Prunty. {29} The Irish, at the +beginning of the century, were well-nigh as primitive in some matters as +were the English of a century earlier; and one is not surprised to see +variations in the spelling of the Bronte name--it being in the case of +his brothers and sisters occasionally spelt 'Brontee.' To me it is +perfectly clear that for the change of name Lord Nelson was responsible, +and that the dukedom of Bronte, which was conferred upon the great sailor +in 1799, suggested the more ornamental surname. There were no Irish +Brontes in existence before Nelson became Duke of Bronte; but all +Patrick's brothers and sisters, with whom, it must be remembered, he was +on terms of correspondence his whole life long, gradually, with a true +Celtic sense of the picturesqueness of the thing, seized upon the more +attractive surname. For this theory there is, of course, not one scrap +of evidence; we only know that the register of Patrick's native parish +gives us Brunty, and that his signature through his successive curacies +is Bronte. + +From Cambridge, after taking orders in 1806, Mr. Bronte moved to a curacy +at Weatherfield in Essex; and Mr. Augustine Birrell has told us, with +that singular literary charm of his, how the good-looking Irish curate +made successful love to a young parishioner--Miss Mary Burder. Mary +Burder would have married him, it seems, but for an obdurate uncle and +guardian. She was spirited away from the neighbourhood, and the lovers +never met again. There are doubtful points in Mr. Birrell's story. Mary +Burder, as the wife of a Nonconformist minister, died in 1866, in her +seventy-seventh year. This lady, from whom doubtless either directly or +indirectly the tradition was obtained, may have amplified and exaggerated +a very innocent flirtation. One would like further evidence for the +statement that when Mr. Bronte lost his wife in 1821 he asked his old +sweetheart, Mary Burder, to become the mother of his six children, and +that she answered 'no'. In any case, Mr. Bronte left Weatherfield in +1809 for a curacy at Dewsbury, and Dewsbury gossip also had much to say +concerning the flirtations of its Irish curate. His next curacy, +however, which was obtained in 1811, by a removal to Hartshead, near +Huddersfield, brought flirtation for Mr. Bronte to a speedy end. In +1812, when thirty-three years of age, he married Miss Maria Branwell, of +Penzance. Miss Branwell had only a few months before left her Cornish +home for a visit to an uncle in Yorkshire. This uncle was a Mr. John +Fennell, a clergyman of the Church of England, who had been a Methodist +minister. To Methodism, indeed, the Cornish Branwells would seem to have +been devoted at one time or another, for I have seen a copy of the +_Imitation_ inscribed 'M. Branwell, July 1807,' with the following +title-page:-- + + AN EXTRACT OF THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN: OR, A TREATISE ON THE + IMITATION OF CHRIST. WRITTEN IN LATIN BY THOMAS A KEMPIS. ABRIDGED + AND PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH BY JOHN WESLEY, M.A., LONDON. PRINTED AT + THE CONFERENCE OFFICE, NORTH GREEN, FINSBURY SQUARE. G. STORY, + AGENT. SOLD BY G. WHITFIELD, CITY ROAD. 1803. PRICE BOUND 1s. + +The book was evidently brought by Mrs. Bronte from Penzance, and given by +her to her husband or left among her effects. The poor little woman had +been in her grave for five or six years when it came into the hands of +one of her daughters, as we learn from Charlotte's hand-writing on the +fly-leaf:-- + + '_C. Bronte's book_. _This book was given to me in July 1826_. _It + is not certainly known who is the author_, _but it is generally + supposed that Thomas a Kempis is_. _I saw a reward of_ 10,000 pounds + _offered in the Leeds Mercury to any one who could find out for a + certainty who is the author_.' + +The conjunction of the names of John Wesley, Maria Branwell, and +Charlotte Bronte surely gives this little volume, 'price bound 1s.,' a +singular interest! + +But here I must refer to the letters which Maria Branwell wrote to her +lover during the brief courtship. Mrs. Gaskell, it will be remembered, +makes but one extract from this correspondence, which was handed to her +by Mr. Bronte as part of the material for her memoir. Long years before, +the little packet had been taken from Mr. Bronte's desk, for we find +Charlotte writing to a friend on February 16th, 1850:-- + + 'A few days since, a little incident happened which curiously touched + me. Papa put into my hands a little packet of letters and papers, + telling me that they were mamma's, and that I might read them. I did + read them, in a frame of mind I cannot describe. The papers were + yellow with time, all having been written before I was born. It was + strange now to peruse, for the first time, the records of a mind + whence my own sprang; and most strange, and at once sad and sweet, to + find that mind of a truly fine, pure, and elevated order. They were + written to papa before they were married. There is a rectitude, a + refinement, a constancy, a modesty, a sense, a gentleness about them + indescribable. I wish she had lived, and that I had known her.' + +Yet another forty years or so and the little packet is in my possession. +Handling, with a full sense of their sacredness, these letters, written +more than eighty years ago by a good woman to her lover, one is tempted +to hope that there is no breach of the privacy which should, even in our +day, guide certain sides of life, in publishing the correspondence in its +completeness. With the letters I find a little MS., which is also of +pathetic interest. It is entitled 'The Advantages of Poverty in +Religious Concerns,' and it is endorsed in the handwriting of Mr. Bronte, +written, doubtless, many years afterwards:-- + + '_The above was written by my dear wife_, _and is for insertion in + one of the periodical publications_. _Keep it as a memorial of + her_.' + +There is no reason to suppose that the MS. was ever published; there is +no reason why any editor should have wished to publish it. It abounds in +the obvious. At the same time, one notes that from both father and +mother alike Charlotte Bronte and her sisters inherited some measure of +the literary faculty. It is nothing to say that not one line of the +father's or mother's would have been preserved had it not been for their +gifted children. It is sufficient that the zest for writing was there, +and that the intense passion for handling a pen, which seems to have been +singularly strong in Charlotte Bronte, must have come to a great extent +from a similar passion alike in father and mother. Mr. Bronte, indeed, +may be counted a prolific author. He published, in all, four books, +three pamphlets, and two sermons. Of his books, two were in verse and +two in prose. _Cottage Poems_ was published in 1811; _The Rural +Minstrel_ in 1812, the year of his marriage; _The Cottage in the Wood_ in +1815; and _The Maid of Killarney_ in 1818. After his wife's death he +published no more books. Reading over these old-fashioned volumes now, +one admits that they possess but little distinction. It has been pointed +out, indeed, that one of the strongest lines in _Jane Eyre_--'To the +finest fibre of my nature, sir.'--is culled from Mr. Bronte's verse. It +is the one line of his that will live. Like his daughter Charlotte, Mr. +Bronte is more interesting in his prose than in his poetry. _The Cottage +in the Wood_; _or_, _the Art of Becoming Rich and Happy_, is a kind of +religious novel--a spiritual _Pamela_, in which the reprobate pursuer of +an innocent girl ultimately becomes converted and marries her. _The Maid +of Killarney_; _or_, _Albion and Flora_ is more interesting. Under the +guise of a story it has something to say on many questions of importance. +We know now why Charlotte never learnt to dance until she went to +Brussels, and why children's games were unknown to her, for here are many +mild diatribes against dancing and card-playing. The British +Constitution and the British and Foreign Bible Society receive a +considerable amount of criticism. But in spite of this didactic weakness +there are one or two pieces of really picturesque writing, notably a +description of an Irish wake, and a forcible account of the defence of a +house against some Whiteboys. It is true enough that the books are +merely of interest to collectors and that they live only by virtue of +Patrick Bronte's remarkable children. But many a prolific writer of the +day passes muster as a genius among his contemporaries upon as small a +talent; and Mr. Bronte does not seem to have given himself any airs as an +author. Thirty years were to elapse before there were to be any more +books from this family of writers; but _Jane Eyre_ owes something, we may +be sure, to _The Maid of Killarney_. + +Mr. Bronte, as I have said, married Maria Branwell in 1812. She was in +her twenty-ninth year, and was one of five children--one son and four +daughters--the father of whom, Mr. Thomas Branwell, had died in 1809. By +a curious coincidence, another sister, Charlotte, was married in Penzance +on the same day--the 18th of December 1812. {33} Before me are a bundle +of samplers, worked by three of these Branwell sisters. Maria Branwell +'ended her sampler' April the 15th, 1791, and it is inscribed with the +text, _Flee from sin as from a serpent_, _for if thou comest too near to +it_, _it will bite thee_. _The teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion +to slay the souls of men_. Another sampler is by Elizabeth Branwell; +another by Margaret, and another by Anne. These, some miniatures, and +the book and papers to which I have referred, are all that remain to us +as a memento of Mrs. Bronte, apart from the children that she bore to her +husband. The miniatures, which are in the possession of Miss Branwell, +of Penzance, are of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Branwell--Charlotte Bronte's +maternal grandfather and grandmother--and of Mrs. Bronte and her sister +Elizabeth Branwell as children. + +To return, however, to our bundle of love-letters. Comment is needless, +if indeed comment or elucidation were possible at this distance of time. + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _August_ 26_th_, 1812. + + 'MY DEAR FRIEND,--This address is sufficient to convince you that I + not only permit, but approve of yours to me--I do indeed consider you + as my _friend_; yet, when I consider how short a time I have had the + pleasure of knowing you, I start at my own rashness, my heart fails, + and did I not think that you would be disappointed and grieved at it, + I believe I should be ready to spare myself the task of writing. Do + not think that I am so wavering as to repent of what I have already + said. No, believe me, this will never be the case, unless you give + me cause for it. You need not fear that you have been mistaken in my + character. If I know anything of myself, I am incapable of making an + ungenerous return to the smallest degree of kindness, much less to + you whose attentions and conduct have been so particularly obliging. + I will frankly confess that your behaviour and what I have seen and + heard of your character has excited my warmest esteem and regard, and + be assured you shall never have cause to repent of any confidence you + may think proper to place in me, and that it will always be my + endeavour to deserve the good opinion which you have formed, although + human weakness may in some instances cause me to fall short. In + giving you these assurances I do not depend upon my own strength, but + I look to Him who has been my unerring guide through life, and in + whose continued protection and assistance I confidently trust. + + 'I thought on you much on Sunday, and feared you would not escape the + rain. I hope you do not feel any bad effects from it? My cousin + wrote you on Monday and expects this afternoon to be favoured with an + answer. Your letter has caused me some foolish embarrassment, tho' + in pity to my feelings they have been very sparing of their raillery. + + 'I will now candidly answer your questions. The _politeness of + others_ can never make me forget your kind attentions, neither can I + _walk our accustomed rounds_ without thinking on you, and, why should + I be ashamed to add, wishing for your presence. If you knew what + were my feelings whilst writing this you would pity me. I wish to + write the truth and give you satisfaction, yet fear to go too far, + and exceed the bounds of propriety. But whatever I may say or write + I will _never deceive_ you, or _exceed the truth_. If you think I + have not placed the _utmost confidence_ in you, consider my + situation, and ask yourself if I have not confided in you + sufficiently, perhaps too much. I am very sorry that you will not + have this till after to-morrow, but it was out of my power to write + sooner. I rely on your goodness to pardon everything in this which + may appear either too free or too stiff; and beg that you will + consider me as a warm and faithful friend. + + 'My uncle, aunt, and cousin unite in kind regards. + + 'I must now conclude with again declaring myself to be yours + sincerely, + + 'MARIA BRANWELL.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B, HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _September_ 5_th_, 1812. + + MY DEAREST FRIEND,--I have just received your affectionate and very + welcome letter, and although I shall not be able to send this until + Monday, yet I cannot deny myself the pleasure of writing a few lines + this evening, no longer considering it a task, but a pleasure, next + to that of reading yours. I had the pleasure of hearing from Mr. + Fennell, who was at Bradford on Thursday afternoon, that you had + rested there all night. Had you proceeded, I am sure the walk would + have been too much for you; such excessive fatigue, often repeated, + must injure the strongest constitution. I am rejoiced to find that + our forebodings were without cause. I had yesterday a letter from a + very dear friend of mine, and had the satisfaction to learn by it + that all at home are well. I feel with you the unspeakable + obligations I am under to a merciful Providence--my heart swells with + gratitude, and I feel an earnest desire that I may be enabled to make + some suitable return to the Author of all my blessings. In general, + I think I am enabled to cast my care upon Him, and then I experience + a calm and peaceful serenity of mind which few things can destroy. + In all my addresses to the throne of grace I never ask a blessing for + myself but I beg the same for you, and considering the important + station which you are called to fill, my prayers are proportionately + fervent that you may be favoured with all the gifts and graces + requisite for such calling. O my dear friend, let us pray much that + we may live lives holy and useful to each other and all around us! + + '_Monday morn_.--My cousin and I were yesterday at Coverley church, + where we heard Mr. Watman preach a very excellent sermon from "learn + of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." He displayed the character + of our Saviour in a most affecting and amiable light. I scarcely + ever felt more charmed with his excellencies, more grateful for his + condescension, or more abased at my own unworthiness; but I lament + that my heart is so little retentive of those pleasing and profitable + impressions. + + 'I pitied you in your solitude, and felt sorry that it was not in my + power to enliven it. Have you not been too hasty in informing your + friends of a certain event? Why did you not leave them to guess a + little longer? I shrink from the idea of its being known to every + body. I do, indeed, _sometimes_ think of you, but I will not say how + often, lest I raise your vanity; and we sometimes talk of you and the + doctor. But I believe I should seldom mention your name myself were + it not now and then introduced by my cousin. I have never mentioned + a word of what is past to any body. Had I thought this necessary I + should have requested you to do it. But I think there is no need, as + by some means or other they seem to have a pretty correct notion how + matters stand betwixt us; and as their hints, etc., meet with no + contradiction from me, my silence passes for confirmation. Mr. + Fennell has not neglected to give me some serious and encouraging + advice, and my aunt takes frequent opportunities of dropping little + sentences which I may turn to some advantage. I have long had reason + to know that the present state of things would give pleasure to all + parties. Your ludicrous account of the scene at the Hermitage was + highly diverting, we laughed heartily at it; but I fear it will not + produce all that compassion in Miss Fennell's breast which you seem + to wish. I will now tell you what I was thinking about and doing at + the time you mention. I was then toiling up the hill with Jane and + Mrs. Clapham to take our tea at Mr. Tatham's, thinking on the evening + when I first took the same walk with you, and on the change which had + taken place in my circumstances and views since then--not wholly + without a wish that I had your arm to assist me, and your + conversation to shorten the walk. Indeed, all our walks have now an + insipidity in them which I never thought they would have possessed. + When I work, if I wish to get _forward_ I may be glad that you are at + a distance. Jane begs me to assure you of her kind regards. Mr. + Morgan is expected to be here this evening. I must assume a bold and + steady countenance to meet his attacks! + + 'I have now written a pretty long letter without reserve or caution, + and if all the sentiments of my heart are not laid open to you, + believe me it is not because I wish them to be concealed, for I hope + there is nothing there that would give you pain or displeasure. My + most sincere and earnest wishes are for your happiness and welfare, + for this includes my own. Pray much for me that I may be made a + blessing and not a hindrance to you. Let me not interrupt your + studies nor intrude on that time which ought to be dedicated to + better purposes. Forgive my freedom, my dearest friend, and rest + assured that you are and ever will be dear to + + MARIA BRANWELL. + + 'Write very soon.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _September_ 11_th_, 1812. + + 'MY DEAREST FRIEND,--Having spent the day yesterday at Miry Shay, a + place near Bradford, I had not got your letter till my return in the + evening, and consequently have only a short time this morning to + write if I send it by this post. You surely do not think you + _trouble_ me by writing? No, I think I may venture to say if such + were your opinion you would _trouble_ me no more. Be assured, your + letters are and I hope always will be received with extreme pleasure + and read with delight. May our Gracious Father mercifully grant the + fulfilment of your prayers! Whilst we depend entirely on Him for + happiness, and receive each other and all our blessings as from His + hands, what can harm us or make us miserable? Nothing temporal or + spiritual. + + 'Jane had a note from Mr. Morgan last evening, and she desires me to + tell you that the Methodists' service in church hours is to commence + next Sunday week. You may expect frowns and hard words from her when + you make your appearance here again, for, if you recollect, she gave + you a note to carry to the Doctor, and he has never received it. + What have you done with it? If you can give a good account of it you + may come to see us as soon as you please and be sure of a hearty + welcome from all parties. Next Wednesday we have some thoughts, if + the weather be fine, of going to Kirkstall Abbey once more, and I + suppose your presence will not make the walk less agreeable to any of + us. + + 'The old man is come and waits for my letter. In expectation of + seeing you on Monday or Tuesday next,--I remain, yours faithfully and + affectionately, + + 'M. B.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _September_ 18_th_, 1812. + + 'How readily do I comply with my dear Mr. B's request! You see, you + have only to express your wishes and as far as my power extends I + hesitate not to fulfil them. My heart tells me that it will always + be my pride and pleasure to contribute to your happiness, nor do I + fear that this will ever be inconsistent with my duty as a Christian. + My esteem for you and my confidence in you is so great, that I firmly + believe you will never exact anything from me which I could not + conscientiously perform. I shall in future look to you for + assistance and instruction whenever I may need them, and hope you + will never withhold from me any advice or caution you may see + necessary. + + ['For some years I have been perfectly my own mistress, subject to no + _control_ whatever--so far from it, that my sisters who are many + years older than myself, and even my dear mother, used to consult me + in every case of importance, and scarcely ever doubted the propriety + of my opinions and actions. Perhaps you will be ready to accuse me + of vanity in mentioning this, but you must consider that I do not + _boast_ of it, I have many times felt it a disadvantage; and + although, I thank God, it never led me into error, yet in + circumstances of perplexity and doubt, I have deeply felt the want of + a guide and instructor.] {39} + + 'At such times I have seen and felt the necessity of supernatural + aid, and by fervent applications to a throne of grace I have + experienced that my heavenly Father is able and willing to supply the + place of every earthly friend. I shall now no longer feel this want, + this sense of helpless weakness, for I believe a kind Providence has + intended that I shall find in you every earthly friend united; nor do + I fear to trust myself under your protection, or shrink from your + control. It is pleasant to be subject to those we love, especially + when they never exert their authority but for the good of the + subject. How few would write in this way! But I do not fear that + _you_ will make a bad use of it. You tell me to write my thoughts, + and thus as they occur I freely let my pen run away with them. + + '_Sat. morn_.--I do not know whether you dare show your face here + again or not after the blunder you have committed. When we got to + the house on Thursday evening, even before we were within the doors, + we found that Mr. and Mrs. Bedford had been there, and that they had + requested you to mention their intention of coming--a single hint of + which you never gave! Poor I too came in for a share in the hard + words which were bestowed upon you, for they all agreed that I was + the cause of it. Mr. Fennell said you were certainly _mazed_, and + talked of sending you to York, etc. And even I begin to think that + _this_, together with the _note_, bears some marks of _insanity_! + However, I shall suspend my judgment until I hear what excuse you can + make for yourself, I suppose you will be quite ready to make one of + some kind or another. + + 'Yesterday I performed a difficult and yet a pleasing task in writing + to my sisters. I thought I never should accomplish the end for which + the letter was designed; but after a good deal of perambulation I + gave them to understand the nature of my engagement with you, with + the motives and inducements which led me to form such an engagement, + and that in consequence of it I should not see them again so soon as + I had intended. I concluded by expressing a hope that they would not + be less pleased with the information than were my friends here. I + think they will not suspect me to have made a wrong step, their + partiality for me is so great. And their affection for me will lead + them to rejoice in my welfare, even though it should diminish + somewhat of their own. I shall think the time tedious till I hear + from you, and must beg you will write as soon as possible. Pardon + me, my dear friend, if I again caution you against giving way to a + weakness of which I have heard you complain. When you find your + heart oppressed and your thoughts too much engrossed by one subject, + let prayer be your refuge--this you no doubt know by experience to be + a sure remedy, and a relief from every care and error. Oh, that we + had more of the spirit of prayer! I feel that I need it much. + + 'Breakfast-time is near, I must bid you farewell for the time, but + rest assured you will always share in the prayers and heart of your + own + + MARIA. + + 'Mr. Fennell has crossed my letter to my sisters. With his usual + goodness he has supplied my _deficiencies_, and spoken of me in terms + of commendation of which I wish I were more worthy. Your character + he has likewise displayed in the most favourable light; and I am sure + they will not fail to love and esteem you though unknown. + + 'All here unite in kind regards. Adieu.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _September_ 23_rd_, 1812. + + 'MY DEAREST FRIEND,--Accept of my warmest thanks for your kind + affectionate letter, in which you have rated mine so highly that I + really blush to read my own praises. Pray that God would enable me + to deserve all the kindness you manifest towards me, and to act + consistently with the good opinion you entertain of me--then I shall + indeed be a helpmeet for you, and to be this shall at all times be + the care and study of my future life. We have had to-day a large + party of the Bradford folks--the Rands, Fawcets, Dobsons, etc. My + thoughts often strayed from the company, and I would have gladly left + them to follow my present employment. To write to and receive + letters from my friends were always among my chief enjoyments, but + none ever gave me so much pleasure as those which I receive from and + write to my newly adopted friend. I am by no means sorry you have + given up all thought of the house you mentioned. With my cousin's + help I have made known your plans to my uncle and aunt. Mr. Fennell + immediately coincided with that which respects your present abode, + and observed that it had occurred to him before, but that he had not + had an opportunity of mentioning it to you. My aunt did not fall in + with it so readily, but her objections did not appear to me to be + very weighty. For my own part, I feel all the force of your + arguments in favour of it, and the objections are so trifling that + they can scarcely be called objections. My cousin is of the same + opinion. Indeed, you have such a method of considering and digesting + a plan before you make it known to your friends, that you run very + little risque of incurring their disapprobations, or of having your + schemes frustrated. I greatly admire your talents this way--may they + never be perverted by being used in a bad cause! And whilst they are + exerted for good purposes, may they prove irresistible! If I may + judge from your letter, this middle scheme is what would please you + best, so that if there should arise no new objection to it, perhaps + it will prove the best you can adopt. However, there is yet + sufficient time to consider it further. I trust in this and every + other circumstance you will be guided by the wisdom that cometh from + above--a portion of which I doubt not has guided you hitherto. A + belief of this, added to the complete satisfaction with which I read + your reasonings on the subject, made me a ready convert to your + opinions. I hope nothing will occur to induce you to change your + intention of spending the next week at Bradford. Depend on it you + shall have letter for letter; but may we not hope to see you here + during that time, surely you will not think the way more tedious than + usual? I have not heard any particulars respecting the church since + you were at Bradford. Mr. Rawson is now there, but Mr. Hardy and his + brother are absent, and I understand nothing decisive can be + accomplished without them. Jane expects to hear something more + to-morrow. Perhaps ere this reaches you, you will have received some + intelligence respecting it from Mr. Morgan. If you have no other + apology to make for your blunders than that which you have given me, + you must not expect to be excused, for I have not mentioned it to any + one, so that however it may clear your character in my opinion it is + not likely to influence any other person. Little, very little, will + induce me to cover your faults with a veil of charity. I already + feel a kind of participation in all that concerns you. All praises + and censures bestowed on you must equally affect me. Your joys and + sorrows must be mine. Thus shall the one be increased and the other + diminished. While this is the case we shall, I hope, always find + "life's cares" to be "comforts." And may we feel every trial and + distress, for such must be our lot at times, bind us nearer to God + and to each other! My heart earnestly joins in your comprehensive + prayers. I trust they will unitedly ascend to a throne of grace, and + through the Redeemer's merits procure for us peace and happiness here + and a life of eternal felicity hereafter. Oh, what sacred pleasure + there is in the idea of spending an eternity together in perfect and + uninterrupted bliss! This should encourage us to the utmost exertion + and fortitude. But whilst I write, my own words condemn me--I am + ashamed of my own indolence and backwardness to duty. May I be more + careful, watchful, and active than I have ever yet been! + + 'My uncle, aunt, and Jane request me to send their kind regards, and + they will be happy to see you any time next week whenever you can + conveniently come down from Bradford. Let me hear from you soon--I + shall expect a letter on Monday. Farewell, my dearest friend. That + you may be happy in yourself and very useful to all around you is the + daily earnest prayer of yours truly, + + 'MARIA BRANWELL.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _October_ 3_rd_, 1812. + + 'How could my dear friend so cruelly disappoint me? Had he known how + much I had set my heart on having a letter this afternoon, and how + greatly I felt the disappointment when the bag arrived and I found + there was nothing for me, I am sure he would not have permitted a + little matter to hinder him. But whatever was the reason of your not + writing, I cannot believe it to have been neglect or unkindness, + therefore I do not in the least blame you, I only beg that in future + you will judge of my feelings by your own, and if possible never let + me expect a letter without receiving one. You know in my last which + I sent you at Bradford I said it would not be in my power to write + the next day, but begged I might be favoured with hearing from you on + Saturday, and you will not wonder that I hoped you would have + complied with this request. It has just occurred to my mind that it + is possible this note was not received; if so, you have felt + disappointed likewise; but I think this is not very probable, as the + old man is particularly careful, and I never heard of his losing + anything committed to his care. The note which I allude to was + written on Thursday morning, and you should have received it before + you left Bradford. I forget what its contents were, but I know it + was written in haste and concluded abruptly. Mr. Fennell talks of + visiting Mr. Morgan to-morrow. I cannot lose the opportunity of + sending this to the office by him as you will then have it a day + sooner, and if you have been daily expecting to hear from me, + twenty-four hours are of some importance. I really am concerned to + find that this, what many would deem trifling incident, has so much + disturbed my mind. I fear I should not have slept in peace to-night + if I had been deprived of this opportunity of relieving my mind by + scribbling to you, and now I lament that you cannot possibly receive + this till Monday. May I hope that there is now some intelligence on + the way to me? or must my patience be tried till I see you on + Wednesday? But what nonsense am I writing? Surely after this you + can have no doubt that you possess all my heart. Two months ago I + could not possibly have believed that you would ever engross so much + of my thoughts and affections, and far less could I have thought that + I should be so forward as to tell you so. I believe I must forbid + you to come here again unless you can assure me that you will not + steal any more of my regard. Enough of this; I must bring my pen to + order, for if I were to suffer myself to revise what I have written I + should be tempted to throw it in the fire, but I have determined that + you shall see my whole heart. I have not yet informed you that I + received your serio-comic note on Thursday afternoon, for which + accept my thanks. + + 'My cousin desires me to say that she expects a long poem on her + birthday, when she attains the important age of twenty-one. Mr. + Fennell joins with us in requesting that you will not fail to be here + on Wednesday, as it is decided that on Thursday we are to go to the + Abbey if the weather, etc., permits. + + '_Sunday morning_.--I am not sure if I do right in adding a few lines + to-day, but knowing that it will give you pleasure I wish to finish + that you may have it to-morrow. I will just say that if my feeble + prayers can aught avail, you will find your labours this day both + pleasant and profitable, as they concern your own soul and the souls + of those to whom you preach. I trust in your hours of retirement you + will not forget to pray for me. I assure you I need every assistance + to help me forward; I feel that my heart is more ready to attach + itself to earth than heaven. I sometimes think there never was a + mind so dull and inactive as mine is with regard to spiritual things. + + 'I must not forget to thank you for the pamphlets and tracts which + you sent us from Bradford. I hope we shall make good use of them. I + must now take my leave. I believe I need scarcely assure you that I + am yours truly and very affectionately, + + 'MARIA BRANWELL.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _October_ 21_st_ 1812. + + 'With the sincerest pleasure do I retire from company to converse + with him whom I love beyond all others. Could my beloved friend see + my heart he would then be convinced that the affection I bear him is + not at all inferior to that which he feels for me--indeed I sometimes + think that in truth and constancy it excels. But do not think from + this that I entertain any suspicions of your sincerity--no, I firmly + believe you to be sincere and generous, and doubt not in the least + that you feel all you express. In return, I entreat that you will do + me the justice to believe that you have not only a _very large + portion_ of my _affection_ and _esteem_, but _all_ that I am capable + of feeling, and from henceforth measure my feelings by your own. + Unless my love for you were very great how could I so contentedly + give up my home and all my friends--a home I loved so much that I + have often thought nothing could bribe me to renounce it for any + great length of time together, and friends with whom I have been so + long accustomed to share all the vicissitudes of joy and sorrow? Yet + these have lost their weight, and though I cannot always think of + them without a sigh, yet the anticipation of sharing with you all the + pleasures and pains, the cares and anxieties of life, of contributing + to your comfort and becoming the companion of your pilgrimage, is + more delightful to me than any other prospect which this world can + possibly present. I expected to have heard from you on Saturday + last, and can scarcely refrain from thinking you unkind to keep me in + suspense two whole days longer than was necessary, but it is well + that my patience should be sometimes tried, or I might entirely lose + it, and this would be a loss indeed! Lately I have experienced a + considerable increase of hopes and fears, which tend to destroy the + calm uniformity of my life. These are not unwelcome, as they enable + me to discover more of the evils and errors of my heart, and + discovering them I hope through grace to be enabled to correct and + amend them. I am sorry to say that my cousin has had a very serious + cold, but to-day I think she is better; her cough seems less, and I + hope we shall be able to come to Bradford on Saturday afternoon, + where we intend to stop till Tuesday. You may be sure we shall not + soon think of taking such another journey as the last. I look + forward with pleasure to Monday, when I hope to meet with you, for as + we are no _longer twain_ separation is painful, and to meet must ever + be attended with joy. + + '_Thursday morning_.--I intended to have finished this before + breakfast, but unfortunately slept an hour too long. I am every + moment in expectation of the old man's arrival. I hope my cousin is + still better to-day; she requests me to say that she is much obliged + to you for your kind inquiries and the concern you express for her + recovery. I take all possible care of her, but yesterday she was + naughty enough to venture into the yard without her bonnet! As you + do not say anything of going to Leeds I conclude you have not been. + We shall most probably hear from the Dr. this afternoon. I am much + pleased to hear of his success at Bierly! O that you may both be + zealous and successful in your efforts for the salvation of souls, + and may your own lives be holy, and your hearts greatly blessed while + you are engaged in administering to the good of others! I should + have been very glad to have had it in my power to lessen your fatigue + and cheer your spirits by my exertions on Monday last. I will hope + that this pleasure is still reserved for me. In general, I feel a + calm confidence in the providential care and continued mercy of God, + and when I consider his past deliverances and past favours I am led + to wonder and adore. A sense of my small returns of love and + gratitude to him often abases me and makes me think I am little + better than those who profess no religion. Pray for me, my dear + friend, and rest assured that you possess a very very large portion + of the prayers, thoughts, and heart of yours truly, + + 'M. BRANWELL. + + 'Mr. Fennell requests Mr. Bedford to call on the man who has had + orders to make blankets for the Grove and desire him to send them as + soon as possible. Mr. Fennell will be greatly obliged to Mr. Bedford + if he will take this trouble.' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _November_ 18_th_, 1812. + + 'MY DEAR SAUCY PAT,--Now don't you think you deserve this epithet far + more than I do that which you have given me? I really know not what + to make of the beginning of your last; the winds, waves, and rocks + almost stunned me. I thought you were giving me the account of some + terrible dream, or that you had had a presentiment of the fate of my + poor box, having no idea that your lively imagination could make so + much of the slight reproof conveyed in my last. What will you say + when you get a _real_, _downright scolding_? Since you show such a + readiness to atone for your offences after receiving a mild rebuke, I + am inclined to hope you will seldom deserve a severe one. I accept + with pleasure your atonement, and send you a free and full + forgiveness. But I cannot allow that your affection is more deeply + rooted than mine. However, we will dispute no more about this, but + rather embrace every opportunity to prove its sincerity and strength + by acting in every respect as friends and fellow-pilgrims travelling + the same road, actuated by the same motives, and having in view the + same end. I think if our lives are spared twenty years hence I shall + then pray for you with the same, if not greater, fervour and delight + that I do now. I am pleased that you are so fully convinced of my + candour, for to know that you suspected me of a deficiency in this + virtue would grieve and mortify me beyond expression. I do not + derive any merit from the possession of it, for in me it is + constitutional. Yet I think where it is possessed it will rarely + exist alone, and where it is wanted there is reason to doubt the + existence of almost every other virtue. As to the other qualities + which your partiality attributes to me, although I rejoice to know + that I stand so high in your good opinion, yet I blush to think in + how small a degree I possess them. But it shall be the pleasing + study of my future life to gain such an increase of grace and wisdom + as shall enable me to act up to your highest expectations and prove + to you a helpmeet. I firmly believe the Almighty has set us apart + for each other; may we, by earnest, frequent prayer, and every + possible exertion, endeavour to fulfil His will in all things! I do + not, cannot, doubt your love, and here I freely declare I love you + above all the world besides. I feel very, very grateful to the great + Author of all our mercies for His unspeakable love and condescension + towards us, and desire "to show forth my gratitude not only with my + lips, but by my life and conversation." I indulge a hope that our + mutual prayers will be answered, and that our intimacy will tend much + to promote our temporal and eternal interest. + + ['I suppose you never expected to be much the richer for me, but I am + sorry to inform you that I am still poorer than I thought myself. I + mentioned having sent for my books, clothes, etc. On Saturday + evening about the time you were writing the description of your + imaginary shipwreck, I was reading and feeling the effects of a real + one, having then received a letter from my sister giving me an + account of the vessel in which she had sent my box being stranded on + the coast of Devonshire, in consequence of which the box was dashed + to pieces with the violence of the sea, and all my little property, + with the exception of a very few articles, swallowed up in the mighty + deep. If this should not prove the prelude to something worse, I + shall think little of it, as it is the first disastrous circumstance + which has occurred since I left my home], {49} and having been so + highly favoured it would be highly ungrateful in me were I to suffer + this to dwell much on my mind. + + 'Mr. Morgan was here yesterday, indeed he only left this morning. He + mentioned having written to invite you to Bierly on Sunday next, and + if you complied with his request it is likely that we shall see you + both here on Sunday evening. As we intend going to Leeds next week, + we should be happy if you would accompany us on Monday or Tuesday. I + mention this by desire of Miss Fennell, who begs to be remembered + affectionately to you. Notwithstanding Mr. Fennell's complaints and + threats, I doubt not but he will give you a cordial reception + whenever you think fit to make your appearance at the Grove. Which + you may likewise be assured of receiving from your ever truly + affectionate, + + MARIA. + + 'Both the doctor and his lady very much wish to know what kind of + address we make use of in our letters to each other. I think they + would scarcely hit on _this_!!' + + TO REV. PATRICK BRONTE, A.B., HARTSHEAD + + 'WOOD HOUSE GROVE, _December_ 5_th_, 1812. + + 'MY DEAREST FRIEND,--So you _thought_ that _perhaps_ I _might_ expect + to hear from you. As the case was so doubtful, and you were in such + great haste, you might as well have deferred writing a few days + longer, for you seem to suppose it is a matter of perfect + indifference to me whether I hear from you or not. I believe I once + requested you to judge of my feelings by your own--am I to think that + _you_ are thus indifferent? I feel very unwilling to entertain such + an opinion, and am grieved that you should suspect me of such a cold, + heartless, attachment. But I am too serious on the subject; I only + meant to rally you a little on the beginning of your last, and to + tell you that I fancied there was a coolness in it which none of your + former letters had contained. If this fancy was groundless, forgive + me for having indulged it, and let it serve to convince you of the + sincerity and warmth of my affection. Real love is ever apt to + suspect that it meets not with an equal return; you must not wonder + then that my fears are sometimes excited. My pride cannot bear the + idea of a diminution of your attachment, or to think that it is + stronger on my side than on yours. But I must not permit my pen so + fully to disclose the feelings of my heart, nor will I tell you + whether I am pleased or not at the thought of seeing you on the + appointed day. + + 'Miss Fennell desires her kind regards, and, with her father, is + extremely obliged to you for the trouble you have taken about the + carpet, and has no doubt but it will give full satisfaction. They + think there will be no occasion for the green cloth. + + 'We intend to set about making the cakes here next week, but as the + fifteen or twenty persons whom you mention live probably somewhere in + your neighbourhood, I think it will be most convenient for Mrs. B. to + make a small one for the purpose of distributing there, which will + save us the difficulty of sending so far. + + 'You may depend on my learning my lessons as rapidly as they are + given me. I am already tolerably perfect in the A B C, etc. I am + much obliged to you for the pretty little hymn which I have already + got by heart, but cannot promise to sing it scientifically, though I + will endeavour to gain a little more assurance. + + 'Since I began this Jane put into my hands Lord Lyttelton's _Advice + to a Lady_. When I read those lines, "Be never cool reserve with + passion joined, with caution choose, but then be fondly kind, etc." + my heart smote me for having in some cases used too much reserve + towards you. Do you think you have any cause to complain of me? If + you do, let me know it. For were it in my power to prevent it, I + would in no instance occasion you the least pain or uneasiness. I am + certain no one ever loved you with an affection more pure, constant, + tender, and ardent than that which I feel. Surely this is not saying + too much; it is the truth, and I trust you are worthy to know it. I + long to improve in every religious and moral quality, that I may be a + help, and if possible an ornament to you. Oh let us pray much for + wisdom and grace to fill our appointed stations with propriety, that + we may enjoy satisfaction in our own souls, edify others, and bring + glory to the name of Him who has so wonderfully preserved, blessed, + and brought us together. + + 'If there is anything in the commencement of this which looks like + pettishness, forgive it; my mind is now completely divested of every + feeling of the kind, although I own I am sometimes too apt to be + overcome by this disposition. + + 'Let me have the pleasure of hearing from you again as soon as + convenient. This writing is uncommonly bad, but I too am in haste. + + 'Adieu, my dearest.--I am your affectionate and sincere + + 'MARIA.' + +Mr. Bronte was at Hartshead, where he married, for five years, and there +his two eldest children, Maria and Elizabeth, were born. He then moved +to Thornton, near Bradford, where Charlotte was born on the 21st of April +1816, Branwell in 1817, Emily in 1818, and Anne in 1819. In 1820 the +family removed to the parsonage of Haworth, and in 1821 the poor mother +was dead. A year or two later Miss Elizabeth Branwell came from Penzance +to act as a mother to her orphaned nephew and nieces. There is no reason +to accept the theory that Miss Branwell was quite as formidable or +offensive a personage as the Mrs. Read in _Jane Eyre_. That she was a +somewhat rigid and not over demonstrative woman, we may take for granted. +The one letter to her of any importance that I have seen--it is printed +in Mrs. Gaskell's life--was the attempt of Charlotte to obtain her +co-operation in the projected visit to a Brussels school. Miss Branwell +provided the money readily enough it would seem, and one cannot doubt +that in her later years she was on the best of terms with her nieces. +There may have been too much discipline in childhood, but discipline +which would now be considered too severe was common enough at the +beginning of the century. The children, we may be sure, were left +abundantly alone. The writing they accomplished in their early years +would sufficiently demonstrate that. Miss Branwell died in 1842; and +from her will, which I give elsewhere, it will be seen that she behaved +very justly to her three nieces. + +The reception by Mr. Bronte of his children's literary successes has been +very pleasantly recorded by Charlotte. He was proud of his daughters, +and delighted with their fame. He seems to have had no small share of +their affection. Charlotte loved and esteemed him. There are hundreds +of her letters, in many of which are severe and indeed unprintable things +about this or that individual; but of her father these letters contain +not one single harsh word. She wrote to him regularly when absent. Not +only did he secure the affection of his daughter, but the people most +intimately associated with him next to his own children gave him a +lifelong affection and regard. Martha Brown, the servant who lived with +him until his death, always insisted that her old master had been +grievously wronged, and that a kinder, more generous, and in every way +more worthy man had never lived. Nancy Garrs, another servant, always +spoke of Mr. Bronte as 'the kindest man who ever drew breath,' and as a +good and affectionate father. Forty years have gone by since Charlotte +Bronte died; and thirty-six years have flown since Mr. Nicholls left the +deathbed of his wife's father; but through all that period he has +retained the most kindly memories of one with whom his life was +intimately associated for sixteen years, with whom at one crisis of his +life, as we shall see, he had a serious difference, but whom he ever +believed to have been an entirely honourable and upright man. + +A lady visitor to Haworth in December 1860 did not, it is true, carry +away quite so friendly an impression. 'I have been to see old Mr. +Bronte,' she writes, 'and have spent about an hour with him. He is +completely confined to his bed, but talks hopefully of leaving it again +when the summer comes round. I am afraid that it will not be leaving it +as he plans, poor old man! He is touchingly softened by illness; but +still talks in his pompous way, and mingles moral remarks and somewhat +stale sentiments with his conversation on ordinary subjects.' This is +severe, but after all it was a literary woman who wrote it. On the whole +we may safely assume, with the evidence before us, that Mr. Bronte was a +thoroughly upright and honourable man who came manfully through a +somewhat severe life battle. That is how his daughters thought of him, +and we cannot do better than think with them. {53} + +Mr. Bronte died on June 7, 1861, and his funeral in Haworth Church is +described in the _Bradford Review_ of the following week:-- + + 'Great numbers of people had collected in the churchyard, and a few + minutes before noon the corpse was brought out through the eastern + gate of the garden leading into the churchyard. The Rev. Dr. Burnet, + Vicar of Bradford, read the funeral service, and led the way into the + church, and the following clergymen were the bearers of the coffin: + The Rev. Dr. Cartman of Skipton; Rev. Mr. Sowden of Hebden Bridge; + the Incumbents of Cullingworth, Oakworth, Morton, Oxenhope, and St. + John's Ingrow. The chief mourners were the Rev. Arthur Bell + Nicholls, son-in-law of the deceased; Martha Brown, the housekeeper; + and her sister; Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Wainwright. There were several + gentlemen followed the corpse whom we did not know. All the shops in + Haworth were closed, and the people filled every pew, and the aisles + in the church, and many shed tears during the impressive reading of + the service for the burial of the dead, by the vicar. The body of + Mr. Bronte was laid within the altar rails, by the side of his + daughter Charlotte. He is the last that can be interred inside of + Haworth Church. On the coffin was this inscription: "Patrick Bronte, + died June 7th, 1861, aged 84 years."' + +His will, which was proved at Wakefield, left the bulk of his property, +as was natural, to the son-in-law who had faithfully served and tended +him for the six years which succeeded Charlotte Bronte's death. + +Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate Divorce and +Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice. + + _Being of sound mind and judgment_, _in the name of God the Father_, + _Son_, _and Holy Ghost_, _I_, PATRICK BRONTE, B.A., _Incumbent of + Haworth_, _in the Parish of Bradford and county of York_, _make this + my last Will and Testament_: _I leave forty pounds to be equally + divided amongst all my brothers and sisters to whom I gave + considerable sums in times past_; _And I direct the same sum of forty + pounds to be sent for distribution to Mr. Hugh Bronte_, + _Ballinasceaugh_, _near Loughbrickland_, _Ireland_; _I leave thirty + pounds to my servant_, _Martha Brown_, _as a token of regard for long + and faithful services to me and my children_; _To my beloved and + esteemed son-in-law_, _the Rev. Arthur Bell Nicholls_, B.A., _I leave + and bequeath the residue of my personal estate of every description + which I shall be possessed of at my death for his own absolute + benefit_; _And I make him my sole executor_; _And I revoke all former + and other Wills_, _in witness whereof I_, _the said_ PATRICK BRONTE, + _have to this my last Will_, _contained in this sheet of paper_, _set + my hand this twentieth day of June_, _one thousand eight hundred and + fifty-five_. + + PATRICK BRONTE.--_Signed and acknowledged by the said_ PATRICK BRONTE + _as his Will in the presence of us present at the same time_, _and + who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto + subscribed our names as witnesses_: JOSEPH REDMAN, ELIZA BROWN. + +The Irish relatives are not forgotten, and indeed this will gives the +most direct evidence of the fact that for the sixty years that he had +been absent from his native land he had always kept his own country, or +at least his relatives in County Down, sufficiently in mind. + + + + +CHAPTER II: CHILDHOOD + + +Eighty years have passed over Thornton since that village had the honour +of becoming the birthplace of Charlotte Bronte. The visitor of to-day +will find the Bell Chapel, in which Mr. Bronte officiated, a mere ruin, +and the font in which his children were baptized ruthlessly exposed to +the winds of heaven. {56a} The house in which Patrick Bronte resided is +now a butcher's shop, and indeed little, one imagines, remains the same. +But within the new church one may still overhaul the registers, and find, +with but little trouble, a record of the baptism of the Bronte children. +There, amid the names of the rough and rude peasantry of the +neighbourhood, we find the accompanying entries, {56b} differing from +their neighbours only by the fact that Mr. Morgan or Mr. Fennell came to +the help of their relatives and officiated in place of Mr. Bronte. Mr. +Bronte, it will be observed, had already received his appointment to +Haworth when Anne was baptized. + +There were, it is well known, two elder children, Maria and Elizabeth, +born at Hartshead, and doomed to die speedily at Haworth. A vague memory +of Maria lives in the Helen Burns of _Jane Eyre_, but the only tangible +records of the pair, as far as I am able to ascertain, are a couple of +samplers, of the kind which Mrs. Bronte and her sisters had worked at +Penzance a generation earlier. + + _Maria Bronte finished this Sampler on the 16th of May at the age of + eight years_ + +one of them tells us, and the other: + + _Elizabeth Bronte finished this Sampler the 27th of July at the age + of seven years_. + +Maria died at the age of twelve in May 1825, and Elizabeth in June of the +same year, at the age of eleven. It is, however, with their three +sisters that we have most concern, although all the six children +accompanied their parents to Haworth in 1820. + +Haworth, we are told, has been over-described; and yet it may not be +amiss to discover from the easily available directories what manner of +place it was during the Bronte residence there. Pigot's Yorkshire +Directory of 1828 gives the census during the first year of Mr. Bronte's +incumbency thus:-- + + HAWORTH, _a populous manufacturing village_, _in the honour of + Pontefract_, _Morley wapentake_, _and in the parish of Bradford_, _is + four miles south of Keighley_, _containing_, _by the census of_ 1821, + 4668 _inhabitants_. + + _Gentry and Clergy_: _Bronte_, _Rev. Patrick_, _Haworth_; _Heaton_, + _Robert_, _gent._, _Ponden Hall_; _Miles_, _Rev. Oddy_, _Haworth_; + _Saunders_, _Rev. Moses_, _Haworth_. + +From the same source twenty years later we obtain more explicit detail, +which is not without interest to-day. + + HAWORTH _is a chapelry_, _comprising the hamlets of Haworth_, + _Stanbury_, _and Near and Far Oxenhope_, _in the parish of Bradford_, + _and wapentake of Morley_, _West Riding_--_Haworth being ten miles + from Bradford_, _about the same distance from Halifax_, _Colne_, _and + Skipton_, _three and a half miles S. from Keighley_, _and eight from + Hebden Bridge_, _at which latter place is a station on the Leeds and + Manchester railway_. _Haworth is situated on the side of a hill_, + _and consists of one irregularly built street_--_the habitations in + that part called Oxenhope being yet more scattered_, _and Stanbury + still farther distant_; _the entire chapelry occupying a wide space_. + _The spinning of worsted_, _and the manufacture of stuffs_, _are + branches which here prevail extensively_. + + _The Church or rather chapel_ (_subject to Bradford_), _dedicated to + St. Michael_, _was rebuilt in_ 1757: _the living is a perpetual + curacy_, _in the presentation of the vicar of Bradford and certain + trustees_; _the present curate is the Rev. Patrick_ _Bronte_. _The + other places of worship are two chapels for baptists_, _one each for + primitive and Wesleyan methodists_, _and another at Oxenhope for the + latter denomination_. _There are two excellent free schools_--_one + at Stanbury_, _the other_, _called the Free Grammar School_, _near + Oxenhope_; _besides which there are several neat edifices erected for + Sunday teaching_. _There are three annual fairs_: _they are held on + Easter-Monday_, _the second Monday after St. Peter's day_ (_old + style_), _and the first Monday after Old Michaelmas day_. _The + chapelry of Haworth_, _and its dependent hamlets_, _contained by the + returns for_ 1831, 5835 _inhabitants_; _and by the census taken in + June_, 1841, _the population amounted to_ 6301. + +Haworth needs even to-day no further description, but the house in which +Mr. Bronte resided, from 1820 till his death in 1861, has not been +over-described, perhaps because Mr. Bronte's successor has not been too +well disposed to receive the casual visitor to Haworth under his roof. + +Many changes have been made since Mr. Bronte died, but the house still +retains its essentially interesting features. In the time of the +Brontes, it is true, the front outlook was as desolate as to-day it is +attractive. Then there was a little piece of barren ground running down +to the walls of the churchyard, with here and there a currant-bush as the +sole adornment. Now we see an abundance of trees and a well-kept lawn. +Miss Ellen Nussey well remembers seeing Emily and Anne, on a fine summer +afternoon, sitting on stools in this bit of garden plucking currants from +the poor insignificant bushes. There was no premonition of the time, not +so far distant, when the rough doorway separating the churchyard from the +garden, which was opened for their mother when they were little children, +should be opened again time after time in rapid succession for their own +biers to be carried through. This gateway is now effectively bricked up. +In the days of the Brontes it was reserved for the passage of the dead--a +grim arrangement, which, strange to say, finds no place in any one of the +sisters' stories. We enter the house, and the door on the right leads +into Mr. Bronte's study, always called the parlour; that on the left into +the dining-room, where the children spent a great portion of their lives. +From childhood to womanhood, indeed, the three girls regularly +breakfasted with their father in his study. In the dining-room--a square +and simple room of a kind common enough in the houses of the poorer +middle-classes--they ate their mid-day dinner, their tea and supper. Mr. +Bronte joined them at tea, although he always dined alone in his study. +The children's dinner-table has been described to me by a visitor to the +house. At one end sat Miss Branwell, at the other, Charlotte, with Emily +and Anne on either side. Branwell was then absent. The living was of +the simplest. A single joint, followed invariably by one kind or another +of milk-pudding. Pastry was unknown in the Bronte household. +Milk-puddings, or food composed of milk and rice, would seem to have made +the principal diet of Emily and Anne Bronte, and to this they added a +breakfast of Scotch porridge, which they shared with their dogs. It is +more interesting, perhaps, to think of all the daydreams in that room, of +the mass of writing which was achieved there, of the conversations and +speculation as to the future. Miss Nussey has given a pleasant picture +of twilight when Charlotte and she walked with arms encircling one +another round and round the table, and Emily and Anne followed in similar +fashion. There was no lack of cheerfulness and of hope at that period. +Behind Mr. Bronte's studio was the kitchen; and there we may easily +picture the Bronte children telling stories to Tabby or Martha, or to +whatever servant reigned at the time, and learning, as all of them did, +to become thoroughly domesticated--Emily most of all. Behind the +dining-room was a peat-room, which, when Charlotte was married in 1854, +was cleared out and converted into a little study for Mr. Nicholls. The +staircase with its solid banister remains as it did half a century ago; +and at its foot one is still shown the corner which tradition assigns as +the scene of Emily's conflict with her dog Keeper. On the right, at the +back, as you mount the staircase, was a small room allotted to Branwell +as a studio. On the other side of this staircase, also at the back, was +the servants' room. In the front of the house, immediately over the +dining-room, was Miss Branwell's room, afterwards the spare bedroom until +Charlotte Bronte married. In that room she died. On the left, over Mr. +Bronte's study, was Mr. Bronte's bedroom. It was the room which, for +many years, he shared with Branwell, and it was in that room that +Branwell and his father died at an interval of twenty years. On the +staircase, half-way up, was a grandfather's clock, which Mr. Bronte used +to wind up every night on his way to bed. He always went to bed at nine +o'clock, and Miss Nussey well remembers his stentorian tones as he called +out as he left his study and passed the dining-room door--'Don't be up +late, children'--which they usually were. Between these two front rooms +upstairs, and immediately over the passage, with a door facing the +staircase, was a box room; but this was the children's nursery, where for +many years the children slept, where the bulk of their little books were +compiled, and where, it is more than probable, _The Professor_ and _Jane +Eyre_ were composed. + +Of the work of the Bronte children in these early years, a great deal +might be written. Mrs. Gaskell gives a list of some eighteen booklets, +but at least eighteen more from the pen of Charlotte are in existence. +Branwell was equally prolific; and of him, also, there remains an immense +mass of childish effort. That Emily and Anne were industrious in a like +measure there is abundant reason to believe; but scarcely one of their +juvenile efforts remains to us, nor even the unpublished fragments of +later years, to which reference will be made a little later. Whether +Emily and Anne on the eve of their death deliberately destroyed all their +treasures, or whether they were destroyed by Charlotte in the days of her +mourning, will never be known. Meanwhile one turns with interest to the +efforts of Charlotte and Branwell. Charlotte's little stories commence +in her thirteenth year, and go on until she is twenty-three. From +thirteen to eighteen she would seem to have had one absorbing hero. It +was the Duke of Wellington; and her hero-worship extended to the children +of the Duke, who, indeed, would seem even more than their father to have +absorbed her childish affections. Whether the stories are fairy tales or +dramas of modern life, they all alike introduce the Marquis of Douro, who +afterwards became the second Duke of Wellington, and Lord Charles +Wellesley, whose son is now the third Duke of Wellington. The length of +some of these fragments is indeed incredible. They fill but a few sheets +of notepaper in that tiny handwriting; but when copied by zealous +admirers, it is seen that more than one of them is twenty thousand words +in length. + +_The Foundling_, by Captain Tree, written in 1833, is a story of +thirty-five thousand words, though the manuscript has only eighteen +pages. _The Green Dwarf_, written in the same year, is even longer, and +indeed after her return from Roe Head in 1833, Charlotte must have +devoted herself to continuous writing. _The Adventures of Ernest +Alembert_ is a booklet of this date, and _Arthuriana_, _or Odds and +Ends_: _being a Miscellaneous Collection of Pieces in Prose and Verse_, +by Lord Charles Wellesley, is yet another. + +The son of the Iron Duke is made to talk, in these little books, in a way +which would have gladdened the heart of a modern interviewer: + + 'Lord Charles,' said Mr. Rundle to me one afternoon lately, 'I have + an engagement to drink tea with an old college chum this evening, so + I shall give you sixty lines of the _AEneid_ to get ready during my + absence. If it is not ready by the time I come back you know the + consequences.' 'Very well, Sir,' said I, bringing out the books with + a prodigious bustle, and making a show as if I intended to learn a + whole book instead of sixty lines of the _AEneid_. This appearance + of industry, however, lasted no longer than until the old gentleman's + back was turned. No sooner had he fairly quitted the room than I + flung aside the musty tomes, took my cap, and speeding through + chamber, hall, and gallery, was soon outside the gates of Waterloo + Palace.' + +_The Secret_, another story, of which Mrs. Gaskell gave a facsimile of +the first page, was also written in 1833, and indeed in this, her +seventeenth year, Charlotte Bronte must have written as much as in any +year of her life. When at Roe Head, 1832-3, she would seem to have +worked at her studies, and particularly her drawing; but in the interval +between Cowan Bridge and Roe Head she wrote a great deal. The earliest +manuscripts in my possession bear date 1829--that is to say, in +Charlotte's thirteenth year. They are her _Tales of the Islanders_, +which extend to four little volumes in brown paper covers neatly +inscribed 'First Volume,' 'Second Volume,' and so on. The Duke is of +absorbing importance in these 'Tales.' 'One evening the Duke of +Wellington was writing in his room in Downing Street. He was reposing at +his ease in a simple easy chair, smoking a homely tobacco-pipe, for he +disdained all the modern frippery of cigars . . . ' and so on in an +abundance of childish imaginings. _The Search after Happiness_ and +_Characters of Great Men of the Present Time_ were also written in 1829. +Perhaps the only juvenile fragment which is worth anything is also the +only one in which she escapes from the Wellington enthusiasm. It has an +interest also in indicating that Charlotte in her girlhood heard +something of her father's native land. It is called-- + + AN ADVENTURE IN IRELAND + + During my travels in the south of Ireland the following adventure + happened to me. One evening in the month of August, after a long + walk, I was ascending the mountain which overlooks the village of + Cahill, when I suddenly came in sight of a fine old castle. It was + built upon a rock, and behind it was a large wood and before it was a + river. Over the river there was a bridge, which formed the approach + to the castle. When I arrived at the bridge I stood still awhile to + enjoy the prospect around me: far below was the wide sheet of still + water in which the reflection of the pale moon was not disturbed by + the smallest wave; in the valley was the cluster of cabins which is + known by the appellation of Cahin, and beyond these were the + mountains of Killala. Over all, the grey robe of twilight was now + stealing with silent and scarcely perceptible advances. No sound + except the hum of the distant village and the sweet song of the + nightingale in the wood behind me broke upon the stillness of the + scene. While I was contemplating this beautiful prospect, a + gentleman, whom I had not before observed, accosted me with 'Good + evening, sir; are you a stranger in these parts?' I replied that I + was. He then asked me where I was going to stop for the night; I + answered that I intended to sleep somewhere in the village. 'I am + afraid you will find very bad accommodation there,' said the + gentleman; 'but if you will take up your quarters with me at the + castle, you are welcome.' I thanked him for his kind offer, and + accepted it. + + When we arrived at the castle I was shown into a large parlour, in + which was an old lady sitting in an arm-chair by the fireside, + knitting. On the rug lay a very pretty tortoise-shell cat. As soon + as mentioned, the old lady rose; and when Mr. O'Callaghan (for that, + I learned, was his name) told her who I was, she said in the most + cordial tone that I was welcome, and asked me to sit down. In the + course of conversation I learned that she was Mr. O'Callaghan's + mother, and that his father had been dead about a year. We had sat + about an hour, when supper was announced, and after supper Mr. + O'Callaghan asked me if I should like to retire for the night. I + answered in the affirmative, and a little boy was commissioned to + show me to my apartment. It was a snug, clean, and comfortable + little old-fashioned room at the top of the castle. As soon as we + had entered, the boy, who appeared to be a shrewd, good-tempered + little fellow, said with a shrug of the shoulder, 'If it was going to + bed I was, it shouldn't be here that you'd catch me.' 'Why?' said I. + 'Because,' replied the boy, 'they say that the ould masther's ghost + has been seen sitting on that there chair.' 'And have you seen him?' + 'No; but I've heard him washing his hands in that basin often and + often.' 'What is your name, my little fellow?' 'Dennis Mulready, + please your honour.' 'Well, good-night to you.' 'Good-night, + masther; and may the saints keep you from all fairies and brownies,' + said Dennis as he left the room. + + As soon as I had laid down I began to think of what the boy had been + telling me, and I confess I felt a strange kind of fear, and once or + twice I even thought I could discern something white through the + darkness which surrounded me. At length, by the help of reason, I + succeeded in mastering these, what some would call idle fancies, and + fell asleep. I had slept about an hour when a strange sound awoke + me, and I saw looking through my curtains a skeleton wrapped in a + white sheet. I was overcome with terror and tried to scream, but my + tongue was paralysed and my whole frame shook with fear. In a deep + hollow voice it said to me, 'Arise, that I may show thee this world's + wonders,' and in an instant I found myself encompassed with clouds + and darkness. But soon the roar of mighty waters fell upon my ear, + and I saw some clouds of spray arising from high falls that rolled in + awful majesty down tremendous precipices, and then foamed and + thundered in the gulf beneath as if they had taken up their unquiet + abode in some giant's cauldron. But soon the scene changed, and I + found myself in the mines of Cracone. There were high pillars and + stately arches, whose glittering splendour was never excelled by the + brightest fairy palaces. There were not many lamps, only those of a + few poor miners, whose rough visages formed a striking contrast to + the dazzling figures and grandeur which surrounded them. But in the + midst of all this magnificence I felt an indescribable sense of fear + and terror, for the sea raged above us, and by the awful and + tumultuous noises of roaring winds and dashing waves, it seemed as if + the storm was violent. And now the mossy pillars groaned beneath the + pressure of the ocean, and the glittering arches seemed about to be + overwhelmed. When I heard the rushing waters and saw a mighty flood + rolling towards me I gave a loud shriek of terror. The scene + vanished, and I found myself in a wide desert full of barren rocks + and high mountains. As I was approaching one of the rocks, in which + there was a large cave, my foot stumbled and I fell. Just then I + heard a deep growl, and saw by the unearthly light of his own fiery + eyes a royal lion rousing himself from his kingly slumbers. His + terrible eye was fixed upon me, and the desert rang and the rocks + echoed with the tremendous roar of fierce delight which he uttered as + he sprang towards me. 'Well, masther, it's been a windy night, + though it's fine now,' said Dennis, as he drew the window-curtain and + let the bright rays of the morning sun into the little old-fashioned + room at the top of O'Callaghan Castle. + + C. BRONTE. + _April the_ 28_th_, 1829. + +Six numbers of _The Young Men's Magazine_ were written in 1829; a very +juvenile poem, _The Evening Walk_, by the Marquis of Douro, in 1830; and +another, of greater literary value, _The Violet_, in the same year. In +1831 we have an unfinished poem, _The Trumpet Hath Sounded_; and in 1832 +a very long poem called _The Bridal_. Some of them, as for example a +poem called _Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel_, are written in penny and +twopenny notebooks of the kind used by laundresses. Occasionally her +father has purchased a sixpenny book and has written within the cover-- + + _All that is written in this book must be in a good_, _plain_, _and + legible hand_.--P. B. + +While upon this topic, I may as well carry the record up to the date of +publication of Currer Bell's poems. _A Leaf from an Unopened Volume_ was +written in 1834, as were also _The Death of Darius_, and _Corner Dishes_. +_Saul_: _a Poem_, was written in 1835, and a number of other still +unpublished verses. There is a story called _Lord Douro_, bearing date +1837, and a manuscript book of verses of 1838, but that pretty well +exhausts the manuscripts before me previous to the days of serious +literary activity. During the years as private governess (1839-1841) and +the Brussels experiences (1842-1844), Charlotte would seem to have put +all literary effort on one side. + +There is only one letter of Charlotte Bronte's childhood. It is indorsed +by Mr. Bronte on the cover _Charlotte's First Letter_, possibly for the +guidance of Mrs. Gaskell, who may perhaps have thought it of insufficient +importance. That can scarcely be the opinion of any one to-day. +Charlotte, aged thirteen, is staying with the Fennells, her mother's +friends of those early love-letters. + + TO THE REV. P. BRONTE + + 'PARSONAGE HOUSE, CROSSTONE, + _September_ 23_rd_, 1829. + + 'MY DEAR PAPA,--At Aunt's request I write these lines to inform you + that "if all be well" we shall be at home on Friday by dinner-time, + when we hope to find you in good health. On account of the bad + weather we have not been out much, but notwithstanding we have spent + our time very pleasantly, between reading, working, and learning our + lessons, which Uncle Fennell has been so kind as to teach us every + day. Branwell has taken two sketches from nature, and Emily, Anne, + and myself have likewise each of us drawn a piece from some views of + the lakes which Mr. Fennell brought with him from Westmoreland. The + whole of these he intends keeping. Mr. Fennell is sorry he cannot + accompany us to Haworth on Friday, for want of room, but hopes to + have the pleasure of seeing you soon. All unite in sending their + kind love with your affectionate daughter, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + +The following list includes the whole of the early Bronte Manuscripts +known to me, or of which I can find any record:-- + + UNPUBLISHED BRONTE LITERATURE. + + BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE + +_The Young Men's Magazines_. In Six Numbers 1829 + +[Only four out of these six numbers appear to have been preserved.] +_The Search after Happiness_: _A Tale_. _By Charlotte Bronte_ 1829 +_Two Romantic Tales_; _viz. The Twelve Adventures_, _and An 1829 + Adventure in Ireland_ +_Characters of Great Men of the Present Age_, _Dec._ 17_th_ 1829 +_Tales of the Islanders_. _By Charlotte Bronte_:-- + Vol. i. dated _June_ 31, 1829 + Vol. ii. dated _December_ 2, 1829 + Vol. iii. dated _May_ 8, 1830 + Vol. iv. dated _July_ 30, 1830 + +[Accompanying these volumes is a one-page document detailing 'The + Origin of the _Islanders_.' Dated _March_ 12, 1829.] +_The Evening Walk_: _A Poem_. _By the Marquis Douro_ 1830 +_A Translation into English Verse of the First Book of Voltaire's 1830 + Henriade_. _By Charlotte Bronte_ +_Albion and Marina_: _A Tale_. _By Lord Wellesley_ 1830 +_The Adventures of Ernest Alembert_: _A Fairy Tale_. _By 1830 + Charlotte Bronte_ +_The Violet: A Poem_. _With several smaller Pieces_. _By the 1830 + Marquess of Douro_. _Published by Seargeant Tree_. _Glasstown_, + 1830 +_The Bridal_. _By C. Bronte_ 1832 +_Arthuriana_; _or_, _Odds and Ends_: _Being a Miscellaneous 1833 + Collection of Pieces in Prose and Verse_. _By Lord Charles A. F. + Wellesley_ +_Something about Arthur_. _Written by Charles Albert Florian 1833 + Wellesley_ +_The Vision_. _By Charlotte Bronte_ 1833 +_The Secret and Lily Hart_: _Two Tales_. _By Lord Charles 1833 + Wellesley_ + +[The first page of this book is given in facsimile in vol. i. of + Mrs. Gaskell's _Life of Charlotte Bronte_.] +_Visits in Verdopolis_. _By the Honourable Charles Albert Florian 1833 + Wellesley_. _Two vols._ +_The Green Dwarf_: _A Tale of the Perfect Tense_. _By Lord Charles 1833 + Albert Florian Wellesley_. _Charlotte Bronte_. +_The Foundling_: _A Tale of our own Times_. _By Captain Tree_ 1833 +_Richard Coeur de Lion and Blondel_. _By Charlotte Bronte_, 1833 + 8vo, pp. 20. Signed in full _Charlotte Bronte_, and dated + _Haworth_, _near Bradford_, Dec. 27_th_, 1833 +_My Angria and the Angrians_. _By Lord Charles Albert Florian 1834 + Wellesley_ +_A Leaf from an Unopened Volume_; _or_, _The Manuscript of an 1834 + Unfortunate Author_. _Edited by Lord Charles Albert Florian + Wellesley_ +_Corner Dishes_: _Being a small Collection of_ . . . _Trifles in 1834 + Prose and Verse_. _By Lord Charles Albert Florian Wellesley_ +_The Spell_: _An Extravaganza_. _By Lord Charles Albert Florian + Wellesley_. Signed _Charlotte Bronte_, _June_ 21_st_, 1834. + The contents include: 1. Preface, half page; 2. _The Spell_, 26 + pages; 3. _High Life in Verdopolis_: _or The Difficulties + of Annexing a Suitable Title to a Work Practically Illustrated in + Six Chapters_. _By Lord C. A. F. Wellesley_, _March_ 20, 1834, 22 + pages; 4. _The Scrap-Book_: _A Mingling of Many Things_. + _Compiled by Lord C. A. F. Wellesley_. _C. Bronte_, _March_ + 17_th_, 1835, 31 pages. + + [This volume is in the British Museum.] +_Death of Darius Cadomanus_: _A Poem_. _By Charlotte Bronte_. 1835 + Pp. 24. Signed in full, and dated +_Saul and Memory_: _Two Poems_. _By C. Bronte_. Pp. 12 1835 +_Passing Events_ 1836 +'_We Wove a Web in Childhood_': A poem (pp. vi.), signed _C. 1835 + Bronte_, _Haworth_, _Dec'br_. 19_th_, 1835 +_The Wounded Stag_, _and other Poems_. _Signed C. Bronte_. 1836 + _Jan'y._ 19, 1836. Pp. 20 +_Lord Douro_: _A Story_. _Signed C. Bronte_. _July_ 21_st_, 1837 1837 +_Poems_. _By C. Bronte_. Pp. 16 1838 +_Lettre d'Invitation a un Ecclesiastique_. Signed 1842 + _Charlotte Bronte_. _Le_ 21 _Juillet_, 1842. Large 8vo, pp. 4. + A French exercise written at Brussels +_John Henry_. _By Charlotte Bronte_, Crown 8vo, pp. 36, _circa_ 1852 + written in pencil +_Willie Ellin_. _By Charlotte Bronte_. _May and June_ 1853 + Crown 8vo, pp. 18 + +The following, included in Charlotte's 'Catalogue of my Books' +printed by Mrs. Gaskell, are not now forthcoming: + +_Leisure Hours_: _A Tale_, _and two Fragments_ _July_ 6_th_, 1829 +_The Adventures of Edward de Crak_: _A Tale_ _Feb._ 2_nd_, 1830 +_An Interesting Incident in the Lives of some _June_ 10_th_, 1830 + of the most eminent Persons of the Age_: _A Tale_ +_The Poetaster_: _A Drama_. _In two volumes_, _July_ 12_th_, 1830 +_A Book of Rhymes_, _finished_ _December_ 17_th_, 1829 +_Miscellaneous Poems_, _finished_ _May_ 3_rd_, 1830 + +[These _Miscellaneous Poems_ are probably poems written upon + separate sheets, and not forming a complete book--indeed, some + half dozen such separate poems are still extant. The last item + given in Charlotte's list of these _Miscellaneous Poems_ is + _The Evening Walk_, 1820; this is a separate book, and is included + in the list above.] + + BY EMILY BRONTE + +A volume of_ Poems_, 8vo, pp. 29; signed (at the top of the first 1844 + page) _E. J. B_. _Transcribed February_ 1814. Each poem is + headed with the date of its composition. Of the poems + included in this book four are still unprinted, the remainder + were published in the _Poems_ of 1846. The whole are written in + microscopic characters +A volume of _Poems_, square 8vo, pp. 24. Each poem is dated, 1837-1839 + and the first is signed _E. J. Bronte_, _August_ 19_th_, 1837. + Written in an ordinary, and not a minute, handwriting. All + unpublished +A series of poems written in a minute hand upon both sides of 1833-1839 + fourteen or fifteen small slips of paper of various sizes. All + unpublished +_Lettre and Reponse_. An exercise in French. Large 8vo, 1842 + pp. 4. Signed _E. J. Bronte_, and dated 16 _Juillet_ +_L'Amour Filial_. An exercise in French. Small quarto, pp. 4. 1842 + Signed in full _Emily J. Bronte_, and dated 5 _Aout_ + + BY ANNE BRONTE. + +_Verses by Lady Geralda_, and other poems. A crown 8vo volume 1836-1837 + of 28 pages. Each poem is signed (or initialled) and dated, the + dates extending from 1836 to 1837. The poems are all + unpublished +_The North Wind_, and other poems. A crown 8vo volume of 26 1838-1840 + pages. Each poem is signed (or initialled) and dated, some + having in addition to her own name the nom-de-guerre + _Alexandrina Zenobia_ or _Olivia Vernon_. The dates extend + from 1838 to 1840. The poems are all unpublished +_To Cowper_, and other poems. 8vo, pp. 22. Of the nine 1842-1845 + poems contained in this volume three are signed _Anne Bronte_, + four are signed _A. Bronte_, and two are initialled '_A. B._' + All are dated. Part of these Poems are unpublished, the + remainder appeared in the _Poems_ of 1846 +A thin 8vo volume of poems (mostly dated 1845), pp. 14, _circa_ 1845 + each being signed _A. Bronte_, or simply '_A. B._'--some + having in addition to, or instead of, her own name the + nom-de-guerre _Zerona_. A few of these poems are unprinted; + the remainder are a portion of Anne's contribution to the + _Poems_ of 1846 +_Song_: '_Should Life's first feelings be forgot_' (one octavo 1845 + leaf) + +[A fair copy (2 pp. 8vo) of a poem by Branwell Bronte, in the + hand-writing of Anne Bronte.] +_The Power of Love_, and other poems. Post octavo, pp. 26. 1845-1846 + Each poem is signed (or initialled) and dated +_Self Communion_, a Poem. 8vo, pp. 19. Signed '_A. B_.' and 1848 + dated _April_ 17_th_, 1848 + + BY BRANWELL BRONTE. + +_The Battle of Washington_. By _P. B. Bronte_. With full-page 1827 + coloured illustrations + +[An exceedingly childish production, and the earliest of all the + Bronte manuscripts.] +_History of the Rebellion in my Army_ 1828 +_The Travels of Rolando Segur_: _Comprising his Adventures 1829 + throughout the Voyage_, _and in America_, _Europe_, _the South + Pole_, _etc._ _By Patrick Branwell Bronte_. _In two + volumes_ +_A Collection of Poems_. _By Young Soult the Rhymer_. 1829 + _Illustrated with Notes and Commentaries by Monsieur + Chateaubriand_. _In two volumes_ +_The Liar Detected_. _By Captain Bud_ 1830 +_Caractacus_: _A Dramatic Poem_. _By Young Soult_ 1830 +_The Revenge_: _A Tragedy_, _in three Acts_. _By Young Soult_. 1830 + _P. B. Bronte_. _In two volumes_. _Glasstown_ + +[Although the title page reads 'in two volumes,' the book is + complete in one volume only.] +_The History of the Young Men_. _By John Bud_ 1831 +_Letters from an Englishman_. _By Captain John Flower_. _In 1830-1832 + six volumes_ +_The Monthly Intelligencer_. _No._ 1 _March_ 27, 1833 + +[The only number produced of a projected manuscript newspaper, + by Branwell Bronte. The MS. consists of 4 pp. 4to, arranged + in columns, precisely after the manner of an ordinary journal.] +_Real Life in Verdopolis_: _A Tale_. _By Captain John Flower_, 1833 + _M.P._ _In two volumes_. _P. B. Bronte_ +_The Politics of Verdopolis_: _A Tale_. _By Captain John Flower_. 1833 + _P. B. Bronte_ +_The Pirate_: _A Tale_. _By Captain John Flower_ 1833 + +[The most pretentious of Branwell's prose stories.] +_Thermopylae_: _A Poem_. _By P. B. Bronte_. 8vo, pp. 14 1834 +_And the Weary are at Rest_: _A Tale_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1834 +_The Wool is Rising_: _An Angrian Adventure_. _By the Right 1834 + Honourable John Baron Flower_ +_Ode to the Polar Star, and other Poems_. _By P. B. Bronte_. 1834 + Quarto, pp. 24 +_The Life of Field Marshal the Right Honourable Alexander 1835 + Percy_, _Earl of Northangerland_. _In two volumes_. _By John + Bud_. _P. B. Bronte_ +_The Rising of the Angrians_: _A Tale_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1836 +_A Narrative of the First War_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1836 +_The Angrian Welcome_: _A Tale_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1836 +_Percy_: _A Story_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1837 +A packet containing four small groups of _Poems_, of about six + or eight pages each, mostly without titles, but all either + signed or initialled, and dated from 1836 to 1838 +_Love and Warfare_: _A Story_. _By P. B. Bronte_ 1839 +_Lord Nelson_, _and other Poems_. _By P. B. Bronte_. Written in 1844 + pencil. Small 8vo, pp. 26 + +[This book contains a full-page pencil portrait of Branwell + Bronte, drawn by himself, as well as four carefully finished heads. + These give an excellent idea of the extent of Branwell's artistic + skill.] + + + + +CHAPTER III: SCHOOL AND GOVERNESS LIFE + + +In seeking for fresh light upon the development of Charlotte Bronte, it +is not necessary to discuss further her childhood's years at Cowan +Bridge. She left the school at nine years of age, and what memories of +it were carried into womanhood were, with more or less of picturesque +colouring, embodied in Jane Eyre. {74} From 1825 to 1831 Charlotte was +at home with her sisters, reading and writing as we have seen, but +learning nothing very systematically. In 1831-32 she was a boarder at +Miss Wooler's school at Roe Head, some twenty miles from Haworth. Miss +Wooler lived to a green old age, dying in the year 1885. She would seem +to have been very proud of her famous pupil, and could not have been +blind to her capacity in the earlier years. Charlotte was with her as +governess at Roe Head, and later at Dewsbury Moor. It is quite clear +that Miss Bronte was head of the school in all intellectual pursuits, and +she made two firm friends--Ellen Nussey and Mary Taylor. A very fair +measure of French and some skill in drawing appear to have been the most +striking accomplishments which Charlotte carried back from Roe Head to +Haworth. There are some twenty drawings of about this date, and a +translation into English verse of the first book of Voltaire's +_Henriade_. With Ellen Nussey commenced a friendship which terminated +only with the pencilled notes written from Charlotte Bronte's deathbed. +The first suggestion of a regular correspondence is contained in the +following letter. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 21_st_, 1832. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--Your kind and interesting letter gave me the + sincerest pleasure. I have been expecting to hear from you almost + every day since my arrival at home, and I at length began to despair + of receiving the wished-for letter. You ask me to give you a + description of the manner in which I have passed every day since I + left school. This is soon done, as an account of one day is an + account of all. In the mornings, from nine o'clock to half-past + twelve, I instruct my sisters and draw, then we walk till dinner; + after dinner I sew till tea-time, and after tea I either read, write, + do a little fancy-work, or draw, as I please. Thus in one + delightful, though somewhat monotonous course, my life is passed. I + have only been out to tea twice since I came home. We are expecting + company this afternoon, and on Tuesday next we shall have all the + female teachers of the Sunday school to tea. I do hope, my dearest + Ellen, that you will return to school again for your own sake, though + for mine I would rather that you would remain at home, as we shall + then have more frequent opportunities of correspondence with each + other. Should your friends decide against your returning to school, + I know you have too much good-sense and right feeling not to strive + earnestly for your own improvement. Your natural abilities are + excellent, and under the direction of a judicious and able friend + (and I know you have many such), you might acquire a decided taste + for elegant literature, and even poetry, which, indeed, is included + under that general term. I was very much disappointed by your not + sending the hair; you may be sure, my dearest Ellen, that I would not + grudge double postage to obtain it, but I must offer the same excuse + for not sending you any. My aunt and sisters desire their love to + you. Remember me kindly to your mother and sisters, and accept all + the fondest expressions of genuine attachment, from your real friend + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--Remember the mutual promise we made of a regular + correspondence with each other. Excuse all faults in this wretched + scrawl. Give my love to the Miss Taylors when you see them. + Farewell, my _dear_, _dear_, _dear_ Ellen.' + +Reading, writing, and as thorough a domestic training as the little +parsonage could afford, made up the next few years. Then came the +determination to be a governess--a not unnatural resolution when the size +of the family and the modest stipend of its head are considered. Far +more prosperous parents are content in our day that their daughters +should earn their living in this manner. In 1835 Charlotte went back to +Roe Head as governess, and she continued in that position when Miss +Wooler removed her school to Dewsbury Moor in 1836. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'DEWSBURY MOOR, _August_ 24_th_, 1837. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I have determined to write lest you should begin to + think I have forgotten you, and in revenge resolve to forget me. As + you will perceive by the date of this letter, I am again engaged in + the old business--teach, teach, teach. Miss and Mrs. Wooler are + coming here next Christmas. Miss Wooler will then relinquish the + school in favour of her sister Eliza, but I am happy to say worthy + Miss Wooler will continue to reside in the house. I should be sorry + indeed to part with her. When will you come _home_? Make haste, you + have been at Bath long enough for all purposes. By this time you + have acquired polish enough, I am sure. If the varnish is laid on + much thicker, I am afraid the good wood underneath will be quite + concealed, and your old Yorkshire friends won't stand that. Come, + come, I am getting really tired of your absence. Saturday after + Saturday comes round, and I can have no hope of hearing your knock at + the door and then being told that "Miss E. N. is come." Oh dear! in + this monotonous life of mine that was a pleasant event. I wish it + would recur again, but it will take two or three interviews before + the stiffness, the estrangement of this long separation will quite + wear away. I have nothing at all to tell you now but that Mary + Taylor is better, and that she and Martha are gone to take a tour in + Wales. Patty came on her pony about a fortnight since to inform me + that this important event was in contemplation. She actually began + to fret about your long absence, and to express the most eager wishes + for your return. My own dear Ellen, good-bye. If we are all spared + I hope soon to see you again. God bless you. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Things were not always going on quite so smoothly, as the following +letter indicates. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'DEWSBURY MOOR, _January_ 4_th_, 1838. + + 'Your letter, Ellen, was a welcome surprise, though it contained + something like a reprimand. I had not, however, forgotten our + agreement. You were right in your conjectures respecting the cause + of my sudden departure. Anne continued wretchedly ill, neither the + pain nor the difficulty of breathing left her, and how could I feel + otherwise than very miserable. I looked on her case in a different + light to what I could wish or expect any uninterested person to view + it in. Miss Wooler thought me a fool, and by way of proving her + opinion treated me with marked coldness. We came to a little + eclaircissement one evening. I told her one or two rather plain + truths, which set her a-crying; and the next day, unknown to me, she + wrote papa, telling him that I had reproached her bitterly, taken her + severely to task, etc. Papa sent for us the day after he had + received her letter. Meantime I had formed a firm resolution to quit + Miss Wooler and her concerns for ever; but just before I went away, + she took me to her room, and giving way to her feelings, which in + general she restrains far too rigidly, gave me to understand that in + spite of her cold, repulsive manners, she had a considerable regard + for me, and would be very sorry to part with me. If any body likes + me, I cannot help liking them; and remembering that she had in + general been very kind to me, I gave in and said I would come back if + she wished me. So we are settled again for the present, but I am not + satisfied. I should have respected her far more if she had turned me + out of doors, instead of crying for two days and two nights together. + I was in a regular passion; my "_warm_ temper" quite got the better + of me, of which I don't boast, for it was a weakness; nor am I + ashamed of it, for I had reason to be angry. + + 'Anne is now much better, though she still requires a great deal of + care. However, I am relieved from my worst fears respecting her. I + approve highly of the plan you mention, except as it regards + committing a verse of the Psalms to memory. I do not see the direct + advantage to be derived from that. We have entered on a new year. + Will it be stained as darkly as the last with all our sins, follies, + secret vanities, and uncontrolled passions and propensities? I trust + not; but I feel in nothing better, neither humbler nor purer. It + will want three weeks next Monday to the termination of the holidays. + Come to see me, my dear Ellen, as soon as you can; however bitterly I + sometimes feel towards other people, the recollection of your mild, + steady friendship consoles and softens me. I am glad you are not + such a passionate fool as myself. Give my best love to your mother + and sisters. Excuse the most hideous scrawl that ever was penned, + and--Believe me always tenderly yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Dewsbury Moor, however, did not agree with Charlotte. That was probably +the core of the matter. She returned to Haworth, but only to look around +for another 'situation.' This time she accepted the position of private +governess in the family of a Mr. Sidgwick, at Stonegappe, in the same +county. Her letters from his house require no comment. A sentence from +the first was quoted by Mrs. Gaskell. + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'STONEGAPPE, _June_ 8_th_, 1839. + + 'DEAREST LAVINIA,--I am most exceedingly obliged to you for the + trouble you have taken in seeking up my things and sending them all + right. The box and its contents were most acceptable. I only wish I + had asked you to send me some letter-paper. This is my last sheet + but two. When you can send the other articles of raiment now + manufacturing, I shall be right down glad of them. + + 'I have striven hard to be pleased with my new situation. The + country, the house, and the grounds are, as I have said, divine. + But, alack-a-day! there is such a thing as seeing all beautiful + around you--pleasant woods, winding white paths, green lawns, and + blue sunshiny sky--and not having a free moment or a free thought + left to enjoy them in. The children are constantly with me, and more + riotous, perverse, unmanageable cubs never grew. As for correcting + them, I soon quickly found that was entirely out of the question: + they are to do as they like. A complaint to Mrs. Sidgwick brings + only black looks upon oneself, and unjust, partial excuses to screen + the children. I have tried that plan once. It succeeded so notably + that I shall try it no more. I said in my last letter that Mrs. + Sidgwick did not know me. I now begin to find that she does not + intend to know me, that she cares nothing in the world about me + except to contrive how the greatest possible quantity of labour may + be squeezed out of me, and to that end she overwhelms me with oceans + of needlework, yards of cambric to hem, muslin night-caps to make, + and, above all things, dolls to dress. I do not think she likes me + at all, because I can't help being shy in such an entirely novel + scene, surrounded as I have hitherto been by strange and constantly + changing faces. I see now more clearly than I have ever done before + that a private governess has no existence, is not considered as a + living and rational being except as connected with the wearisome + duties she has to fulfil. While she is teaching the children, + working for them, amusing them, it is all right. If she steals a + moment for herself she is a nuisance. Nevertheless, Mrs. Sidgwick is + universally considered an amiable woman. Her manners are fussily + affable. She talks a great deal, but as it seems to me not much to + the purpose. Perhaps I may like her better after a while. At + present I have no call to her. Mr. Sidgwick is in my opinion a + hundred times better--less profession, less bustling condescension, + but a far kinder heart. It is very seldom that he speaks to me, but + when he does I always feel happier and more settled for some minutes + after. He never asks me to wipe the children's smutty noses or tie + their shoes or fetch their pinafores or set them a chair. One of the + pleasantest afternoons I have spent here--indeed, the only one at all + pleasant--was when Mr. Sidgwick walked out with his children, and I + had orders to follow a little behind. As he strolled on through his + fields with his magnificent Newfoundland dog at his side, he looked + very like what a frank, wealthy, Conservative gentleman ought to be. + He spoke freely and unaffectedly to the people he met, and though he + indulged his children and allowed them to tease himself far too much, + he would not suffer them grossly to insult others. + + 'I am getting quite to have a regard for the Carter family. At home + I should not care for them, but here they are friends. Mr. Carter + was at Mirfield yesterday and saw Anne. He says she was looking + uncommonly well. Poor girl, _she_ must indeed wish to be at home. + As to Mrs. Collins' report that Mrs. Sidgwick intended to keep me + permanently, I do not think that such was ever her design. Moreover, + I would not stay without some alterations. For instance, this burden + of sewing would have to be removed. It is too bad for anything. I + never in my whole life had my time so fully taken up. Next week we + are going to Swarcliffe, Mr. Greenwood's place near Harrogate, to + stay three weeks or a month. After that time I hope Miss Hoby will + return. Don't show this letter to papa or aunt, only to Branwell. + They will think I am never satisfied wherever I am. I complain to + you because it is a relief, and really I have had some unexpected + mortifications to put up with. However, things may mend, but Mrs. + Sidgwick expects me to do things that I cannot do--to love her + children and be entirely devoted to them. I am really very well. I + am so sleepy that I can write no more. I must leave off. Love to + all.--Good-bye. + + 'Direct your next dispatch--J. Greenwood, Esq., Swarcliffe, near + Harrogate. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'SWARCLIFFE, _June_ 15_th_, 1839. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--I am writing a letter to you with pencil because + I cannot just now procure ink without going into the drawing-room, + where I do not wish to go. I only received your letter yesterday, + for we are not now residing at Stonegappe but at Swarcliffe, a summer + residence of Mr. Greenwood's, Mrs. Sidgwick's father; it is near + Harrogate and Ripon. I should have written to you long since, and + told you every detail of the utterly new scene into which I have + lately been cast, had I not been daily expecting a letter from + yourself, and wondering and lamenting that you did not write, for you + will remember it was your turn. I must not bother you too much with + my sorrows, of which, I fear, you have heard an exaggerated account. + If you were near me, perhaps I might be tempted to tell you all, to + grow egotistical, and pour out the long history of a private + governess's trials and crosses in her first situation. As it is, I + will only ask you to imagine the miseries of a reserved wretch like + me thrown at once into the midst of a large family, proud as peacocks + and wealthy as Jews, at a time when they were particularly gay, when + the house was filled with company--all strangers: people whose faces + I had never seen before. In this state I had a charge given of a set + of horrid children, whom I was expected constantly to amuse, as well + as instruct. I soon found that the constant demand on my stock of + animal spirits reduced them to the lowest state of exhaustion; at + times I felt--and, I suppose seemed--depressed. To my astonishment, + I was taken to task on the subject by Mrs. Sidgwick, with a sternness + of manner and a harshness of language scarcely credible. Like a + fool, I cried most bitterly. I could not help it; my spirits quite + failed me at first. I thought I had done my best, strained every + nerve to please her; and to be treated in that way, merely because I + was shy and sometimes melancholy, was too bad. At first I was for + giving all up and going home. But after a little reflection, I + determined to summon what energy I had, and to weather the storm. I + said to myself, "I had never yet quitted a place without gaining a + friend; adversity is a good school; the poor are born to labour, and + the dependent to endure." I resolved to be patient, to command my + feelings, and to take what came; the ordeal, I reflected, would not + last many weeks, and I trusted it would do me good. I recollected + the fable of the willow and the oak; I bent quietly, and now I trust + the storm is blowing over. Mrs. Sidgwick is generally considered an + agreeable woman; so she is, I doubt not, in general society. Her + health is sound, her animal spirits good, consequently she is + cheerful in company. But oh! does this compensate for the absence of + every fine feeling, of every gentle and delicate sentiment? She + behaves somewhat more civilly to me now than she did at first, and + the children are a little more manageable; but she does not know my + character, and she does not wish to know it. I have never had five + minutes conversation with her since I came, except when she was + scolding me. I have no wish to be pitied, except by yourself. If I + were talking to you I could tell you much more. Good-bye, dear, dear + Ellen. Write to me again very soon, and tell me how you are. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 26_th_, 1839. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I left Swarcliffe a week since. I never was so glad to + get out of a house in my life; but I'll trouble you with no + complaints at present. Write to me directly; explain your plans more + fully. Say when you go, and I shall be able in my answer to say + decidedly whether I can accompany you or not. I must, I will, I'm + set upon it--I'll be obstinate and bear down all + opposition.--Good-bye, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +That experience with the Sidgwicks rankled for many a day, and we find +Charlotte Bronte referring to it in her letters from Brussels. At the +same time it is not necessary to assume any very serious inhumanity on +the part of the Sidgwicks or their successors the Whites, to whom +Charlotte was indebted for her second term as private governess. Hers +was hardly a temperament adapted for that docile part, and one thinks of +the author of _Villette_, and the possessor of one of the most vigorous +prose styles in our language, condemned to a perpetual manufacture of +night-caps, with something like a shudder. And at the same time it may +be urged that Charlotte Bronte did not suffer in vain, and that through +her the calling of a nursery governess may have received some added +measure of dignity and consideration on the part of sister-women. + +A month or two later we find Charlotte dealing with the subject in a +letter to Ellen Nussey. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 24_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--You could never live in an unruly, violent family of + modern children, such for instance as those at Blake Hall. Anne is + not to return. Mrs. Ingham is a placid, mild woman; but as for the + children, it was one struggle of life-wearing exertion to keep them + in anything like decent order. I am miserable when I allow myself to + dwell on the necessity of spending my life as a governess. The chief + requisite for that station seems to me to be the power of taking + things easily as they come, and of making oneself comfortable and at + home wherever we may chance to be--qualities in which all our family + are singularly deficient. I know I cannot live with a person like + Mrs. Sidgwick, but I hope all women are not like her, and my motto is + "try again." Mary Taylor, I am sorry to hear, is ill--have you seen + her or heard anything of her lately? Sickness seems very general, + and death too, at least in this neighbourhood.--Ever yours, + + 'C. B.' + +She 'tried again' but with just as little success. In March 1841 she +entered the family of a Mr. White of Upperwood House, Rawdon. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, _April_ 1_st_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR NELL,--It is twelve o'clock at night, but I must just write + to you a word before I go to bed. If you think I am going to refuse + your invitation, or if you sent it me with that idea, you're + mistaken. As soon as I read your shabby little note, I gathered up + my spirits directly, walked on the impulse of the moment into Mrs. + White's presence, popped the question, and for two minutes received + no answer. Will she refuse me when I work so hard for her? thought + I. "Ye-e-es" was said in a reluctant, cold tone. "Thank you, m'am," + said I, with extreme cordiality, and was marching from the room when + she recalled me with: "You'd better go on Saturday afternoon then, + when the children have holiday, and if you return in time for them to + have all their lessons on Monday morning, I don't see that much will + be lost." You _are_ a genuine Turk, thought I, but again I assented. + Saturday after next, then, is the day appointed--_not next Saturday_, + _mind_. I do not quite know whether the offer about the gig is not + entirely out of your own head or if George has given his consent to + it--whether that consent has not been wrung from him by the most + persevering and irresistible teasing on the part of a certain young + person of my acquaintance. I make no manner of doubt that if he does + send the conveyance (as Miss Wooler used to denominate all wheeled + vehicles) it will be to his own extreme detriment and inconvenience, + but for once in my life I'll not mind this, or bother my head about + it. I'll come--God knows with a thankful and joyful heart--glad of a + day's reprieve from labour. If you don't send the gig I'll walk. + Now mind, I am not coming to Brookroyd with the idea of dissuading + Mary Taylor from going to New Zealand. I've said everything I mean + to say on that subject, and she has a perfect right to decide for + herself. I am coming to taste the pleasure of liberty, a bit of + pleasant congenial talk, and a sight of two or three faces I like. + God bless you. I want to see you again. Huzza for Saturday + afternoon after next! Good-night, my lass. + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Have you lit your pipe with Mr. Weightman's valentine?' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, _May_ 4_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I have been a long time without writing to you; but I + think, knowing as you do how I am situated in the matter of time, you + will not be angry with me. Your brother George will have told you + that he did not go into the house when we arrived at Rawdon, for + which omission of his Mrs. White was very near blowing me up. She + went quite red in the face with vexation when she heard that the + gentleman had just driven within the gates and then back again, for + she is very touchy in the matter of opinion. Mr. White also seemed + to regret the circumstance from more hospitable and kindly motives. + I assure you, if you were to come and see me you would have quite a + fuss made over you. During the last three weeks that hideous + operation called "a thorough clean" has been going on in the house. + It is now nearly completed, for which I thank my stars, as during its + progress I have fulfilled the twofold character of nurse and + governess, while the nurse has been transmuted into cook and + housemaid. That nurse, by-the-bye, is the prettiest lass you ever + saw, and when dressed has much more the air of a lady than her + mistress. Well can I believe that Mrs. White has been an exciseman's + daughter, and I am convinced also that Mr. White's extraction is very + low. Yet Mrs. White talks in an amusing strain of pomposity about + his and her family and connections, and affects to look down with + wondrous hauteur on the whole race of tradesfolk, as she terms men of + business. I was beginning to think Mrs. White a good sort of body in + spite of all her bouncing and boasting, her bad grammar and worse + orthography, but I have had experience of one little trait in her + character which condemns her a long way with me. After treating a + person in the most familiar terms of equality for a long time, if any + little thing goes wrong she does not scruple to give way to anger in + a very coarse, unladylike manner. I think passion is the true test + of vulgarity or refinement. + + 'This place looks exquisitely beautiful just now. The grounds are + certainly lovely, and all is as green as an emerald. I wish you + would just come and look at it. Mrs. White would be as proud as + Punch to show it you. Mr. White has been writing an urgent + invitation to papa, entreating him to come and spend a week here. I + don't at all wish papa to come, it would be like incurring an + obligation. Somehow, I have managed to get a good deal more control + over the children lately--this makes my life a good deal easier; + also, by dint of nursing the fat baby, it has got to know me and be + fond of me. I suspect myself of growing rather fond of it. Exertion + of any kind is always beneficial. Come and see me if you can in any + way get, I _want_ to see you. It seems Martha Taylor is fairly gone. + Good-bye, my lassie.--Yours insufferably, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. HENRY NUSSEY, EARNLEY RECTORY + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, RAWDON, + '_May_ 9_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I am about to employ part of a Sunday evening in + answering your last letter. You will perhaps think this hardly + right, and yet I do not feel that I am doing wrong. Sunday evening + is almost my only time of leisure. No one would blame me if I were + to spend this spare hour in a pleasant chat with a friend--is it + worse to spend it in a friendly letter? + + 'I have just seen my little noisy charges deposited snugly in their + cribs, and I am sitting alone in the school-room with the quiet of a + Sunday evening pervading the grounds and gardens outside my window. + I owe you a letter--can I choose a better time than the present for + paying my debt? Now, Mr. Nussey, you need not expect any gossip or + news, I have none to tell you--even if I had I am not at present in + the mood to communicate them. You will excuse an unconnected letter. + If I had thought you critical or captious I would have declined the + task of corresponding with you. When I reflect, indeed, it seems + strange that I should sit down to write without a feeling of + formality and restraint to an individual with whom I am personally so + little acquainted as I am with yourself; but the fact is, I cannot be + formal in a letter--if I write at all I must write as I think. It + seems Ellen has told you that I am become a governess again. As you + say, it is indeed a hard thing for flesh and blood to leave home, + especially a _good_ home--not a wealthy or splendid one. My home is + humble and unattractive to strangers, but to me it contains what I + shall find nowhere else in the world--the profound, the intense + affection which brothers and sisters feel for each other when their + minds are cast in the same mould, their ideas drawn from the same + source--when they have clung to each other from childhood, and when + disputes have never sprung up to divide them. + + 'We are all separated now, and winning our bread amongst strangers as + we can--my sister Anne is near York, my brother in a situation near + Halifax, I am here. Emily is the only one left at home, where her + usefulness and willingness make her indispensable. Under these + circumstances should we repine? I think not--our mutual affection + ought to comfort us under all difficulties. If the God on whom we + must all depend will but vouchsafe us health and the power to + continue in the strict line of duty, so as never under any temptation + to swerve from it an inch, we shall have ample reason to be grateful + and contented. + + 'I do not pretend to say that I am always contented. A governess + must often submit to have the heartache. My employers, Mr. and Mrs. + White, are kind worthy people in their way, but the children are + indulged. I have great difficulties to contend with sometimes. + Perseverance will perhaps conquer them. And it has gratified me much + to find that the parents are well satisfied with their children's + improvement in learning since I came. But I am dwelling too much + upon my own concerns and feelings. It is true they are interesting + to me, but it is wholly impossible they should be so to you, and, + therefore, I hope you will skip the last page, for I repent having + written it. + + 'A fortnight since I had a letter from Ellen urging me to go to + Brookroyd for a single day. I felt such a longing to have a respite + from labour, and to get once more amongst "old familiar faces," that + I conquered diffidence and asked Mrs. White to let me go. She + complied, and I went accordingly, and had a most delightful holiday. + I saw your mother, your sisters Mercy, Ellen, and poor Sarah, and + your brothers Richard and George--all were well. Ellen talked of + endeavouring to get a situation somewhere. I did not encourage the + idea much. I advised her rather to go to Earnley for a while. I + think she wants a change, and I dare say you would be glad to have + her as a companion for a few months.--I remain, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The above letter was written to Miss Nussey's brother, whose attachment +to Charlotte Bronte has already more than once been mentioned in the +current biographies. The following letter to Miss Nussey is peculiarly +interesting because of the reference to Ireland. It would have been +strange if Charlotte Bronte had returned as a governess to her father's +native land. Speculation thereon is sufficiently foolish, and yet one is +tempted to ask if Ireland might not have gained some of that local +literary colour--one of its greatest needs--which always makes Scotland +dear to the readers of _Waverley_, and Yorkshire classic ground to the +admirers of _Shirley_. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, _June_ 10_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR NELL,--If I don't scrawl you a line of some sort I know you + will begin to fancy that I neglect you, in spite of all I said last + time we met. You can hardly fancy it possible, I dare say, that I + cannot find a quarter of an hour to scribble a note in; but when a + note is written it is to be carried a mile to the post, and consumes + nearly an hour, which is a large portion of the day. Mr. and Mrs. + White have been gone a week. I heard from them this morning; they + are now at Hexham. No time is fixed for their return, but I hope it + will not be delayed long, or I shall miss the chance of seeing Anne + this vacation. She came home, I understand, last Wednesday, and is + only to be allowed three weeks' holidays, because the family she is + with are going to Scarborough. I should like to see her to judge for + myself of the state of her health. I cannot trust any other person's + report, no one seems minute enough in their observations. I should + also very much have liked you to see her. + + 'I have got on very well with the servants and children so far, yet + it is dreary, solitary work. You can tell as well as me the lonely + feeling of being without a companion. I offered the Irish concern to + Mary Taylor, but she is so circumstanced that she cannot accept it. + Her brothers have a feeling of pride that revolts at the thought of + their sister "going out." I hardly knew that it was such a + degradation till lately. + + 'Your visit did me much good. I wish Mary Taylor would come, and yet + I hardly know how to find time to be with her. Good-bye. God bless + you. + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I am very well, and I continue to get to bed before twelve o'clock + P.M. I don't tell people that I am dissatisfied with my situation. + I can drive on; there is no use in complaining. I have lost my + chance of going to Ireland.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 1_st_, 1841. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I was not at home when I got your letter, but I am at + home now, and it feels like paradise. I came last night. When I + asked for a vacation, Mrs. White offered me a week or ten days, but I + demanded three weeks, and stood to my tackle with a tenacity worthy + of yourself, lassie. I gained the point, but I don't like such + victories. I have gained another point. You are unanimously + requested to come here next Tuesday and stay as long as you can. + Aunt is in high good-humour. I need not write a long + letter.--Good-bye, dear Nell. + + 'C. B. + + '_P.S._--I have lost the chance of seeing Anne. She is gone back to + "The land of Egypt and the house of bondage." Also, little black Tom + is dead. Every cup, however sweet, has its drop of bitterness in it. + Probably you will be at a loss to ascertain the identity of black + Tom, but don't fret about it, I'll tell you when you come. Keeper is + as well, big, and grim as ever. I'm too happy to write. Come, come, + lassie.' + +It must have been during this holiday that the resolution concerning a +school of their own assumed definite shape. Miss Wooler talked of giving +up Dewsbury Moor--should Charlotte and Emily take it? Charlotte's +recollections of her illness there settled the question in the negative, +and Brussels was coming to the front. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, _October_ 17_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR NELL,--It is a cruel thing of you to be always upbraiding me + when I am a trifle remiss or so in writing a letter. I see I can't + make you comprehend that I have not quite as much time on my hands as + Miss Harris or Mrs. Mills. I never neglect you on purpose. I could + not _do_ it, you little teazing, faithless wretch. + + 'The humour I am in is worse than words can describe. I have had a + hideous dinner of some abominable spiced-up indescribable mess and it + has exasperated me against the world at large. So you are coming + home, are you? Then don't expect me to write a long letter. I am + not going to Dewsbury Moor, as far as I can see at present. It was a + decent friendly proposal on Miss Wooler's part, and cancels all or + most of her little foibles, in my estimation; but Dewsbury Moor is a + poisoned place to me; besides, I burn to go somewhere else. I think, + Nell, I see a chance of getting to Brussels. Mary Taylor advises me + to this step. My own mind and feelings urge me. I can't write a + word more. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, RAWDON, + '_Nov_. 7_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR E. J.,--You are not to suppose that this note is written with a + view of communicating any information on the subject we both have + considerably at heart: I have written letters but I have received no + letters in reply yet. Belgium is a long way off, and people are + everywhere hard to spur up to the proper speed. Mary Taylor says we + can scarcely expect to get off before January. I have wished and + intended to write to both Anne and Branwell, but really I have not + had time. + + 'Mr. Jenkins I find was mistakenly termed the British Consul at + Brussels; he is in fact the English Episcopal clergyman. + + 'I think perhaps we shall find that the best plan will be for papa to + write a letter to him by and bye, but not yet. I will give an + intimation when this should be done, and also some idea of what had + best be said. Grieve not over Dewsbury Moor. You were cut out there + to all intents and purposes, so in fact was Anne, Miss Wooler would + hear of neither for the first half year. + + 'Anne seems omitted in the present plan, but if all goes right I + trust she will derive her full share of benefit from it in the end. + I exhort all to hope. I believe in my heart this is acting for the + best, my only fear is lest others should doubt and be dismayed. + Before our half year in Brussels is completed, you and I will have to + seek employment abroad. It is not my intention to retrace my steps + home till twelve months, if all continues well and we and those at + home retain good health. + + 'I shall probably take my leave of Upperwood about the 15th or 17th + of December. When does Anne talk of returning? How is she? What + does W. W. {92} say to these matters? How are papa and aunt, do they + flag? How will Anne get on with Martha? Has W. W. been seen or + heard of lately? Love to all. Write quickly.--Good-bye. + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I am well.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'RAWDON, _December_ 10_th_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I hear from Mary Taylor that you are come home, and + also that you have been ill. If you are able to write comfortably, + let me know the feelings that preceded your illness, and also its + effects. I wish to see you. Mary Taylor reports that your looks are + much as usual. I expect to get back to Haworth in the course of a + fortnight or three weeks. I hope I shall then see you. I would + rather you came to Haworth than I went to Brookroyd. My plans + advance slowly and I am not yet certain where I shall go, or what I + shall do when I leave Upperwood House. Brussels is still my promised + land, but there is still the wilderness of time and space to cross + before I reach it. I am not likely, I think, to go to the Chateau de + Kockleberg. I have heard of a less expensive establishment. So far + I had written when I received your letter. I was glad to get it. + Why don't you mention your illness. I had intended to have got this + note off two or three days past, but I am more straitened for time + than ever just now. We have gone to bed at twelve or one o'clock + during the last three nights. I must get this scrawl off to-day or + you will think me negligent. The new governess, that is to be, has + been to see my plans, etc. My dear Ellen, Good-bye.--Believe me, in + heart and soul, your sincere friend, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 17_th_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I am yet uncertain when I shall leave Upperwood, but + of one thing I am very certain, when I do leave I must go straight + home. It is absolutely necessary that some definite arrangement + should be commenced for our future plans before I go visiting + anywhere. That I wish to see you I know, that I intend and _hope_ to + see you before long I also know, that you will at the first impulse + accuse me of neglect, I fear, that upon consideration you will acquit + me, I devoutly trust. Dear Ellen, come to Haworth if you can, if you + cannot I will endeavour to come for a day at least to Brookroyd, but + do not depend on this--come to Haworth. I thank you for Mr. Jenkins' + address. You always think of other people's convenience, however ill + and affected you are yourself. How very much I wish to see you, you + do not know; but if I were to go to Brookroyd now, it would deeply + disappoint those at home. I have some hopes of seeing Branwell at + Xmas, and when I shall be able to see him afterwards I cannot tell. + He has never been at home for the last five months.--Good-night, dear + Ellen, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS MERCY NUSSEY + + 'RAWDON, _December_ 17_th_. + + 'MY DEAR MISS MERCY,--Though I am very much engaged I must find time + to thank you for the kind and polite contents of your note. I should + act in the manner most consonant with my own feelings if I at once, + and without qualification, accepted your invitation. I do not + however consider it advisable to indulge myself so far at present. + When I leave Upperwood I must go straight home. Whether I shall + afterwards have time to pay a short visit to Brookroyd I do not yet + know--circumstances must determine that. I would fain see Ellen at + Haworth instead; our visitations are not shared with any show of + justice. It shocked me very much to hear of her illness--may it be + the first and last time she ever experiences such an attack! Ellen, + I fear, has thought I neglected her, in not writing sufficiently long + or frequent letters. It is a painful idea to me that she has had + this feeling--it could not be more groundless. I know her value, and + I would not lose her affection for any probable compensation I can + imagine. Remember me to your mother. I trust she will soon regain + her health.--Believe me, my dear Miss Mercy, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 10_th_, 1842. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--Will you write as soon as you get this and fix your + own day for coming to Haworth? I got home on Christmas Eve. The + parting scene between me and my late employers was such as to efface + the memory of much that annoyed me while I was there, but indeed, + during the whole of the last six months they only made too much of + me. Anne has rendered herself so valuable in her difficult situation + that they have entreated her to return to them, if it be but for a + short time. I almost think she will go back, if we can get a good + servant who will do all our work. We want one about forty or fifty + years old, good-tempered, clean, and honest. You shall hear all + about Brussels, etc., when you come. Mr. Weightman is still here, + just the same as ever. I have a curiosity to see a meeting between + you and him. He will be again desperately in love, I am convinced. + _Come_. + + 'C. B.' {95} + + + + +CHAPTER IV: THE PENSIONNAT HEGER, BRUSSELS + + +Had not the impulse come to Charlotte Bronte to add somewhat to her +scholastic accomplishments by a sojourn in Brussels, our literature would +have lost that powerful novel _Villette_, and the singularly charming +_Professor_. The impulse came from the persuasion that without +'languages' the school project was an entirely hopeless one. Mary and +Martha Taylor were at Brussels, staying with friends, and thence they had +sent kindly presents to Charlotte, at this time raging under the yoke of +governess at Upperwood House. Charlotte wrote the diplomatic letter to +her aunt which ended so satisfactorily. {96} The good lady--Miss +Branwell was then about sixty years of age--behaved handsomely by her +nieces, and it was agreed that Charlotte and Emily were to go to the +Continent, Anne retaining her post of governess with Mrs. Robinson at +Thorp Green. But Brussels schools did not seem at the first blush to be +very satisfactory. Something better promised at Lille. + +Here is a letter written at this period of hesitation and doubt. A +portion of it only was printed by Mrs. Gaskell. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 20_th_, 1842. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I cannot quite enter into your friends' reasons for not + permitting you to come to Haworth; but as it is at present, and in + all human probability will be for an indefinite time to come, + impossible for me to get to Brookroyd, the balance of accounts is not + so unequal as it might otherwise be. We expect to leave England in + less than three weeks, but we are not yet certain of the day, as it + will depend upon the convenience of a French lady now in London, + Madame Marzials, under whose escort we are to sail. Our place of + destination is changed. Papa received an unfavourable account from + Mr. or rather Mrs. Jenkins of the French schools in Brussels, and on + further inquiry, an Institution in Lille, in the North of France, was + recommended by Baptist Noel and other clergymen, and to that place it + is decided that we are to go. The terms are fifty pounds for each + pupil for board and French alone. + + 'I considered it kind in aunt to consent to an extra sum for a + separate room. We shall find it a great privilege in many ways. I + regret the change from Brussels to Lille on many accounts, chiefly + that I shall not see Martha Taylor. Mary has been indefatigably kind + in providing me with information. She has grudged no labour, and + scarcely any expense, to that end. Mary's price is above rubies. I + have, in fact, two friends--you and her--staunch and true, in whose + faith and sincerity I have as strong a belief as I have in the Bible. + I have bothered you both, you especially; but you always get the + tongs and heap coals of fire upon my head. I have had letters to + write lately to Brussels, to Lille, and to London. I have lots of + chemises, night-gowns, pocket-handkerchiefs, and pockets to make, + besides clothes to repair. I have been, every week since I came + home, expecting to see Branwell, and he has never been able to get + over yet. We fully expect him, however, next Saturday. Under these + circumstances how can I go visiting? You tantalise me to death with + talking of conversations by the fireside. Depend upon it, we are not + to have any such for many a long month to come. I get an interesting + impression of old age upon my face, and when you see me next I shall + certainly wear caps and spectacles.--Yours affectionately, + + 'C. B.' + +This Mr. Jenkins was chaplain to the British Embassy at Brussels, and not +Consul, as Charlotte at first supposed. The brother of his wife was a +clergyman living in the neighbourhood of Haworth. Mr. Jenkins, whose +English Episcopal chapel Charlotte attended during her stay in Brussels, +finally recommended the Pensionnat Heger in the Rue d'Isabelle. Madame +Heger wrote, accepting the two girls as pupils, and to Brussels their +father escorted them in February 1842, staying one night at the house of +Mr. Jenkins and then returning to Haworth. + +The life of Charlotte Bronte at Brussels has been mirrored for us with +absolute accuracy in _Villette_ and _The Professor_. That, indeed, from +the point of view of local colour, is made sufficiently plain to the +casual visitor of to-day who calls in the Rue d'Isabelle. The house, it +is true, is dismantled with a view to its incorporation into some city +buildings in the background, but one may still eat pears from the 'old +and huge fruit-trees' which flourished when Charlotte and Emily walked +under them half a century ago; one may still wander through the +school-rooms, the long dormitories, and into the 'vine-draped +_berceau_'--little enough is changed within and without. Here is the +dormitory with its twenty beds, the two end ones being occupied by Emily +and Charlotte, they alone securing the privilege of age or English +eccentricity to curtain off their beds from the gaze of the eighteen +girls who shared the room with them. The crucifix, indeed, has been +removed from the niche in the _Oratoire_ where the children offered up +prayer every morning; but with a copy of _Villette_ in hand it is +possible to restore every feature of the place, not excluding the +adjoining Athenee with its small window overlooking the garden of the +Pensionnat and the _allee defendu_. It was from this window that Mr. +Crimsworth of _The Professor_ looked down upon the girls at play. It was +here, indeed, at the Royal Athenee, that M. Heger was Professor of Latin. +Externally, then, the Pensionnat Heger remains practically the same as it +appeared to Charlotte and Emily Bronte in February 1842, when they made +their first appearance in Brussels. The Rue Fossette of _Villette_, the +Rue d'Isabelle of _The Professor_, is the veritable Rue d'Isabelle of +Currer Bell's experience. + +What, however, shall we say of the people who wandered through these +rooms and gardens--the hundred or more children, the three or four +governesses, the professor and his wife? Here there has been much +speculation and not a little misreading of the actual facts. Charlotte +and Emily went to Brussels to learn. They did learn with energy. It was +their first experience of foreign travel, and it came too late in life +for them to enter into it with that breadth of mind and tolerance of the +customs of other lands, lacking which the Englishman abroad is always an +offence. Charlotte and Emily hated the land and people. They had been +brought up ultra-Protestants. Their father was an Ulster man, and his +one venture into the polemics of his age was to attack the proposals for +Catholic emancipation. With this inheritance of intolerance, how could +Charlotte and Emily face with kindliness the Romanism which they saw +around them? How heartily they disapproved of it many a picture in +_Villette_ has made plain to us. + +Charlotte had been in Brussels three months when she made the friendship +to which I am indebted for anything that there may be to add to this +episode in her life. Miss Laetitia Wheelwright was one of five sisters, +the daughters of a doctor in Lower Phillimore Place, Kensington. Dr. +Wheelwright went to Brussels for his health and for his children's +education. The girls were day boarders at the Pensionnat, but they lived +in the house for a full month or more at a time when their father and +mother were on a trip up the Rhine. Otherwise their abode was a flat in +the Hotel Clusyenaar in the Rue Royale, and there during her later stay +in Brussels Charlotte frequently paid them visits. In this earlier +period Charlotte and Emily were too busy with their books to think of +'calls' and the like frivolities, and it must be confessed also that at +this stage Laetitia Wheelwright would have thought it too high a price +for a visit from Charlotte to receive as a fellow-guest the apparently +unamiable Emily. Miss Wheelwright, who was herself fourteen years of age +when she entered the Pensionnat Heger, recalls the two sisters, thin and +sallow-looking, pacing up and down the garden, friendless and alone. It +was the sight of Laetitia standing up in the class-room and glancing +round with a semi-contemptuous air at all these Belgian girls which +attracted Charlotte Bronte to her. 'It was so very English,' Miss Bronte +laughingly remarked at a later period to her friend. There was one other +English girl at this time of sufficient age to be companionable; but with +Miss Maria Miller, whom Charlotte Bronte has depicted under the guise of +Ginevra Fanshawe, she had less in common. In later years Miss Miller +became Mrs. Robertson, the wife of an author in one form or another. + +To Miss Wheelwright, and those of her sisters who are still living, the +descriptions of the Pensionnat Heger which are given in _Villette_ and +_The Professor_ are perfectly accurate. M. Heger, with his heavy black +moustache and his black hair, entering the class-room of an evening to +read to his pupils was a sufficiently familiar object, and his keen +intelligence amounting almost to genius had affected the Wheelwright +girls as forcibly as it had done the Brontes. Mme. Heger, again, for +ever peeping from behind doors and through the plate-glass partitions +which separate the passages from the school-rooms, was a constant source +of irritation to all the English pupils. This prying and spying is, it +is possible, more of a fine art with the school-mistresses of the +Continent than with those of our own land. In any case, Mme. Heger was +an accomplished spy, and in the midst of the most innocent work or +recreation the pupils would suddenly see a pair of eyes pierce the dusk +and disappear. This, and a hundred similar trifles, went to build up an +antipathy on both sides, which had, however, scarcely begun when +Charlotte and Emily were suddenly called home by their aunt's death in +October. A letter to Miss Nussey on her return sufficiently explains the +situation. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 10_th_, 1842. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I was not yet returned to England when your letter + arrived. We received the first news of aunt's illness, Wednesday, + Nov. 2nd. We decided to come home directly. Next morning a second + letter informed us of her death. We sailed from Antwerp on Sunday; + we travelled day and night and got home on Tuesday morning--and of + course the funeral and all was over. We shall see her no more. Papa + is pretty well. We found Anne at home; she is pretty well also. You + say you have had no letter from me for a long time. I wrote to you + three weeks ago. When you answer this note, I will write to you more + in detail. Aunt, Martha Taylor, and Mr. Weightman are now all gone; + how dreary and void everything seems. Mr. Weightman's illness was + exactly what Martha's was--he was ill the same length of time and + died in the same manner. Aunt's disease was internal obstruction; + she also was ill a fortnight. + + 'Good-bye, my dear Ellen. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The aunt whose sudden death brought Charlotte and Emily Bronte thus +hastily from Brussels to Haworth must have been a very sensible woman in +the main. She left her money to those of her nieces who most needed it. +A perusal of her will is not without interest, and indeed it will be seen +that it clears up one or two errors into which Mrs. Gaskell and +subsequent biographers have rashly fallen through failing to expend the +necessary half-guinea upon a copy. This is it:-- + + Extracted from the District Probate Registry at York attached to Her + Majesty's High Court of Justice. + + _Depending on the Father_, _Son_, _and Holy Ghost for peace here_, + _and glory and bliss forever hereafter_, _I leave this my last Will + and Testament_: _Should I die at Haworth_, _I request that my remains + may be deposited in the church in that place as near as convenient to + the remains of my dear sister_; _I moreover will that all my just + debts and funeral expenses be paid out of my property_, _and that my + funeral shall be conducted in a moderate and decent manner_. _My + Indian workbox I leave to my niece_, _Charlotte Bronte_; _my workbox + with a china top I leave to my niece_, _Emily Jane Bronte_, _together + with my ivory fan_; _my Japan dressing-box I leave to my nephew_, + _Patrick Branwell Bronte_; _to my niece Anne Bronte_, _I leave my + watch with all that belongs to it_; _as also my eye-glass and its + chain_, _my rings_, _silver-spoons_, _books_, _clothes_, _etc._, + _etc._, _I leave to be divided between my above-named three nieces_, + _Charlotte Bronte_, _Emily Jane Bronte_, _and Anne Bronte_, + _according as their father shall think proper_. _And I will that all + the money that shall remain_, _including twenty-five pounds + sterling_, _being the part of the proceeds of the sale of my goods + which belong to me in consequence of my having advanced to my sister + Kingston the sum of twenty-five pounds in lieu of her share of the + proceeds of my goods aforesaid_, _and deposited in the bank of + Bolitho Sons and Co._, _Esqrs._, _of Chiandower_, _near Penzance_, + _after the aforesaid sums and articles shall have been paid and + deducted_, _shall be put into some safe bank or lent on good landed + security_, _and there left to accumulate for the sole benefit of my + four nieces_, _Charlotte Bronte_, _Emily Jane Bronte_, _Anne Bronte_, + _and Elizabeth Jane Kingston_; _and this sum or sums_, _and whatever + other property I may have_, _shall be equally divided between them + when the youngest of them then living shall have arrived at the age + of twenty-one years_. _And should any one or more of these my four + nieces die_, _her or their part or parts shall be equally divided + amongst the survivors_; _and if but one is left_, _all shall go to + that one_: _And should they all die before the age of twenty-one + years_, _all their parts shall be given to my sister_, _Anne + Kingston_; _and should she die before that time specified_, _I will + that all that was to have been hers shall be equally divided between + all the surviving children of my dear brother and sisters_. _I + appoint my brother-in-law_, _the Rev. P. Bronte_, A.B., _now + Incumbent of Haworth_, _Yorkshire_; _the Rev. John Fennell_, _now + Incumbent of Cross Stone_, _near Halifax_; _the Rev. Theodore Dury_, + _Rector of Keighley_, _Yorkshire_; _and Mr. George Taylor of + Stanbury_, _in the chapelry of Haworth aforesaid_, _my executors_. + _Written by me_, ELIZABETH BRANWELL, _and signed_, _sealed_, _and + delivered on the_ 30_th_ _of April_, _in the year of our Lord one + thousand eight hundred and thirty-three_, ELIZABETH BRANWELL. + _Witnesses present_, _William Brown_, _John Tootill_, _William + Brown_, _Junr_. + + _The twenty-eighth day of December_, 1842, _the Will of_ ELIZABETH + BRANWELL, _late of Haworth_, _in the parish of Bradford_, _in the + county of York_, _spinster (having bona notabilia within the province + of York_). _Deceased was proved in the prerogative court of York by + the oaths of the Reverend Patrick Bronte_, _clerk_, _brother-in-law_; + _and George Taylor_, _two of the executors to whom administration was + granted_ (_the Reverend Theodore Dury_, _another of the executors_, + _having renounced_), _they having been first sworn duly to + administer_. + + Effects sworn under 1500 pounds. + + Testatrix died 29th October 1842. + +Now hear Mrs. Gaskell:-- + + _The small property_, _which she had accumulated by dint of personal + frugality and self-denial_, _was bequeathed to her nieces_. + _Branwell_, _her darling_, _was to have had his share_, _but his + reckless expenditure had distressed the good old lady_, _and his name + was omitted in her will_. + +A perusal of the will in question indicates that it was made in 1833, +before Branwell had paid his first visit to London, and when, as all his +family supposed, he was on the high road to fame and fortune as an +artist. The old lady doubtless thought that the boy would be able to +take good care of himself. She had, indeed, other nieces down in +Cornwall, but with the general sympathy of her friends and relatives in +Penzance, Elizabeth Jane Kingston, who it was thought would want it most, +was to have a share. Had the Kingston girl, her mother, and the Bronte +girls all died before him, the boy Branwell, it will be seen, would have +shared the property with his Branwell cousins in Penzance, of whom two +are still alive. In any case, Branwell's name was mentioned, and he +received 'my Japan dressing-box,' whatever that may have been worth. + +Three or four letters, above and beyond these already published, were +written by Charlotte to her friend in the interval between Miss +Branwell's death and her return to Brussels; and she paid a visit to Miss +Nussey at Brookroyd, and it was returned. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 20_th_, 1842. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I hope your brother is sufficiently recovered now to + dispense with your constant attendance. Papa desires his compliments + to you, and says he should be very glad if you could give us your + company at Haworth a little while. Can you come on Friday next? I + mention so early a day because Anne leaves us to return to York on + Monday, and she wishes very much to see you before her departure. I + think your brother is too good-natured to object to your coming. + There is little enough pleasure in this world, and it would be truly + unkind to deny to you and me that of meeting again after so long a + separation. Do not fear to find us melancholy or depressed. We are + all much as usual. You will see no difference from our former + demeanour. Send an immediate answer. + + 'My love and best wishes to your sister and mother. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 25_th_, 1842. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I hope that invitation of yours was given in real + earnest, for I intend to accept it. I wish to see you, and as in a + few weeks I shall probably again leave England, I will not be too + delicate and ceremonious and so let the present opportunity pass. + Something says to me that it will not be too convenient to have a + guest at Brookroyd while there is an invalid there--however, I listen + to no such suggestions. Anne leaves Haworth on Tuesday at 6 o'clock + in the morning, and we should reach Bradford at half-past eight. + There are many reasons why I should have preferred your coming to + Haworth, but as it appears there are always obstacles which prevent + that, I'll break through ceremony, or pride, or whatever it is, and, + like Mahomet, go to the mountain which won't or can't come to me. + The coach stops at the Bowling Green Inn, in Bradford. Give my love + to your sister and mother. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 10_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR NELL,--It is a singular state of things to be obliged to write + and have nothing worth reading to say. I am glad you got home safe. + You are an excellent good girl for writing to me two letters, + especially as they were such long ones. Branwell wants to know why + you carefully exclude all mention of him when you particularly send + your regards to every other member of the family. He desires to know + whether and in what he has offended you, or whether it is considered + improper for a young lady to mention the gentlemen of a house. We + have been one walk on the moors since you left. We have been to + Keighley, where we met a person of our acquaintance, who uttered an + interjection of astonishment on meeting us, and when he could get his + breath, informed us that he had heard I was dead and buried. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 15_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I am much obliged to you for transferring the roll of + muslin. Last Saturday I found the other gift, for which you deserve + smothering. I will deliver Branwell your message. You have left + your Bible--how can I send it? I cannot tell precisely what day I + leave home, but it will be the last week in this month. Are you + going with me? I admire exceedingly the costume you have chosen to + appear in at the Birstall rout. I think you say pink petticoat, + black jacket, and a wreath of roses--beautiful! For a change I would + advise a black coat, velvet stock and waistcoat, white pantaloons, + and smart boots. Address Rue d'Isabelle. Write to me again, that's + a good girl, very soon. Respectful remembrances to your mother and + sister. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Then she is in Brussels again, as the following letter indicates. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'BRUSSELS, _January_ 30_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I left Leeds for London last Friday at nine o'clock; + owing to delay we did not reach London till ten at night--two hours + after time. I took a cab the moment I arrived at Euston Square, and + went forthwith to London Bridge Wharf. The packet lay off that + wharf, and I went on board the same night. Next morning we sailed. + We had a prosperous and speedy voyage, and landed at Ostend at seven + o'clock next morning. I took the train at twelve and reached Rue + d'Isabelle at seven in the evening. Madame Heger received me with + great kindness. I am still tired with the continued excitement of + three days' travelling. I had no accident, but of course some + anxiety. Miss Dixon called this afternoon. {107} Mary Taylor had + told her I should be in Brussels the last week in January. I am + going there on Sunday, D.V. Address--Miss Bronte, Chez Mme. Heger, + 32 Rue d'Isabelle, Bruxelles.--Good-bye, dear. + + 'C. B.' + +This second visit of Charlotte Bronte to Brussels has given rise to much +speculation, some of it of not the pleasantest kind. It is well to face +the point bluntly, for it has been more than once implied that Charlotte +Bronte was in love with M. Heger, as her prototype Lucy Snowe was in love +with Paul Emanuel. The assumption, which is absolutely groundless, has +had certain plausible points in its favour, not the least obvious, of +course, being the inclination to read autobiography into every line of +Charlotte Bronte's writings. Then there is a passage in a printed letter +to Miss Nussey which has been quoted as if to bear out this suggestion: +'I returned to Brussels after aunt's death,' she writes, 'against my +conscience, prompted by what then seemed an irresistible impulse. I was +punished for my selfish folly by a total withdrawal for more than two +years of happiness and peace of mind.' + +It is perfectly excusable for a man of the world, unacquainted with +qualifying facts, to assume that for these two years Charlotte Bronte's +heart was consumed with an unquenchable love for her professor--held in +restraint, no doubt, as the most censorious admit, but sufficiently +marked to secure the jealousy and ill-will of Madame Heger. Madame Heger +and her family, it must be admitted, have kept this impression afloat. +Madame Heger refused to see Mrs. Gaskell when she called upon her in the +Rue d'Isabelle; and her daughters will tell you that their father broke +off his correspondence with Miss Bronte because his favourite English +pupil showed an undue extravagance of devotion. 'Her attachment after +her return to Yorkshire,' to quote a recent essay on the subject, 'was +expressed in her frequent letters in a tone that her Brussels friends +considered it not only prudent but kind to check. She was warned by them +that the exaltation these letters betrayed needed to be toned down and +replaced by what was reasonable. She was further advised to write only +once in six months, and then to limit the subject of her letters to her +own health and that of her family, and to a plain account of her +circumstances and occupations.' {109a} Now to all this I do not hesitate +to give an emphatic contradiction, a contradiction based upon the only +independent authority available. Miss Laetitia Wheelwright and her +sisters saw much of Charlotte Bronte during this second sojourn in +Brussels, and they have a quite different tale to tell. That misgiving +of Charlotte, by the way, which weighed so heavily upon her mind +afterwards, was due to the fact that she had left her father practically +unprotected from the enticing company of a too festive curate. He gave +himself up at this time to a very copious whisky drinking, from which +Charlotte's home-coming speedily rescued him. {109b} + +Madame Heger did indeed hate Charlotte Bronte in her later years. This +is not unnatural when we remember how that unfortunate woman has been +gibbeted for all time in the characters of Mlle. Zoraide Reuter and +Madame Beck. But in justice to the creator of these scathing portraits, +it may be mentioned that Charlotte Bronte took every precaution to +prevent _Villette_ from obtaining currency in the city which inspired it. +She told Miss Wheelwright, with whom naturally, on her visits to London, +she often discussed the Brussels life, that she had received a promise +that there should be no translation, and that the book would never appear +in the French language. One cannot therefore fix upon Charlotte Bronte +any responsibility for the circumstance that immediately after her death +the novel appeared in the only tongue understood by Madame Heger. + +Miss Wheelwright informs me that Charlotte Bronte did certainly admire M. +Heger, as did all his pupils, very heartily. Charlotte's first +impression, indeed, was not flattering: 'He is professor of rhetoric, a +man of power as to mind, but very choleric and irritable in temperament; +a little black being, with a face that varies in expression. Sometimes +he borrows the lineaments of an insane tom-cat, sometimes those of a +delirious hyena; occasionally, but very seldom, he discards these +perilous attractions and assumes an air not above 100 degrees removed +from mild and gentleman-like.' But he was particularly attentive to +Charlotte; and as he was the first really intelligent man she had met, +the first man, that is to say, with intellectual interests--for we know +how much she despised the curates of her neighbourhood--she rejoiced at +every opportunity of doing verbal battle with him, for Charlotte +inherited, it may be said, the Irish love of debate. Some time after +Charlotte had returned to England, and when in the height of her fame, +she met her Brussels school-fellow in London. Miss Wheelwright asked her +whether she still corresponded with M. Heger. Charlotte replied that she +had discontinued to do so. M. Heger had mentioned in one letter that his +wife did not like the correspondence, and he asked her therefore to +address her letters to the Royal Athenee, where, as I have mentioned, he +gave lessons to the boys. 'I stopped writing at once,' Charlotte told +her friend. 'I would not have dreamt of writing to him when I found it +was disagreeable to his wife; certainly I would not write unknown to +her.' 'She said this,' Miss Wheelwright adds, 'with the sincerity of +manner which characterised her every utterance, and I would sooner have +doubted myself than her.' Let, then, this silly and offensive imputation +be now and for ever dismissed from the minds of Charlotte Bronte's +admirers, if indeed it had ever lodged there. {110} + +Charlotte had not visited the Wheelwrights in the Rue Royale during her +first visit to Brussels. She had found the companionship of Emily +all-sufficing, and Emily was not sufficiently popular with the +Wheelwrights to have made her a welcome guest. They admitted her +cleverness, but they considered her hard, unsympathetic, and abrupt in +manner. We know that she was self-contained and homesick, pining for her +native moors. This was not evident to a girl of ten, the youngest of the +Wheelwright children, who was compelled to receive daily a music lesson +from Emily in her play-hours. When, however, Charlotte came back to +Brussels alone she was heartily welcomed into two or three English +families, including those of Mr. Dixon, of the Rev. Mr. Jenkins, and of +Dr. Wheelwright. With the Wheelwright children she sometimes spent the +Sunday, and with them she occasionally visited the English Episcopal +church which the Wheelwrights attended, and of which the clergyman was a +Mr. Drury. When Dr. Wheelwright took his wife for a Rhine trip in May he +left his four children--one little girl had died at Brussels, aged seven, +in the preceding November--in the care of Madame Heger at the Pensionnat, +and under the immediate supervision of Charlotte. + +At this period there was plenty of cheerfulness in her life. She was +learning German. She was giving English lessons to M. Heger and to his +brother-in-law, M. Chappelle. She went to the Carnival, and described it +'animating to see the immense crowds and the general gaiety.' 'Whenever +I turn back,' she writes, 'to compare what I am with what I was, my place +here with my place at Mrs. Sidgwick's or Mrs. White's, I am thankful.' + +In a letter to her brother, however, we find the darker side of the +picture. It reveals many things apart from what is actually written +down. In this, the only letter to Branwell that I have been able to +discover, apart from one written in childhood, it appears that the +brother and sister are upon very confidential terms. Up to this time, at +any rate, Branwell's conduct had not excited any apprehension as to his +future, and the absence of any substantial place in his aunt's will was +clearly not due to misconduct. Branwell was now under the same roof as +his sister Anne, having obtained an appointment as tutor to young Edmund +Robinson at Thorp Green, near York, where Anne was governess. The letter +is unsigned, concluding playfully with 'yourn; and the initials follow a +closing message to Anne on the same sheet of paper. + + TO BRANWELL BRONTE + + 'BRUSSELS, _May_ 1_st_, 1843. + + 'DEAR BRANWELL,--I hear you have written a letter to me. This + letter, however, as usual, I have never received, which I am + exceedingly sorry for, as I have wished very much to hear from you. + Are you sure that you put the right address and that you paid the + English postage, 1s. 6d.? Without that, letters are never forwarded. + I heard from papa a day or two since. All appears to be going on + reasonably well at home. I grieve only that Emily is so solitary; + but, however, you and Anne will soon be returning for the holidays, + which will cheer the house for a time. Are you in better health and + spirits, and does Anne continue to be pretty well? I understand papa + has been to see you. Did he seem cheerful and well? Mind when you + write to me you answer these questions, as I wish to know. Also give + me a detailed account as to how you get on with your pupil and the + rest of the family. I have received a general assurance that you do + well and are in good odour, but I want to know particulars. + + 'As for me, I am very well and wag on as usual. I perceive, however, + that I grow exceedingly misanthropic and sour. You will say that + this is no news, and that you never knew me possessed of the contrary + qualities--philanthropy and sugariness. _Das ist wahr_ (which being + translated means, that is true); but the fact is, the people here are + no go whatsoever. Amongst 120 persons which compose the daily + population of this house, I can discern only one or two who deserve + anything like regard. This is not owing to foolish fastidiousness on + my part, but to the absence of decent qualities on theirs. They have + not intellect or politeness or good-nature or good-feeling. They are + nothing. I don't hate them--hatred would be too warm a feeling. + They have no sensations themselves and they excite none. But one + wearies from day to day of caring nothing, fearing nothing, liking + nothing, hating nothing, being nothing, doing nothing--yes, I teach + and sometimes get red in the face with impatience at their stupidity. + But don't think I ever scold or fly into a passion. If I spoke + warmly, as warmly as I sometimes used to do at Roe-Head, they would + think me mad. Nobody ever gets into a passion here. Such a thing is + not known. The phlegm that thickens their blood is too gluey to + boil. They are very false in their relations with each other, but + they rarely quarrel, and friendship is a folly they are unacquainted + with. The black Swan, M. Heger, is the only sole veritable exception + to this rule (for Madame, always cool and always reasoning, is not + quite an exception). But I rarely speak to Monsieur now, for not + being a pupil I have little or nothing to do with him. From time to + time he shows his kind-heartedness by loading me with books, so that + I am still indebted to him for all the pleasure or amusement I have. + Except for the total want of companionship I have nothing to complain + of. I have not too much to do, sufficient liberty, and I am rarely + interfered with. I lead an easeful, stagnant, silent life, for + which, when I think of Mrs. Sidgwick, I ought to be very thankful. + Be sure you write to me soon, and beg of Anne to inclose a small + billet in the same letter; it will be a real charity to do me this + kindness. Tell me everything you can think of. + + 'It is a curious metaphysical fact that always in the evening when I + am in the great dormitory alone, having no other company than a + number of beds with white curtains, I always recur as fanatically as + ever to the old ideas, the old faces, and the old scenes in the world + below. + + 'Give my love to Anne.--And believe me, yourn + + 'DEAR ANNE,--Write to me.--Your affectionate Schwester, + + 'C. B. + + 'Mr. Heger has just been in and given me a little German Testament as + a present. I was surprised, for since a good many days he has hardly + spoken to me.' + +A little later she writes to Emily in similar strain. + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'BRUSSELS, _May_ 29_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR E. J.,--The reason of the unconscionable demand for money is + explained in my letter to papa. Would you believe it, Mdlle. Muhl + demands as much for one pupil as for two, namely, 10 francs per + month. This, with the 5 francs per month to the Blanchisseuse, makes + havoc in 16 pounds per annum. You will perceive I have begun again + to take German lessons. Things wag on much as usual here. Only + Mdlle. Blanche and Mdlle. Hausse are at present on a system of war + without quarter. They hate each other like two cats. Mdlle. Blanche + frightens Mdlle. Hausse by her white passions (for they quarrel + venomously). Mdlle. Hausse complains that when Mdlle. Blanche is in + fury, "_elle n'a pas de levres_." I find also that Mdlle. Sophie + dislikes Mdlle. Blanche extremely. She says she is heartless, + insincere, and vindictive, which epithets, I assure you, are richly + deserved. Also I find she is the regular spy of Mme. Heger, to whom + she reports everything. Also she invents--which I should not have + thought. I have now the entire charge of the English lessons. I + have given two lessons to the first class. Hortense Jannoy was a + picture on these occasions, her face was black as a "blue-piled + thunder-loft," and her two ears were red as raw beef. To all + questions asked her reply was, "_je ne sais pas_." It is a pity but + her friends could meet with a person qualified to cast out a devil. + I am richly off for companionship in these parts. Of late days, M. + and Mde. Heger rarely speak to me, and I really don't pretend to care + a fig for any body else in the establishment. You are not to suppose + by that expression that I am under the influence of _warm_ affection + for Mde. Heger. I am convinced she does not like me--why, I can't + tell, nor do I think she herself has any definite reason for the + aversion; but for one thing, she cannot comprehend why I do not make + intimate friends of Mesdames Blanche, Sophie, and Hausse. M. Heger + is wonderously influenced by Madame, and I should not wonder if he + disapproves very much of my unamiable want of sociability. He has + already given me a brief lecture on universal _bienveillance_, and, + perceiving that I don't improve in consequence, I fancy he has taken + to considering me as a person to be let alone--left to the error of + her ways; and consequently he has in a great measure withdrawn the + light of his countenance, and I get on from day to day in a + Robinson-Crusoe-like condition--very lonely. That does not signify. + In other respects I have nothing substantial to complain of, nor is + even this a cause for complaint. Except the loss of M. Heger's + goodwill (if I have lost it) I care for none of 'em. I hope you are + well and hearty. Walk out often on the moors. Sorry am I to hear + that Hannah is gone, and that she has left you burdened with the + charge of the little girl, her sister. I hope Tabby will continue to + stay with you--give my love to her. Regards to the fighting gentry, + and to old asthma.--Your + + 'C. B. + + 'I have written to Branwell, though I never got a letter from him.' + +In August she is still more dissatisfied, but 'I will continue to stay +some months longer, till I have acquired German, and then I hope to see +all your faces again.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'BRUSSELS, _August_ 6_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--You never answered my last letter; but, however, + forgiveness is a part of the Christian Creed, and so having an + opportunity to send a letter to England, I forgive you and write to + you again. Last Sunday afternoon, being at the Chapel Royal, in + Brussels, I was surprised to hear a voice proceed from the pulpit + which instantly brought all Birstall and Batley before my mind's eye. + I could see nothing, but certainly thought that that unclerical + little Welsh pony, Jenkins, was there. I buoyed up my mind with the + expectation of receiving a letter from you, but as, however, I have + got none, I suppose I must have been mistaken. + + 'C. B. + + 'Mr. Jenkins has called. He brought no letter from you, but said you + were at Harrogate, and that they could not find the letter you had + intended to send. He informed me of the death of your sister. Poor + Sarah, when I last bid her good-bye I little thought I should never + see her more. Certainly, however, she is happy where she is + gone--far happier than she was here. When the first days of mourning + are past, you will see that you have reason rather to rejoice at her + removal than to grieve for it. Your mother will have felt her death + much--and you also. I fear from the circumstance of your being at + Harrogate that you are yourself ill. Write to me soon.' + +It was in September that the incident occurred which has found so +dramatic a setting in _Villette_--the confession to a priest of the Roman +Catholic Church of a daughter of the most militant type of Protestantism; +and not the least valuable of my newly-discovered Bronte treasures is the +letter which Charlotte wrote to Emily giving an unembellished account of +the incident. + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'BRUSSELS, _September_ 2_nd_, 1843. + + 'DEAR E. J.,--Another opportunity of writing to you coming to pass, I + shall improve it by scribbling a few lines. More than half the + holidays are now past, and rather better than I expected. The + weather has been exceedingly fine during the last fortnight, and yet + not so Asiatically hot as it was last year at this time. + Consequently I have tramped about a great deal and tried to get a + clearer acquaintance with the streets of Bruxelles. This week, as no + teacher is here except Mdlle. Blanche, who is returned from Paris, I + am always alone except at meal-times, for Mdlle. Blanche's character + is so false and so contemptible I can't force myself to associate + with her. She perceives my utter dislike and never now speaks to + me--a great relief. + + 'However, I should inevitably fall into the gulf of low spirits if I + stayed always by myself here without a human being to speak to, so I + go out and traverse the Boulevards and streets of Bruxelles sometimes + for hours together. Yesterday I went on a pilgrimage to the + cemetery, and far beyond it on to a hill where there was nothing but + fields as far as the horizon. When I came back it was evening; but I + had such a repugnance to return to the house, which contained nothing + that I cared for, I still kept threading the streets in the + neighbourhood of the Rue d'Isabelle and avoiding it. I found myself + opposite to Ste. Gudule, and the bell, whose voice you know, began to + toll for evening salut. I went in, quite alone (which procedure you + will say is not much like me), wandered about the aisles where a few + old women were saying their prayers, till vespers begun. I stayed + till they were over. Still I could not leave the church or force + myself to go home--to school I mean. An odd whim came into my head. + In a solitary part of the Cathedral six or seven people still + remained kneeling by the confessionals. In two confessionals I saw a + priest. I felt as if I did not care what I did, provided it was not + absolutely wrong, and that it served to vary my life and yield a + moment's interest. I took a fancy to change myself into a Catholic + and go and make a real confession to see what it was like. Knowing + me as you do, you will think this odd, but when people are by + themselves they have singular fancies. A penitent was occupied in + confessing. They do not go into the sort of pew or cloister which + the priest occupies, but kneel down on the steps and confess through + a grating. Both the confessor and the penitent whisper very low, you + can hardly hear their voices. After I had watched two or three + penitents go and return I approached at last and knelt down in a + niche which was just vacated. I had to kneel there ten minutes + waiting, for on the other side was another penitent invisible to me. + At last that went away and a little wooden door inside the grating + opened, and I saw the priest leaning his ear towards me. I was + obliged to begin, and yet I did not know a word of the formula with + which they always commence their confessions. It was a funny + position. I felt precisely as I did when alone on the Thames at + midnight. I commenced with saying I was a foreigner and had been + brought up a Protestant. The priest asked if I was a Protestant + then. I somehow could not tell a lie and said "yes." He replied + that in that case I could not "_jouir du bonheur de la confesse_"; + but I was determined to confess, and at last he said he would allow + me because it might be the first step towards returning to the true + church. I actually did confess--a real confession. When I had done + he told me his address, and said that every morning I was to go to + the rue du Parc--to his house--and he would reason with me and try to + convince me of the error and enormity of being a Protestant!!! I + promised faithfully to go. Of course, however, the adventure stops + there, and I hope I shall never see the priest again. I think you + had better not tell papa of this. He will not understand that it was + only a freak, and will perhaps think I am going to turn Catholic. + Trusting that you and papa are well, and also Tabby and the Holyes, + and hoping you will write to me immediately,--I am, yours, + + 'C. B.' + + 'The Holyes,' it is perhaps hardly necessary to add, is Charlotte's + irreverent appellation for the curates--Mr. Smith and Mr. Grant. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'BRUSSELS, _October_ 13_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I was glad to receive your last letter; but when I read + it, its contents gave me some pain. It was melancholy indeed that so + soon after the death of a sister you should be called from a distant + county by the news of the severe illness of a brother, and, after + your return home, your sister Ann should fall ill too. Mary Dixon + informs me your brother is scarcely expected to recover--is this + true? I hope not, for his sake and yours. His loss would indeed be + a blow--a blow which I hope Providence may avert. Do not, my dear + Ellen, fail to write to me soon of affairs at Brookroyd. I cannot + fail to be anxious on the subject, your family being amongst the + oldest and kindest friends I have. I trust this season of affliction + will soon pass. It has been a long one. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'BRUSSELS, _December_ 19_th_, 1843. + + 'DEAR E. J.,--I have taken my determination. I hope to be at home + the day after New Year's Day. I have told Mme. Heger. But in order + to come home I shall be obliged to draw on my cash for another 5 + pounds. I have only 3 pounds at present, and as there are several + little things I should like to buy before I leave Brussels--which you + know cannot be got as well in England--3 pounds would not suffice. + Low spirits have afflicted me much lately, but I hope all will be + well when I get home--above all, if I find papa and you and B. and A. + well. I am not ill in body. It is only the mind which is a trifle + shaken--for want of comfort. + + 'I shall try to cheer up now.--Good-bye. + + 'C. B.' + + + + +CHAPTER V: PATRICK BRANWELL BRONTE + + +The younger Patrick Bronte was always known by his mother's family name +of Branwell. The name derived from the patron Saint of Ireland, with +which the enthusiastic Celt, Romanist and Protestant alike, delights to +disfigure his male child, was speedily banished from the Yorkshire +Parsonage. Branwell was a year younger than Charlotte, and it is clear +that she and her brother were 'chums,' in the same way as Emily and Anne +were 'chums,' in the earlier years, before Charlotte made other friends. +Even until two or three years from Branwell's death, we find Charlotte +writing to him with genuine sisterly affection, and, indeed, the only two +family letters addressed to Branwell which are extant are from her. One +of them, written from Brussels, I have printed elsewhere. The other, +written from Roe Head, when Charlotte, aged sixteen, was at school there, +was partly published by Mrs. Gaskell, but may as well be given here, +copied direct from the original. + + [Picture: Patrick Branwell Bronte] + + TO BRANWELL BRONTE + + 'ROE HEAD, _May_ 17_th_, 1832. + + 'DEAR BRANWELL,--As usual I address my weekly letter to you, because + to you I find the most to say. I feel exceedingly anxious to know + how and in what state you arrived at home after your long and (I + should think) very fatiguing journey. I could perceive when you + arrived at Roe Head that you were very much tired, though you refused + to acknowledge it. After you were gone, many questions and subjects + of conversation recurred to me which I had intended to mention to + you, but quite forgot them in the agitation which I felt at the + totally unexpected pleasure of seeing you. Lately I had begun to + think that I had lost all the interest which I used formerly to take + in politics, but the extreme pleasure I felt at the news of the + Reform Bill's being thrown out by the House of Lords, and of the + expulsion or resignation of Earl Grey, etc., etc., convinced me that + I have not as yet lost _all_ my penchant for politics. I am + extremely glad that aunt has consented to take in _Fraser's + Magazine_, for though I know from your description of its general + contents it will be rather uninteresting when compared with + _Blackwood_, still it will be better than remaining the whole year + without being able to obtain a sight of any periodical publication + whatever; and such would assuredly be our case, as in the little + wild, moorland village where we reside, there would be no possibility + of borrowing or obtaining a work of that description from a + circulating library. I hope with you that the present delightful + weather may contribute to the perfect restoration of our dear papa's + health, and that it may give aunt pleasant reminiscences of the + salubrious climate of her native place. + + 'With love to all,--Believe me, dear Branwell, to remain your + affectionate sister, + + CHARLOTTE.' + + 'As to you I find the most to say' is significant. And to Branwell, + Charlotte refers again and again in most affectionate terms in many a + later letter. It is to her enthusiasm, indeed that we largely owe + the extravagant estimate of Branwell's ability which has found so + abundant expression in books on the Brontes. + +Branwell has himself been made the hero of at least three biographies. +{121} Mr. Francis Grundy has no importance for our day other than that +he prints certain letters from Branwell in his autobiography. Miss Mary +F. Robinson, whatever distinction may pertain to her verse, should never +have attempted a biography of Emily Bronte. Her book is mainly of +significance because, appearing in a series of _Eminent Women_, it served +to emphasise the growing opinion that Emily, as well as Charlotte, had a +place among the great writers of her day. Miss Robinson added nothing to +our knowledge of Emily Bronte, and her book devoted inordinate space to +the shortcomings of Branwell, concerning which she had no new +information. + +Mr. Leyland's book is professedly a biography of Branwell, and is, +indeed, a valuable storehouse of facts. It might have had more success +had it been written with greater brightness and verve. As it stands, it +is a dull book, readable only by the Bronte enthusiast. Mr. Leyland has +no literary perception, and in his eagerness to show that Branwell was a +genius, prints numerous letters and poems which sufficiently demonstrate +that he was not. + +Charlotte never hesitated in the earlier years to praise her brother as +the genius of the family. We all know how eagerly the girls in any home +circle are ready to acknowledge and accept as signs of original power the +most impudent witticisms of a fairly clever brother. The Bronte +household was not exceptionally constituted in this respect. It is +evident that the boy grew up with talent of a kind. He could certainly +draw with more idea of perspective than his sisters, and one or two +portraits by him are not wanting in merit. But there is no evidence of +any special writing faculty, and the words 'genius' and 'brilliant' which +have been freely applied to him are entirely misplaced. Branwell was +thirty-one years of age when he died, and it was only during the last +year or two of his life that opium and alcohol had made him +intellectually hopeless. Yet, unless we accept the preposterous +statement that he wrote _Wuthering Heights_, he would seem to have +composed nothing which gives him the slightest claim to the most +inconsiderable niche in the temple of literature. + +Branwell appears to have worked side by side with his sisters in the +early years, and innumerable volumes of the 'little writing' bearing his +signature have come into my hands. Verdopolis, the imaginary city of his +sisters' early stories, plays a considerable part in Branwell's. _Real +Life in Verdopolis_ bears date 1833. _The Battle of Washington_ is +evidently a still more childish effusion. _Caractacus_ is dated 1830, +and the poems and tiny romances continue steadily on through the years +until they finally stop short in 1837--when Branwell is twenty years +old--with a story entitled _Percy_. By the light of subsequent events it +is interesting to note that a manuscript of 1830 bears the title of _The +Liar Detected_. + +It would be unfair to take these crude productions of Branwell Bronte's +boyhood as implying that he had no possibilities in him of anything +better, but judging from the fact that his letters, as a man of eight and +twenty, are as undistinguished as his sister's are noteworthy at a like +age, we might well dismiss Branwell Bronte once and for all, were not +some epitome of his life indispensable in an account of the Bronte +circle. + +Branwell was born at Thornton in 1817. When the family removed to +Haworth he studied at the Grammar School, although, doubtless, he owed +most of his earlier tuition to his father. When school days were over it +was decided that he should be an artist. To a certain William Robinson, +of Leeds, he was indebted for his first lessons. Mrs. Gaskell describes +a life-size drawing of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne which Branwell painted +about this period. The huge canvas stood for many years at the top of +the staircase at the parsonage. {123} In 1835 Branwell went up to London +with a view to becoming a pupil at the Royal Academy Art Schools. The +reason for his almost immediate reappearance at Haworth has never been +explained. Probably he wasted his money and his father refused supplies. +He had certainly been sufficiently in earnest at the start, judging from +this letter, of which I find a draft among his papers. + + TO THE SECRETARY, ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS + + 'SIR,--Having an earnest desire to enter as probationary student in + the Royal Academy, but not being possessed of information as to the + means of obtaining my desire, I presume to request from you, as + Secretary to the Institution, an answer to the questions-- + + 'Where am I to present my drawings? + + 'At what time? + + and especially, + + 'Can I do it in August or September? + + --Your obedient servant, + + BRANWELL BRONTE.' + +In 1836 we find him as 'brother' of the 'Lodge of the Three Graces' at +Haworth. In the following year he is practising as an artist in +Bradford, and painting a number of portraits of the townsfolk. At this +same period he wrote to Wordsworth, sending verses, which he was at the +time producing with due regularity. In January 1840 Branwell became +tutor in the family of Mr. Postlethwaite at Broughton-in-Furness. It was +from that place that he wrote the incoherent and silly letter which has +been more than once printed, and which merely serves to show that then, +as always, he had an ill-regulated mind. It was from +Broughton-in-Furness also that he addresses Hartley Coleridge, and the +letters are worth printing if only on account of the similar destiny of +the two men. + + TO HARTLEY COLERIDGE + + 'BROUGHTON-IN-FURNESS, + 'LANCASHIRE, _April_ 20_th_, 1840. + + 'SIR,--It is with much reluctance that I venture to request, for the + perusal of the following lines, a portion of the time of one upon + whom I can have no claim, and should not dare to intrude, but I do + not, personally, know a man on whom to rely for an answer to the + questions I shall put, and I could not resist my longing to ask a man + from whose judgment there would be little hope of appeal. + + 'Since my childhood I have been wont to devote the hours I could + spare from other and very different employments to efforts at + literary composition, always keeping the results to myself, nor have + they in more than two or three instances been seen by any other. But + I am about to enter active life, and prudence tells me not to waste + the time which must make my independence; yet, sir, I like writing + too well to fling aside the practice of it without an effort to + ascertain whether I could turn it to account, not in _wholly_ + maintaining myself, but in aiding my maintenance, for I do not sigh + after fame, and am not ignorant of the folly or the fate of those + who, without ability, would depend for their lives upon their pens; + but I seek to know, and venture, though with shame, to ask from one + whose word I must respect: whether, by periodical or other writing, I + could please myself with writing, and make it subservient to living. + + 'I would not, with this view, have troubled you with a composition in + verse, but any piece I have in prose would too greatly trespass upon + your patience, which, I fear, if you look over the verse, will be + more than sufficiently tried. + + 'I feel the egotism of my language, but I have none, sir, in my + heart, for I feel beyond all encouragement from myself, and I hope + for none from you. + + 'Should you give any opinion upon what I send, it will, however + condemnatory, be most gratefully received by,--Sir, your most humble + servant, + + 'P. B. BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--The first piece is only the sequel of one striving to depict + the fall from unguided passion into neglect, despair, and death. It + ought to show an hour too near those of pleasure for repentance, and + too near death for hope. The translations are two out of many made + from Horace, and given to assist an answer to the question--would it + be possible to obtain remuneration for translations for such as those + from that or any other classic author?' + +Branwell would appear to have gone over to Ambleside to see Hartley +Coleridge, if we may judge by that next letter, written from Haworth upon +his return. + + TO HARTLEY COLERIDGE + + 'HAWORTH, _June_ 27_th_, 1840. + + 'SIR,--You will, perhaps, have forgotten me, but it will be long + before I forget my first conversation with a man of real intellect, + in my first visit to the classic lakes of Westmoreland. + + 'During the delightful day which I had the honour of spending with + you at Ambleside, I received permission to transmit to you, as soon + as finished, the first book of a translation of Horace, in order + that, after a glance over it, you might tell me whether it was worth + further notice or better fit for the fire. + + 'I have--I fear most negligently, and amid other very different + employments--striven to translate two books, the first of which I + have presumed to send to you. And will you, sir, stretch your past + kindness by telling me whether I should amend and pursue the work or + let it rest in peace? + + 'Great corrections I feel it wants, but till I feel that the work + might benefit me, I have no heart to make them; yet if your judgment + prove in any way favourable, I will re-write the whole, without + sparing labour to reach perfection. + + 'I dared not have attempted Horace but that I saw the utter + worthlessness of all former translations, and thought that a better + one, by whomsoever executed, might meet with some little + encouragement. I long to clear up my doubts by the judgment of one + whose opinion I should revere, and--but I suppose I am dreaming--one + to whom I should be proud indeed to inscribe anything of mine which + any publisher would look at, unless, as is likely enough, the work + would disgrace the name as much as the name would honour the work. + + 'Amount of remuneration I should not look to--as anything would be + everything--and whatever it might be, let me say that my bones would + have no rest unless by written agreement a division should be made of + the profits (little or much) between myself and him through whom + alone I could hope to obtain a hearing with that formidable + personage, a London bookseller. + + 'Excuse my unintelligibility, haste, and appearance of presumption, + and--Believe me to be, sir, your most humble and grateful servant, + + 'P. B. BRONTE. + + 'If anything in this note should displease you, lay it, sir, to the + account of inexperience and _not_ impudence.' + +In October 1840, we find Branwell clerk-in-charge at the Station of +Sowerby Bridge on the Leeds and Manchester Railway, and the following +year at Luddenden Foot, where Mr. Grundy, the railway engineer, became +acquainted with him, and commenced the correspondence contained in +_Pictures of the Past_. + +I have in my possession a small memorandum book, evidently used by +Branwell when engaged as a railway clerk. There are notes in it upon the +then existing railways, demonstrating that he was trying to prime himself +with the requisite facts and statistics for a career of that kind. But +side by side with these are verses upon 'Lord Nelson,' 'Robert Burns,' +and kindred themes, with such estimable sentiments as this:-- + + 'Then England's love and England's tongue + And England's heart shall reverence long + The wisdom deep, the courage strong, + Of English Johnson's name.' + +Altogether a literary atmosphere had been kindled for the boy had he had +the slightest strength of character to go with it. The railway company, +however, were soon tired of his vagaries, and in the beginning of 1842 he +returns to the Haworth parsonage. The following letter to his friend Mr. +Grundy is of biographical interest. + + TO FRANCIS H. GRUNDY + + '_October_ 25_th_, 1842. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--There is no misunderstanding. I have had a long + attendance at the death-bed of the Rev. Mr. Weightman, one of my + dearest friends, and now I am attending at the deathbed of my aunt, + who has been for twenty years as my mother. I expect her to die in a + few hours. + + 'As my sisters are far from home, I have had much on my mind, and + these things must serve as an apology for what was never intended as + neglect of your friendship to us. + + 'I had meant not only to have written to you, but to the Rev. James + Martineau, gratefully and sincerely acknowledging the receipt of his + most kindly and truthful criticism--at least in advice, though too + generous far in praise; but one sad ceremony must, I fear, be gone + through first. Give my most sincere respects to Mr. Stephenson, and + excuse this scrawl--my eyes are too dim with sorrow to see + well.--Believe me, your not very happy but obliged friend and + servant, + + 'P. B. BRONTE.' + +A week later he writes to the same friend:-- + + 'I am incoherent, I fear, but I have been waking two nights + witnessing such agonising suffering as I would not wish my worst + enemy to endure; and I have now lost the guide and director of all + the happy days connected with my childhood. I have suffered much + sorrow since I last saw you at Haworth.' + +Charlotte and Anne, it will be remembered, were at this time on their way +home from Brussels, and Anne had to seek relief from her governess bonds +at Mrs. Robinson's. Branwell would seem to have returned with Anne to +Thorp Green, as tutor to Mr. Robinson's son. He commenced his duties in +December 1842. + +It would not be rash to assume--although it is only an assumption--that +Branwell took to opium soon after he entered upon his duties at Thorp +Green. I have already said something of the trouble which befel Mrs. +Gaskell in accepting the statements of Charlotte Bronte, and--after +Charlotte's death--of her friends, to the effect that Branwell became the +prey of a designing woman, who promised to marry him when her husband--a +venerable clergyman--should be dead. The story has been told too often. +Branwell was dismissed, and returned to the parsonage to rave about his +wrongs. If Mr. Robinson should die, the widow had promised to marry him, +he assured his friends. Mr. Robinson did die (May 26, 1846), and then +Branwell insisted that by his will he had prohibited his wife from +marrying, under penalties of forfeiting the estate. A copy of the +document is in my possession: + + _The eleventh day of September_ 1846 _the Will of the Reverend Edmund + Robinson_, _late of Thorp Green_, _in the Parish of Little Ouseburn_, + _in the County of York_, _Clerk_, _deceased_, _was proved in the + Prerogative Court of York by the oaths of Lydia Robinson_, _Widow_, + _his Relict_; _the Venerable Charles Thorp and Henry Newton_, _the + Executors_, _to whom administration was granted_. + +Needless to say, the will, a lengthy document, put no restraint whatever +upon the actions of Mrs. Robinson. Upon the publication of Mrs. +Gaskell's Life she was eager to clear her character in the law-courts, +but was dissuaded therefrom by friends, who pointed out that a withdrawal +of the obnoxious paragraphs in succeeding editions of the Memoir, and the +publication of a letter in the _Times_, would sufficiently meet the case. + +Here is the letter from the advertisement pages of the Times. + + '8 BEDFORD ROW, + 'LONDON, _May_ 26_th_, 1857. + + 'DEAR SIRS,--As solicitor for and on behalf of the Rev. W. Gaskell + and of Mrs. Gaskell, his wife, the latter of whom is authoress of the + _Life of Charlotte Bronte_, I am instructed to retract every + statement contained in that work which imputes to a widowed lady, + referred to, but not named therein, any breach of her conjugal, of + her maternal, or of her social duties, and more especially of the + statement contained in chapter 13 of the first volume, and in chapter + 2 of the second volume, which imputes to the lady in question a + guilty intercourse with the late Branwell Bronte. All those + statements were made upon information which at the time Mrs. Gaskell + believed to be well founded, but which, upon investigation, with the + additional evidence furnished to me by you, I have ascertained not to + be trustworthy. I am therefore authorised not only to retract the + statements in question, but to express the deep regret of Mrs. + Gaskell that she should have been led to make them.--I am, dear sirs, + yours truly, + + 'WILLIAM SHAEN. + + 'Messrs. Newton & Robinson, Solicitors, York.' + +A certain 'Note' in the _Athenaeum_ a few days later is not without +interest now. + + 'We are sorry to be called upon to return to Mrs. Gaskell's _Life of + Charlotte Bronte_, but we must do so, since the book has gone forth + with our recommendation. Praise, it is needless to point out, + implied trust in the biographer as an accurate collector of facts. + This, we regret to state, Mrs. Gaskell proves not to have been. To + the gossip which for weeks past has been seething and circulating in + the London _coteries_, we gave small heed; but the _Times_ advertises + a legal apology, made on behalf of Mrs. Gaskell, withdrawing the + statements put forth in her book respecting the cause of Mr. Branwell + Bronte's wreck and ruin. These Mrs. Gaskell's lawyer is now fain to + confess his client advanced on insufficient testimony. The telling + of an episodical and gratuitous tale so dismal as concerns the dead, + so damaging to the living, could only be excused by the story of sin + being severely, strictly true; and every one will have cause to + regret that due caution was not used to test representations not, it + seems, to be justified. It is in the interest of Letters that + biographers should be deterred from rushing into print with mere + impressions in place of proofs, however eager and sincere those + impressions may be. They _may be_ slanders, and as such they may + sting cruelly. Meanwhile the _Life of Charlotte Bronte_ must undergo + modification ere it can be further circulated.' + +Meanwhile let us return to Branwell Bronte's life as it is contained in +his sister's correspondence. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 3_rd_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I must write to you to-day whether I have anything to + say or not, or else you will begin to think that I have forgotten + you; whereas, never a day passes, seldom an hour, that I do not think + of you, _and the scene of trial_ in which you live, move, and have + your being. Mary Taylor's letter was deeply interesting and strongly + characteristic. I have no news whatever to communicate. No changes + take place here. Branwell offers no prospect of hope; he professes + to be too ill to think of seeking for employment; he makes comfort + scant at home. I hold to my intention of going to Brookroyd as soon + as I can--that is, provided you will have me. + + 'Give my best love to your mother and sisters.--Yours, dear Nell, + always faithful, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 13_th_, 1845. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I have often said and thought that you have had many + and heavy trials to bear in your still short life. You have always + borne them with great firmness and calm so far--I hope fervently you + will still be enabled to do so. Yet there is something in your + letter that makes me fear the present is the greatest trial of all, + and the most severely felt by you. I hope it will soon pass over and + leave no shadow behind it. I do earnestly desire to be with you, to + talk to you, to give you what comfort I can. Branwell and Anne leave + us on Saturday. Branwell has been quieter and less irritable on the + whole this time than he was in summer. Anne is as usual--always + good, mild, and patient. I think she too is a little stronger than + she was.--Good-bye, dear Ellen, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 31_st_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I don't know whether most to thank you for the very + pretty slippers you have sent me or to scold you for occasioning + yourself, in the slightest degree, trouble or expense on my account. + I will have them made up and bring them with me, if all be well, when + I come to Brookroyd. + + 'Never doubt that I shall come to Brookroyd as soon as I can, Nell. + I dare say my wish to see you is equal to your wish to see me. + + 'I had a note on Saturday from Ellen Taylor, informing me that + letters have been received from Mary in New Zealand, and that she was + well and in good spirits. I suppose you have not yet seen them, as + you do not mention them; but you will probably have them in your + possession before you get this note. + + 'You say well in speaking of Branwell that no sufferings are so awful + as those brought on by dissipation. Alas! I see the truth of this + observation daily proved. + + 'Your friends must have a weary and burdensome life of it in waiting + upon _their_ unhappy brother. It seems grievous, indeed, that those + who have not sinned should suffer so largely. + + 'Write to me a little oftener, Ellen--I am very glad to get your + notes. Remember me kindly to your mother and sisters.--Yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + '_January_ 30_th_, 1846. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I have not yet paid my usual visit to + Brookroyd, but I frequently hear from Ellen, and she did not fail to + tell me that you were gone into Worcestershire. She was unable, + however, to give me your address; had I known it I should have + written to you long since. + + 'I thought you would wonder how we were getting on when you heard of + the Railway Panic, and you may be sure I am very glad to be able to + answer your kind inquiries by an assurance that our small capital is + as yet undiminished. The "York and Midland" is, as you say, a very + good line, yet I confess to you I should wish, for my part, to be + wise in time. I cannot think that even the very best lines will + continue for many years at their present premiums, and I have been + most anxious for us to sell our shares ere it be too late, and to + secure the proceeds in some safer, if, for the present, less + profitable investment. I cannot, however, persuade my sisters to + regard the affair precisely from my point of view, and I feel as if I + would rather run the risk of loss than hurt Emily's feelings by + acting in direct opposition to her opinion. She managed in a most + handsome and able manner for me when I was at Brussels, and prevented + by distance from looking after my own interests; therefore, I will + let her manage still, and take the consequences. Disinterested and + energetic she certainly is, and if she be not quite so tractable or + open to conviction as I could wish, I must remember perfection is not + the lot of humanity. And as long as we can regard those we love, and + to whom we are closely allied, with profound and very unshaken + esteem, it is a small thing that they should vex us occasionally by, + what appear to us, unreasonable and headstrong notions. You, my dear + Miss Wooler, know full as well as I do the value of sisters' + affection to each other; there is nothing like it in this world, I + believe, when they are nearly equal in age, and similar in education, + tastes, and sentiments. + + 'You ask about Branwell. He never thinks of seeking employment, and + I begin to fear he has rendered himself incapable of filling any + respectable station in life; besides, if money were at his disposal + he would use it only to his own injury; the faculty of + self-government is, I fear, almost destroyed in him. You ask me if I + do not think men are strange beings. I do, indeed--I have often + thought so; and I think too that the mode of bringing them up is + strange, they are not half sufficiently guarded from temptations. + Girls are protected as if they were something very frail and silly + indeed, while boys are turned loose on the world as if they, of all + beings in existence, were the wisest and the least liable to be led + astray. + + 'I am glad you like Bromsgrove. I always feel a peculiar + satisfaction when I hear of your enjoying yourself, because it proves + to me that there is really such a thing as retributive justice even + in this life; now you are free, and that while you have still, I + hope, many years of vigour and health in which you can enjoy freedom. + Besides, I have another and very egotistical motive for being + pleased: it seems that even "a lone woman" can be happy, as well as + cherished wives and proud mothers. I am glad of that--I speculate + much on the existence of unmarried and never-to-be married woman + now-a-days, and I have already got to the point of considering that + there is no more respectable character on this earth than an + unmarried woman who makes her own way through life quietly, + perseveringly, without support of husband or mother, and who, having + attained the age of forty-five or upwards, retains in her possession + a well-regulated mind, a disposition to enjoy simple pleasures, + fortitude to support inevitable pains, sympathy with the sufferings + of others, and willingness to relieve want as far as her means + extend. I wish to send this letter off by to-day's post, I must + therefore conclude in haste.--Believe me, my dear Miss Wooler, yours, + most affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 4_th_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--You do not reproach me in your last, but I fear you + must have thought me unkind in being so long without answering you. + The fact is, I had hoped to be able to ask you to come to Haworth. + Branwell seemed to have a prospect of getting employment, and I + waited to know the result of his efforts in order to say, "Dear + Ellen, come and see us"; but the place (a secretaryship to a Railroad + Committee) is given to another person. Branwell still remains at + home, and while he is here you shall not come. I am more confirmed + in that resolution the more I know of him. I wish I could say one + word to you in his favour, but I cannot, therefore I will hold my + tongue. + + 'Emily and Anne wish me to tell you that they think it very unlikely + for little Flossy to be expected to rear so numerous a family; they + think you are quite right in protesting against all the pups being + preserved, for, if kept, they will pull their poor little mother to + pieces.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 14_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I assure you I was very glad indeed to get your last + note; for when three or four days elapsed after my second despatch to + you and I got no answer, I scarcely doubted something was wrong. It + relieved me much to find my apprehensions unfounded. I return you + Miss Ringrose's notes with thanks. I always like to read them, they + appear to me so true an index of an amiable mind, and one not too + conscious of its own worth; beware of awakening in her this + consciousness by undue praise. It is the privilege of + simple-hearted, sensible, but not brilliant people, that they can + _be_ and _do_ good without comparing their own thoughts and actions + too closely with those of other people, and thence drawing strong + food for self-appreciation. Talented people almost always know full + well the excellence that is in them. I wish I could say anything + favourable, but how can we be more comfortable so long as Branwell + stays at home, and degenerates instead of improving? It has been + lately intimated to him, that he would be received again on the + railroad where he was formerly stationed if he would behave more + steadily, but he refuses to make an effort; he will not work; and at + home he is a drain on every resource--an impediment to all happiness. + But there is no use in complaining. + + 'My love to all. Write again soon. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 17_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I was glad to perceive, by the tone of your last + letter, that you are beginning to be a little more settled. We, I am + sorry to say, have been somewhat more harassed than usual lately. + The death of Mr. Robinson, which took place about three weeks or a + month ago, served Branwell for a pretext to throw all about him into + hubbub and confusion with his emotions, etc., etc. Shortly after + came news from all hands that Mr. Robinson had altered his will + before he died, and effectually prevented all chance of a marriage + between his widow and Branwell, by stipulating that she should not + have a shilling if she ever ventured to re-open any communication + with him. Of course he then became intolerable. To papa he allows + rest neither day nor night, and he is continually screwing money out + of him, sometimes threatening that he will kill himself if it is + withheld from him. He says Mrs. Robinson is now insane; that her + mind is a complete wreck owing to remorse for her conduct towards Mr. + Robinson (whose end it appears was hastened by distress of mind) and + grief for having lost him. I do not know how much to believe of what + he says, but I fear she is very ill. Branwell declares that he + neither can nor will do anything for himself. Good situations have + been offered him more than once, for which, by a fortnight's work, he + might have qualified himself, but he will do nothing, except drink + and make us all wretched. I had a note from Ellen Taylor a week ago, + in which she remarks that letters were received from New Zealand a + month since, and that all was well. I should like to hear from you + again soon. I hope one day to see Brookroyd again, though I think it + will not be yet--these are not times of amusement. Love to all. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 1_st_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Branwell has been conducting himself very badly lately. + I expect from the extravagance of his behaviour, and from mysterious + hints he drops (for he never will speak out plainly), that we shall + be hearing news of fresh debts contracted by him soon. The Misses + Robinson, who had entirely ceased their correspondence with Anne for + half a year after their father's death, have lately recommenced it. + For a fortnight they sent her a letter almost every day, crammed with + warm protestations of endless esteem and gratitude. They speak with + great affection too of their mother, and never make any allusion + intimating acquaintance with her errors. We take special care that + Branwell does not know of their writing to Anne. My health is + better: I lay the blame of its feebleness on the cold weather more + than on an uneasy mind, for, after all, I have many things to be + thankful for. Write again soon. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 12_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--We shall all be glad to see you on the Thursday or + Friday of next week, whichever day will suit you best. About what + time will you be likely to get here, and how will you come? By coach + to Keighley, or by a gig all the way to Haworth? There must be no + impediments now? I cannot do with them, I want very much to see you. + I hope you will be decently comfortable while you stay. + + 'Branwell is quieter now, and for a good reason: he has got to the + end of a considerable sum of money, and consequently is obliged to + restrict himself in some degree. You must expect to find him weaker + in mind, and a complete rake in appearance. I have no apprehension + of his being at all uncivil to you; on the contrary, he will be as + smooth as oil. I pray for fine weather that we may be able to get + out while you stay. Goodbye for the present. Prepare for much + dulness and monotony. Give my love to all at Brookroyd. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_July_ 28_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Branwell is the same in conduct as ever. His + constitution seems much shattered. Papa, and sometimes all of us, + have sad nights with him: he sleeps most of the day, and consequently + will lie awake at night. But has not every house its trial? + + 'Write to me very soon, dear Nell, and--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Branwell Bronte died on Sunday, September the 24th, 1848, {138} and the +two following letters from Charlotte to her friend Mr. Williams are +peculiarly interesting. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 2_nd_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--"We have hurried our dead out of our sight." A lull + begins to succeed the gloomy tumult of last week. It is not + permitted us to grieve for him who is gone as others grieve for those + they lose. The removal of our only brother must necessarily be + regarded by us rather in the light of a mercy than a chastisement. + Branwell was his father's and his sisters' pride and hope in boyhood, + but since manhood the case has been otherwise. It has been our lot + to see him take a wrong bent; to hope, expect, wait his return to the + right path; to know the sickness of hope deferred, the dismay of + prayer baffled; to experience despair at last--and now to behold the + sudden early obscure close of what might have been a noble career. + + 'I do not weep from a sense of bereavement--there is no prop + withdrawn, no consolation torn away, no dear companion lost--but for + the wreck of talent, the ruin of promise, the untimely dreary + extinction of what might have been a burning and a shining light. My + brother was a year my junior. I had aspirations and ambitions for + him once, long ago--they have perished mournfully. Nothing remains + of him but a memory of errors and sufferings. There is such a + bitterness of pity for his life and death, such a yearning for the + emptiness of his whole existence as I cannot describe. I trust time + will allay these feelings. + + 'My poor father naturally thought more of his _only_ son than of his + daughters, and, much and long as he had suffered on his account, he + cried out for his loss like David for that of Absalom--my son my + son!--and refused at first to be comforted. And then when I ought to + have been able to collect my strength and be at hand to support him, + I fell ill with an illness whose approaches I had felt for some time + previously, and of which the crisis was hastened by the awe and + trouble of the death-scene--the first I had ever witnessed. The past + has seemed to me a strange week. Thank God, for my father's sake, I + am better now, though still feeble. I wish indeed I had more general + physical strength--the want of it is sadly in my way. I cannot do + what I would do for want of sustained animal spirits and efficient + bodily vigour. + + 'My unhappy brother never knew what his sisters had done in + literature--he was not aware that they had ever published a line. We + could not tell him of our efforts for fear of causing him too deep a + pang of remorse for his own time mis-spent, and talents misapplied. + Now he will _never_ know. I cannot dwell longer on the subject at + present--it is too painful. + + 'I thank you for your kind sympathy, and pray earnestly that your + sons may all do well, and that you may be spared the sufferings my + father has gone through.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 6_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I thank you for your last truly friendly letter, and + for the number of _Blackwood_ which accompanied it. Both arrived at + a time when a relapse of illness had depressed me much. Both did me + good, especially the letter. I have only one fault to find with your + expressions of friendship: they make me ashamed, because they seem to + imply that you think better of me than I merit. I believe you are + prone to think too highly of your fellow-creatures in general--to see + too exclusively the good points of those for whom you have a regard. + Disappointment must be the inevitable result of this habit. Believe + all men, and women too, to be dust and ashes--a spark of the divinity + now and then kindling in the dull heap--that is all. When I looked + on the noble face and forehead of my dead brother (nature had + favoured him with a fairer outside, as well as a finer constitution, + than his sisters) and asked myself what had made him go ever wrong, + tend ever downwards, when he had so many gifts to induce to, and aid + in, an upward course, I seemed to receive an oppressive revelation of + the feebleness of humanity--of the inadequacy of even genius to lead + to true greatness if unaided by religion and principle. In the + value, or even the reality, of these two things he would never + believe till within a few days of his end; and then all at once he + seemed to open his heart to a conviction of their existence and + worth. The remembrance of this strange change now comforts my poor + father greatly. I myself, with painful, mournful joy, heard him + praying softly in his dying moments; and to the last prayer which my + father offered up at his bedside he added, "Amen." How unusual that + word appeared from his lips, of course you, who did not know him, + cannot conceive. Akin to this alteration was that in his feelings + towards his relations--all the bitterness seemed gone. + + 'When the struggle was over, and a marble calm began to succeed the + last dread agony, I felt, as I had never felt before, that there was + peace and forgiveness for him in Heaven. All his errors--to speak + plainly, all his vices--seemed nothing to me in that moment: every + wrong he had done, every pain he had caused, vanished; his sufferings + only were remembered; the wrench to the natural affections only was + left. If man can thus experience total oblivion of his fellow's + imperfections, how much more can the Eternal Being, who made man, + forgive His creature? + + 'Had his sins been scarlet in their dye, I believe now they are white + as wool. He is at rest, and that comforts us all. Long before he + quitted this world, life had no happiness for him. + + '_Blackwood's_ mention of _Jane Eyre_ gratified me much, and will + gratify me more, I dare say, when the ferment of other feelings than + that of literary ambition shall have a little subsided in my mind. + + 'The doctor has told me I must not expect too rapid a restoration to + health; but to-day I certainly feel better. I am thankful to say my + father has hitherto stood the storm well; and so have my _dear_ + sisters, to whose untiring care and kindness I am chiefly indebted + for my present state of convalescence.--Believe me, my dear sir, + yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The last letter in order of date that I have concerning Branwell is +addressed to Ellen Nussey's sister:-- + + TO MISS MERCY NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 25_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--Accept my sincere thanks for your kind letter. + The event to which you allude came upon us with startling suddenness, + and was a severe shock to us all. My poor brother has long had a + shaken constitution, and during the summer his appetite had been + diminished, and he had seemed weaker, but neither we, nor himself, + nor any medical man who was consulted on the case, thought it one of + immediate danger. He was out of doors two days before death, and was + only confined to bed one single day. + + 'I thank you for your kind sympathy. Many, under the circumstances, + would think our loss rather a relief than otherwise; in truth, we + must acknowledge, in all humility and gratitude, that God has greatly + tempered judgment with mercy. But yet, as you doubtless know from + experience, the last earthly separation cannot take place between + near relatives without the keenest pangs on the part of the + survivors. Every wrong and sin is forgotten then, pity and grief + share the heart and the memory between them. Yet we are not without + comfort in our affliction. A most propitious change marked the few + last days of poor Branwell's life: his demeanour, his language, his + sentiments were all singularly altered and softened. This change + could not be owing to the fear of death, for till within half-an-hour + of his decease he seemed unconscious of danger. In God's hands we + leave him: He sees not as man sees. + + 'Papa, I am thankful to say, has borne the event pretty well. His + distress was great at first--to lose an only son is no ordinary + trial, but his physical strength has not hitherto failed him, and he + has now in a great measure recovered his mental composure; my dear + sisters are pretty well also. Unfortunately, illness attacked me at + the crisis when strength was most needed. I bore up for a day or + two, hoping to be better, but got worse. Fever, sickness, total loss + of appetite, and internal pain were the symptoms. The doctor + pronounced it to be bilious fever, but I think it must have been in a + mitigated form; it yielded to medicine and care in a few days. I was + only confined to my bed a week, and am, I trust, nearly well now. I + felt it a grievous thing to be incapacitated from action and effort + at a time when action and effort were most called for. The past + month seems an overclouded period in my life. + + 'Give my best love to Mrs. Nussey and your sister, and--Believe me, + my dear Miss Nussey, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + _My unhappy brother never knew what his sisters had done in + literature_--_he was not aware that they had ever published a line_. + +Who that reads these words addressed to Mr. Williams can for a moment +imagine that Charlotte is speaking other than the truth? And yet we have +Mr. Grundy writing: + + _Patrick Bronte declared to me that he wrote a great portion of_ + '_Wuthering Heights_' _himself_. + +And Mr. George Searle Phillips, {142} with more vivid imagination, +describes Branwell holding forth to his friends in the parlour of the +Black Bull at Haworth, upon the genius of his sisters, and upon the +respective merits of _Jane Eyre_ and other works. Mr. Leyland is even so +foolish as to compare Branwell's poetry with Emily's, to the advantage of +the former--which makes further comment impossible. 'My unhappy brother +never knew what his sisters had done in literature'--these words of +Charlotte's may be taken as final for all who had any doubts concerning +the authorship of _Wuthering Heights_. + + + + +CHAPTER VI: EMILY JANE BRONTE + + +Emily Bronte is the sphinx of our modern literature. She came into being +in the family of an obscure clergyman, and she went out of it at +twenty-nine years of age without leaving behind her one single +significant record which was any key to her character or to her mode of +thought, save only the one famous novel, _Wuthering Heights_, and a few +poems--some three or four of which will live in our poetic anthologies +for ever. And she made no single friend other than her sister Anne. +With Anne she must have corresponded during the two or three periods of +her life when she was separated from that much loved sister; and we may +be sure that the correspondence was of a singularly affectionate +character. Charlotte, who never came very near to her in thought or +sympathy, although she loved her younger sister so deeply, addressed her +in one letter 'mine own bonnie love'; and it is certain that her own +letters to her two sisters, and particularly to Anne, must have been +peculiarly tender and in no way lacking in abundant self-revelation. +When Emily and Anne had both gone to the grave, Charlotte, it is +probable, carefully destroyed every scrap of their correspondence, and, +indeed, of their literary effects; and thus it is that, apart from her +books and literary fragments, we know Emily only by two formal letters to +her sister's friend. Beyond these there is not one scrap of information +as to Emily's outlook upon life. In infancy she went with Charlotte to +Cowan Bridge, and was described by the governess as 'a pretty little +thing.' In girlhood she went to Miss Wooler's school at Roe Head; but +there, unlike Charlotte, she made no friends. She and Anne were +inseparable when at home, but of what they said to one another there is +no record. The sisters must have differed in many ways. Anne, gentle +and persuasive, grew up like Charlotte, devoted to the Christianity of +her father and mother, and entirely in harmony with all the conditions of +a parsonage. It is impossible to think that the author of 'The Old +Stoic' and 'Last Lines' was equally attached to the creeds of the +churches; but what Emily thought on religious subjects the world will +never know. Mrs. Gaskell put to Miss Nussey this very question: 'What +was Emily's religion?' But Emily was the last person in the world to +have spoken to the most friendly of visitors about so sacred a theme. +For a short time, as we know, Emily was in a school at Law Hill near +Halifax--a Miss Patchet's. {145a} She was, for a still longer period, at +the Heger Pensionnat at Brussels. Mrs. Gaskell's business was to write +the life of Charlotte Bronte and not of her sister Emily; and as a result +there is little enough of Emily in Mrs. Gaskell's book--no record of the +Halifax and Brussels life as seen through Emily's eyes. Time, however, +has brought its revenge. The cult which started with Mr. Sydney Dobell, +and found poetic expression in Mr. Matthew Arnold's fine lines on her, + + 'Whose soul + Knew no fellow for might, + Passion, vehemence, grief, + Daring, since Byron died,' {145b} + +culminated in an enthusiastic eulogy by Mr. Swinburne, who placed her in +the very forefront of English women of genius. + +We have said that Emily Bronte is a sphinx whose riddle no amount of +research will enable us to read; and this chapter, it may be admitted, +adds but little to the longed-for knowledge of an interesting +personality. One scrap of Emily's handwriting, of a personal character, +has indeed come to me--overlooked, I doubt not, by Charlotte when she +burnt her sister's effects. I have before me a little tin box about two +inches long, which one day last year Mr. Nicholls turned out from the +bottom of a desk. It is of a kind in which one might keep pins or beads, +certainly of no value whatever apart from its associations. Within were +four little pieces of paper neatly folded to the size of a sixpence. +These papers were covered with handwriting, two of them by Emily, and two +by Anne Bronte. They revealed a pleasant if eccentric arrangement on the +part of the sisters, which appears to have been settled upon even after +they had passed their twentieth year. They had agreed to write a kind of +reminiscence every four years, to be opened by Emily on her birthday. +The papers, however, tell their own story, and I give first the two which +were written in 1841. Emily writes at Haworth, and Anne from her +situation as governess to Mr. Robinson's children at Thorp Green. At +this time, at any rate, Emily was fairly happy and in excellent health; +and although it is five years from the publication of the volume of +poems, she is full of literary projects, as is also her sister Anne. The +_Gondaland Chronicles_, to which reference is made, must remain a mystery +for us. They were doubtless destroyed, with abundant other memorials of +Emily, by the heart-broken sister who survived her. We have plentiful +material in the way of childish effort by Charlotte and by Branwell, but +there is hardly a scrap in the early handwriting of Emily and Anne. This +chapter would have been more interesting if only one possessed _Solala +Vernon's Life_ by Anne Bronte, or the _Gondaland Chronicles_ by Emily! + + [Picture: Facsimile of page of Emily Bronte's Diary] + + _A PAPER to be opened_ + _when Anne is_ + 25 _years old_, + _or my next birthday after_ + _if_ + _all be well_. + + _Emily Jane Bronte_. _July the_ 30_th_, 1841. + + _It is Friday evening_, _near 9 o'clock_--_wild rainy weather_. _I + am seated in the dining-room_, _having just concluded tidying our + desk boxes_, _writing this document_. _Papa is in the + parlour_--_aunt upstairs in her room_. _She has been reading + Blackwood's Magazine to papa_. _Victoria and Adelaide are ensconced + in the peat-house_. _Keeper is in the kitchen_--_Hero in his cage_. + _We are all stout and hearty_, _as I hope is the case with + Charlotte_, _Branwell_, _and Anne_, _of whom the first is at John + White_, _Esq._, _Upperwood House_, _Rawdon_; _the second is at + Luddenden Foot_; _and the third is_, _I believe_, _at Scarborough_, + _enditing perhaps a paper corresponding to this_. + + _A scheme is at present in agitation for setting us up in a school of + our own_; _as yet nothing is determined_, _but I hope and trust it + may go on and prosper and answer our highest expectations_. _This + day four years I wonder whether we shall still be dragging on in our + present condition or established to our hearts' content_. _Time will + show_. + + _I guess that at the time appointed for the opening of this paper + we_, i.e. _Charlotte_, _Anne_, _and I_, _shall be all merrily seated + in our own sitting-room in some pleasant and flourishing seminary_, + _having just gathered in for the midsummer ladyday_. _Our debts will + be paid off_, _and we shall have cash in hand to a considerable + amount_. _Papa_, _aunt_, _and Branwell will either_ _have been or be + coming to visit us_. _It will be a fine warm_, _summer evening_, + _very different from this bleak look-out_, _and Anne and I will + perchance slip out into the garden for a few minutes to peruse our + papers_. _I hope either this or something better will be the case_. + + _The_ Gondaliand _are at present in a threatening state_, _but there + is no open rupture as yet_. _All the princes and princesses of the + Royalty are at the Palace of Instruction_. _I have a good many books + on hand_, _but I am sorry to say that as usual I make small progress + with any_. _However_, _I have just made a new regularity paper_! + _and I must verb sap to do great things_. _And now I close_, + _sending from far an exhortation of courage_, _boys_! _courage_, _to + exiled and harassed Anne_, _wishing she was here_. + +Anne, as I have said, writes from Thorp Green. + + _July the_ 30_th_, A.D. 1841. + + _This is Emily's birthday_. _She has now completed her_ 23_rd_ + _year_, _and is_, _I believe_, _at home_. _Charlotte is a governess + in the family of Mr. White_. _Branwell is a clerk in the railroad + station at Luddenden Foot_, _and I am a governess in the family of + Mr. Robinson_. _I dislike the situation and wish to change it for + another_. _I am now at Scarborough_. _My pupils are gone to bed and + I am hastening to finish this before I follow them_. + + _We are thinking of setting up a school of our own_, _but nothing + definite is settled about it yet_, _and we do not know whether we + shall be able to or not_. _I hope we shall_. _And I wonder what + will be our condition and how or where we shall all be on this day + four years hence_; _at which time_, _all be well_, _I shall be_ 25 + _years and_ 6 _months old_, _Emily will be_ 27 _years old_, + _Branwell_ 28 _years and_ 1 _month_, _and Charlotte_ 29 _years and a + quarter_. _We are now all separate and not likely to meet again for + many a weary week_, _but we are none of us ill_ _that I know of and + all are doing something for our own livelihood except Emily_, _who_, + _however_, _is as busy as any of us_, _and in reality earns her food + and raiment as much as we do_. + + _How little know we what we are_ + _How less what we may be_! + + _Four years ago I was at school_. _Since then I have been a + governess at Blake Hall_, _left it_, _come to Thorp Green_, _and seen + the sea and York Minster_. _Emily has been a teacher at Miss + Patchet's school_, _and left it_. _Charlotte has left Miss + Wooler's_, _been a governess at Mrs. Sidgwick's_, _left her_, _and + gone to Mrs. White's_. _Branwell has given up painting_, _been a + tutor in Cumberland_, _left it_, _and become a clerk on the + railroad_. _Tabby has left us_, _Martha Brown has come in her + place_. _We have got Keeper_, _got a sweet little cat and lost it_, + _and also got a hawk_. _Got a wild goose which has flown away_, _and + three tame ones_, _one of which has been killed_. _All these + diversities_, _with many others_, _are things we did not expect or + foresee in the July of_ 1837. _What will the next four years bring + forth_? _Providence only knows_. _But we ourselves have sustained + very little alteration since that time_. _I have the same faults + that I had then_, _only I have more wisdom and experience_, _and a + little more self-possession than I then enjoyed_. _How will it be + when we open this paper and the one Emily has written_? _I wonder + whether the Gondaliand will still be flourishing_, _and what will be + their condition_. _I am now engaged in writing the fourth volume of + Solala Vernon's Life_. + + _For some time I have looked upon_ 25 _as a sort of era in my + existence_. _It may prove a true presentiment_, _or it may be only a + superstitious fancy_; _the latter seems most likely_, _but time will + show_. + + _Anne Bronte_. + +Let us next take up the other two little scraps of paper. They are dated +July the 30th, 1845, or Emily's twenty-seventh birthday. Many things +have happened, as she says. She has been to Brussels, and she has +settled definitely at home again. They are still keenly interested in +literature, and we still hear of the Gondals. There is wonderfully +little difference in the tone or spirit of the journals. The concluding +'best wishes for this whole house till July the 30th, 1848, and as much +longer as may be,' contain no premonition of coming disaster. Yet July +1848 was to find Branwell Bronte on the verge of the grave, and Emily on +her deathbed. She died on the 14th of December of that year. + + _Haworth_, _Thursday_, _July_ 30_th_, 1845. + + _My birthday_--_showery_, _breezy_, _cool_. _I am twenty-seven years + old to-day_. _This morning Anne and I opened the papers we wrote + four years since_, _on my twenty-third birthday_. _This paper we + intend_, _if all be well_, _to open on my thirtieth_--_three years + hence_, _in_ 1848. _Since the_ 1841 _paper the following events have + taken place_. _Our school scheme has been abandoned_, _and instead + Charlotte and I went to Brussels on the_ 8_th_ _of February_ 1842. + + _Branwell left his place at Luddenden Foot_. _C. and I returned from + Brussels_, _November_ 8_th_ 1842, _in consequence of aunt's death_. + + _Branwell went to Thorp Green as a tutor_, _where Anne still + continued_, _January_ 1843. + + _Charlotte returned to Brussels the same month_, _and_, _after + staying a year_, _came back again on New Year's Day_ 1844. + + _Anne left her situation at Thorp Green of her own accord_, _June_ + 1845. + + _Anne and I went our first long journey by ourselves together_, + _leaving home on the_ 30_th_ _of June_, _Monday_, _sleeping at York_, + _returning to Keighley Tuesday evening_, _sleeping there and walking + home on Wednesday morning_. _Though the weather was broken we + enjoyed ourselves very much_, _except during a few hours at + Bradford_. _And during our_ _excursion we were_, _Ronald Macalgin_, + _Henry Angora_, _Juliet Augusteena_, _Rosabella Esmaldan_, _Ella and + Julian Egremont_, _Catharine Navarre_, _and Cordelia Fitzaphnold_, + _escaping from the palaces of instruction to join the Royalists who + are hard driven at present by the victorious Republicans_. _The + Gondals still flourish bright as ever_. _I am at present writing a + work on the First War_. _Anne has been writing some articles on + this_, _and a book by Henry Sophona_. _We intend sticking firm by + the rascals as long as they delight us_, _which I am glad to say they + do at present_. _I should have mentioned that last summer the school + scheme was revived in full vigour_. _We had prospectuses printed_, + _despatched letters to all acquaintances imparting our plans_, _and + did our little all_; _but it was found no go_. _Now I don't desire a + school at all_, _and none of us have any great longing for it_. _We + have cash enough for our present wants_, _with a prospect of + accumulation_. _We are all in decent health_, _only that papa has a + complaint in his eyes_, _and with the exception of B._, _who_, _I + hope_, _will be better and do better hereafter_. _I am quite + contented for myself_: _not as idle as formerly_, _altogether as + hearty_, _and having learnt to make the most of the present and long + for the future with the fidgetiness that I cannot do all I wish_; + _seldom or ever troubled with nothing to do_, _and merely desiring + that everybody could be as comfortable as myself and as + undesponding_, _and then we should have a very tolerable world of + it_. + + _By mistake I find we have opened the paper on the_ 31_st_ _instead + of the_ 30_th_. _Yesterday was much such a day as this_, _but the + morning was divine_. + + _Tabby_, _who was gone in our last paper_, _is come back_, _and has + lived with us two years and a half_; _and is in good health_. + _Martha_, _who also departed_, _is here too_. _We have got Flossy_; + _got and lost Tiger_; _lost the hawk Hero_, _which_, _with the + geese_, _was given away_, _and is doubtless dead_, _for when I came + back from Brussels I inquired on all hands and could_ _hear nothing + of him_. _Tiger died early last year_. _Keeper and Flossy are + well_, _also the canary acquired four years since_. _We are now all + at home_, _and likely to be there some time_. _Branwell went to + Liverpool on Tuesday to stay a week_. _Tabby has just been teasing + me to turn as formerly to_ '_Pilloputate_.' _Anne and I should have + picked the black currants if it had been fine and sunshiny_. _I must + hurry off now to my turning and ironing_. _I have plenty of work on + hands_, _and writing_, _and am altogether full of business_. _With + best wishes for the whole house till_ 1848, _July_ 30_th_, _and as + much longer as may be_,--_I conclude_. + + _Emily Bronte_. + +Finally, I give Anne's last fragment, concerning which silence is +essential. Interpretation of most of the references would be mere +guess-work. + + _Thursday_, _July the_ 31_st_, 1845. _Yesterday was Emily's + birthday_, _and the time when we should have opened our_ 1845 + _paper_, _but by mistake we opened it to-day instead_. _How many + things have happened since it was written_--_some pleasant_, _some + far otherwise_. _Yet I was then at Thorp Green_, _and now I am only + just escaped from it_. _I was wishing to leave it then_, _and if I + had known that I had four years longer to stay how wretched I should + have been_; _but during my stay I have had some very unpleasant and + undreamt-of experience of human nature_. _Others have seen more + changes_. _Charlotte has left Mr. White's and been twice to + Brussels_, _where she stayed each time nearly a year_. _Emily has + been there too_, _and stayed nearly a year_. _Branwell has left + Luddenden Foot_, _and been a tutor at Thorp Green_, _and had much + tribulation and ill health_. _He was very ill on Thursday_, _but he + went with John Brown to Liverpool_, _where he now is_, _I suppose_; + _and we hope he will be better and do better in future_. _This is a + dismal_, _cloudy_, _wet evening_. _We have had so far a very cold + wet summer_. _Charlotte has lately been to Hathersage_, _in_ + _Derbyshire_, _on a visit of three weeks to Ellen Nussey_. _She is + now sitting sewing in the dining-room_. _Emily is ironing upstairs_. + _I am sitting in the dining-room in the rocking-chair before the fire + with my feet on the fender_. _Papa is in the parlour_. _Tabby and + Martha are_, _I think_, _in the kitchen_. _Keeper and Flossy are_, + _I do not know where_. _Little Dick is hopping in his cage_. _When + the last paper was written we were thinking of setting up a school_. + _The scheme has been dropt_, _and long after taken up again and dropt + again because we could not get pupils_. _Charlotte is thinking about + getting another situation_. _She wishes to go to Paris_. _Will she + go_? _She has let Flossy in_, _by-the-by_, _and he is now lying on + the sofa_. _Emily is engaged in writing the Emperor Julius's life_. + _She has read some of it_, _and I want very much to hear the rest_. + _She is writing some poetry_, _too_. _I wonder what it is about_? + _I have begun the third volume of Passages in the Life of an + Individual_. _I wish I had finished it_. _This afternoon I began to + set about making my grey figured silk frock that was dyed at + Keighley_. _What sort of a hand shall I make of it_? _E. and I have + a great deal of work to do_. _When shall we sensibly diminish it_? + _I want to get a habit of early rising_. _Shall I succeed_? _We + have not yet finished our Gondal Chronicles that we began three years + and a half ago_. _When will they be done_? _The Gondals are at + present in a sad state_. _The Republicans are uppermost_, _but the + Royalists are not quite overcome_. _The young sovereigns_, _with + their brothers and sisters_, _are still at the Palace of + Instruction_. _The Unique Society_, _above half a year ago_, _were + wrecked on a desert island as they were returning from Gaul_. _They + are still there_, _but we have not played at them much yet_. _The + Gondals in general are not in first-rate playing condition_. _Will + they improve_? _I wonder how we shall all be and where and how + situated on the thirtieth of July_ 1848, _when_, _if we are all + alive_, _Emily will be just_ 30. _I shall_ _be in my_ 29th _year_, + _Charlotte in her_ 33rd, _and Branwell in his_ 32nd; _and what + changes shall we have seen and known_; _and shall we be much changed + ourselves_? _I hope not_, _for the worse at least_. _I for my part + cannot well be flatter or older in mind than I am now_. _Hoping for + the best_, _I conclude_. + + _Anne Bronte_. + +Exactly fifty years were to elapse before these pieces of writing saw the +light. The interest which must always centre in Emily Bronte amply +justifies my publishing a fragment in facsimile; and it has the greater +moment on account of the rough drawing which Emily has made of herself +and of her dog Keeper. Emily's taste for drawing is a pathetic element +in her always pathetic life. I have seen a number of her sketches. +There is one in the possession of Mr. Nicholls of Keeper and Flossy, the +former the bull-dog which followed her to the grave, the latter a little +King Charlie which one of the Miss Robinsons gave to Anne. The sketch, +however, like most of Emily's drawings, is technically full of errors. +She was not a born artist, and possibly she had not the best +opportunities of becoming one by hard work. Another drawing before me is +of the hawk mentioned in the above fragment; and yet another is of the +dog Growler, a predecessor of Keeper, which is not, however, mentioned in +the correspondence. Upon Emily Bronte, the poet, I do not propose to +write here. She left behind her, and Charlotte preserved, a manuscript +volume containing the whole of the poems in the two collections of her +verse, and there are other poems not yet published. Here, for example, +are some verses in which the Gondals make a slight reappearance. + + [Picture: Facsimile of two pages of Emily Bronte's Diary] + + '_May_ 21_st_, 1838. + + GLENEDEN'S DREAM. + + 'Tell me, whether is it winter? + Say how long my sleep has been. + Have the woods I left so lovely + Lost their robes of tender green? + + 'Is the morning slow in coming? + Is the night time loth to go? + Tell me, are the dreary mountains + Drearier still with drifted snow? + + '"Captive, since thou sawest the forest, + All its leaves have died away, + And another March has woven + Garlands for another May. + + '"Ice has barred the Arctic waters; + Soft Southern winds have set it free; + And once more to deep green valley + Golden flowers might welcome thee." + + 'Watcher in this lonely prison, + Shut from joy and kindly air, + Heaven descending in a vision + Taught my soul to do and bear. + + 'It was night, a night of winter, + I lay on the dungeon floor, + And all other sounds were silent-- + All, except the river's roar. + + 'Over Death and Desolation, + Fireless hearths, and lifeless homes; + Over orphans' heartsick sorrows, + Patriot fathers' bloody tombs; + + 'Over friends, that my arms never + Might embrace in love again; + Memory ponderous until madness + Struck its poniard in my brain. + + 'Deepest slumbers followed raving, + Yet, methought, I brooded still; + Still I saw my country bleeding, + Dying for a Tyrant's will. + + 'Not because my bliss was blasted, + Burned within the avenging flame; + Not because my scattered kindred + Died in woe or lived in shame. + + 'God doth know I would have given + Every bosom dear to me, + Could that sacrifice have purchased + Tortured Gondal's liberty! + + 'But that at Ambition's bidding + All her cherished hopes should wane, + That her noblest sons should muster, + Strive and fight and fall in vain. + + 'Hut and castle, hall and cottage, + Roofless, crumbling to the ground, + Mighty Heaven, a glad Avenger + Thy eternal Justice found. + + 'Yes, the arm that once would shudder + Even to grieve a wounded deer, + I beheld it, unrelenting, + Clothe in blood its sovereign's prayer. + + 'Glorious Dream! I saw the city + Blazing in Imperial shine, + And among adoring thousands + Stood a man of form divine. + + 'None need point the princely victim-- + Now he smiles with royal pride! + Now his glance is bright as lightning, + Now the knife is in his side! + + 'Ah! I saw how death could darken, + Darken that triumphant eye! + His red heart's blood drenched my dagger; + My ear drank his dying sigh! + + 'Shadows come! what means this midnight? + O my God, I know it all! + Know the fever dream is over, + Unavenged, the Avengers fall!' + +There are, indeed, a few fragments, all written in that tiny handwriting +which the girls affected, and bearing various dates from 1833 to 1840. A +new edition of Emily's poems, will, by virtue of these verses, have a +singular interest for her admirers. With all her gifts as a poet, +however, it is by _Wuthering Heights_ that Emily Bronte is best known to +the world; and the weirdness and force of that book suggest an inquiry +concerning the influences which produced it. Dr. Wright, in his +entertaining book, _The Brontes in Ireland_, recounts the story of +Patrick Bronte's origin, and insists that it was in listening to her +father's anecdotes of his own Irish experiences that Emily obtained the +weird material of _Wuthering Heights_. It is not, of course, enough to +point out that Dr. Wright's story of the Irish Brontes is full of +contradictions. A number of tales picked up at random from an illiterate +peasantry might very well abound in inconsistencies, and yet contain some +measure of truth. But nothing in Dr. Wright's narrative is confirmed, +save only the fact that Patrick Bronte continued throughout his life in +some slight measure of correspondence with his brothers and sisters--a +fact rendered sufficiently evident by a perusal of his will. Dr. Wright +tells of many visits to Ireland in order to trace the Bronte traditions +to their source; and yet he had not--in his first edition--marked the +elementary fact that the registry of births in County Down records the +existence of innumerable Bruntys and of not a single Bronte. Dr. Wright +probably made his inquiries with the stories of Emily and Charlotte well +in mind. He sought for similar traditions, and the quick-witted Irish +peasantry gave him all that he wanted. They served up and embellished +the current traditions of the neighbourhood for his benefit, as the +peasantry do everywhere for folklore enthusiasts. Charlotte Bronte's +uncle Hugh, we are told, read the _Quarterly Review_ article upon _Jane +Eyre_, and, armed with a shillelagh, came to England, in order to wreak +vengeance upon the writer of the bitter attack. He landed at Liverpool, +walked from Liverpool to Haworth, saw his nieces, who 'gathered round +him,' and listened to his account of his mission. He then went to London +and made abundant inquiries--but why pursue this ludicrous story further? +In the first place, the _Quarterly Review_ article was published in +December 1848--after Emily was dead, and while Anne was dying. Very soon +after the review appeared Charlotte was informed of its authorship, and +references to Miss Rigby and the _Quarterly_ are found more than once in +her correspondence with Mr. Williams. {158} + +This is a lengthy digression from the story of Emily's life, but it is of +moment to discover whether there is any evidence of influences other than +those which her Yorkshire home afforded. I have discussed the matter +with Miss Ellen Nussey, and with Mr. Nicholls. Miss Nussey never, in all +her visits to Haworth, heard a single reference to the Irish legends +related by Dr. Wright, and firmly believes them to be mythical. Mr. +Nicholls, during the six years that he lived alone at the parsonage with +his father-in-law, never heard one single word from Mr. Bronte--who was +by no means disposed to reticence--about these stories, and is also of +opinion that they are purely legendary. + +It has been suggested that Emily would have been guilty almost of a crime +to have based the more sordid part of her narrative upon her brother's +transgressions. This is sheer nonsense. She wrote _Wuthering Heights_ +because she was impelled thereto, and the book, with all its morbid force +and fire, will remain, for all time, as a monument of the most striking +genius that nineteenth century womanhood has given us. It was partly her +life in Yorkshire--the local colour was mainly derived from her brief +experience as a governess at Halifax--but it was partly, also, the German +fiction which she had devoured during the Brussels period, that inspired +_Wuthering Heights_. + +Here, however, are glimpses of Emily Bronte on a more human side. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 25_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I got home safely, and was not too much tired on + arriving at Haworth. I feel rather better to-day than I have been, + and in time I hope to regain more strength. I found Emily and Papa + well, and a letter from Branwell intimating that he and Anne are + pretty well too. Emily is much obliged to you for the flower seeds. + She wishes to know if the Sicilian pea and crimson corn-flower are + hardy flowers, or if they are delicate, and should be sown in warm + and sheltered situations? Tell me also if you went to Mrs. John + Swain's on Friday, and if you enjoyed yourself; talk to me, in short, + as you would do if we were together. Good-morning, dear Nell; I + shall say no more to you at present. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 5_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--We were all very glad to get your letter this morning. + _We_, I say, as both Papa and Emily were anxious to hear of the safe + arrival of yourself and the little _varmint_. {159} As you + conjecture, Emily and I set-to to shirt-making the very day after you + left, and we have stuck to it pretty closely ever since. We miss + your society at least as much as you miss ours, depend upon it; would + that you were within calling distance. Be sure you write to me. I + shall expect another letter on Thursday--don't disappoint me. Best + regards to your mother and sisters.--Yours, somewhat irritated, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Earlier than this Emily had herself addressed a letter to Miss Nussey, +and, indeed, the two letters from Emily Bronte to Ellen Nussey which I +print here are, I imagine, the only letters of Emily's in existence. Mr. +Nicholls informs me that he has never seen a letter in Emily's +handwriting. The following letter is written during Charlotte's second +stay in Brussels, and at a time when Ellen Nussey contemplated joining +her there--a project never carried out. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 12, 1843. + + 'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--I should be wanting in common civility if I did + not thank you for your kindness in letting me know of an opportunity + to send postage free. + + 'I have written as you directed, though if next Tuesday means + to-morrow I fear it will be too late. Charlotte has never mentioned + a word about coming home. If you would go over for half-a-year, + perhaps you might be able to bring her back with you--otherwise, she + might vegetate there till the age of Methuselah for mere lack of + courage to face the voyage. + + 'All here are in good health; so was Anne according to her last + account. The holidays will be here in a week or two, and then, if + she be willing, I will get her to write you a proper letter, a feat + that I have never performed.--With love and good wishes, + + 'EMILY J. BRONTE.' + +The next letter is written at the time that Charlotte is staying with her +friend at Mr. Henry Nussey's house at Hathersage in Derbyshire. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _February_ 9_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--I fancy this note will be too late to decide one + way or other with respect to Charlotte's stay. Yours only came this + morning (Wednesday), and unless mine travels faster you will not + receive it till Friday. Papa, of course, misses Charlotte, and will + be glad to have her back. Anne and I ditto; but as she goes from + home so seldom, you may keep her a day or two longer, if your + eloquence is equal to the task of persuading her--that is, if she + still be with you when you get this permission. Love from + Anne.--Yours truly, + + 'EMILY J. BRONTE.' + +_Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_, 'by Ellis and Acton Bell,' were +published together in three volumes in 1847. The former novel occupied +two volumes, and the latter one. By a strange freak of publishing, the +book was issued as _Wuthering Heights_, vol. I. and II., and _Agnes +Grey_, vol. III., in deference, it must be supposed, to the passion for +the three volume novel. Charlotte refers to the publication in the next +letter, which contained as inclosure the second preface to _Jane +Eyre_--the preface actually published. {161} An earlier preface, +entitled 'A Word to the _Quarterly_,' was cancelled. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 21_st_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I am, for my own part, dissatisfied with the preface I + sent--I fear it savours of flippancy. If you see no objection I + should prefer substituting the inclosed. It is rather more lengthy, + but it expresses something I have long wished to express. + + 'Mr. Smith is kind indeed to think of sending me _The Jar of Honey_. + When I receive the book I will write to him. I cannot thank you + sufficiently for your letters, and I can give you but a faint idea of + the pleasure they afford me; they seem to introduce such light and + life to the torpid retirement where we live like dormice. But, + understand this distinctly, you must never write to me except when + you have both leisure and inclination. I know your time is too fully + occupied and too valuable to be often at the service of any one + individual. + + 'You are not far wrong in your judgment respecting _Wuthering + Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_. Ellis has a strong, original mind, full + of strange though sombre power. When he writes poetry that power + speaks in language at once condensed, elaborated, and refined, but in + prose it breaks forth in scenes which shock more than they attract. + Ellis will improve, however, because he knows his defects. _Agnes + Grey_ is the mirror of the mind of the writer. The orthography and + punctuation of the books are mortifying to a degree: almost all the + errors that were corrected in the proof-sheets appear intact in what + should have been the fair copies. If Mr. Newby always does business + in this way, few authors would like to have him for their publisher a + second time.--Believe me, dear sir, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + +When _Jane Eyre_ was performed at a London theatre--and it has been more +than once adapted for the stage, and performed many hundreds of times in +England and America--Charlotte Bronte wrote to her friend Mr. Williams as +follows:-- + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 5_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--A representation of _Jane Eyre_ at a minor theatre would + no doubt be a rather afflicting spectacle to the author of that work. + I suppose all would be wofully exaggerated and painfully vulgarised + by the actors and actresses on such a stage. What, I cannot help + asking myself, would they make of Mr. Rochester? And the picture my + fancy conjures up by way of reply is a somewhat humiliating one. + What would they make of Jane Eyre? I see something very pert and + very affected as an answer to that query. + + 'Still, were it in my power, I should certainly make a point of being + myself a witness of the exhibition. Could I go quietly and alone, I + undoubtedly should go; I should endeavour to endure both rant and + whine, strut and grimace, for the sake of the useful observations to + be collected in such a scene. + + 'As to whether I wish _you_ to go, that is another question. I am + afraid I have hardly fortitude enough really to wish it. One can + endure being disgusted with one's own work, but that a friend should + share the repugnance is unpleasant. Still, I know it would interest + me to hear both your account of the exhibition and any ideas which + the effect of the various parts on the spectators might suggest to + you. In short, I should like to know what you would think, and to + hear what you would say on the subject. But you must not go merely + to satisfy my curiosity; you must do as you think proper. Whatever + you decide on will content me: if you do not go, you will be spared a + vulgarising impression of the book; if you _do_ go, I shall perhaps + gain a little information--either alternative has its advantage. + {163} + + 'I am glad to hear that the second edition is selling, for the sake + of Messrs. Smith & Elder. I rather feared it would remain on hand, + and occasion loss. _Wuthering Heights_ it appears is selling too, + and consequently Mr. Newby is getting into marvellously good tune + with his authors.--I remain, my dear sir, yours faithfully, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + +I print the above letter here because of its sequel, which has something +to say of Ellis--of Emily Bronte. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 15_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--Your letter, as you may fancy, has given me something to + think about. It has presented to my mind a curious picture, for the + description you give is so vivid, I seem to realise it all. I wanted + information and I have got it. You have raised the veil from a + corner of your great world--your London--and have shown me a glimpse + of what I might call loathsome, but which I prefer calling _strange_. + Such, then, is a sample of what amuses the metropolitan populace! + Such is a view of one of their haunts! + + 'Did I not say that I would have gone to this theatre and witnessed + this exhibition if it had been in my power? What absurdities people + utter when they speak of they know not what! + + 'You must try now to forget entirely what you saw. + + 'As to my next book, I suppose it will grow to maturity in time, as + grass grows or corn ripens; but I cannot force it. It makes slow + progress thus far: it is not every day, nor even every week that I + can write what is worth reading; but I shall (if not hindered by + other matters) be industrious when the humour comes, and in due time + I hope to see such a result as I shall not be ashamed to offer you, + my publishers, and the public. + + 'Have you not two classes of writers--the author and the bookmaker? + And is not the latter more prolific than the former? Is he not, + indeed, wonderfully fertile; but does the public, or the publisher + even, make much account of his productions? Do not both tire of him + in time? + + 'Is it not because authors aim at a style of living better suited to + merchants, professed gain-seekers, that they are often compelled to + degenerate to mere bookmakers, and to find the great stimulus of + their pen in the necessity of earning money? If they were not + ashamed to be frugal, might they not be more independent? + + 'I should much--very much--like to take that quiet view of the "great + world" you allude to, but I have as yet won no right to give myself + such a treat: it must be for some future day--when, I don't know. + Ellis, I imagine, would soon turn aside from the spectacle in + disgust. I do not think he admits it as his creed that "the proper + study of mankind is man"--at least not the artificial man of cities. + In some points I consider Ellis somewhat of a theorist: now and then + he broaches ideas which strike my sense as much more daring and + original than practical; his reason may be in advance of mine, but + certainly it often travels a different road. I should say Ellis will + not be seen in his full strength till he is seen as an essayist. + + 'I return to you the note inclosed under your cover, it is from the + editor of the _Berwick Warder_; he wants a copy of _Jane Eyre_ to + review. + + 'With renewed thanks for your continued goodness to me,--I remain, my + dear sir, yours faithfully, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + +A short time afterwards the illness came to Emily from which she died the +same year. Branwell died in September 1848, and a month later Charlotte +writes with a heart full of misgivings:-- + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_October_ 29_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I am sorry you should have been uneasy at my not + writing to you ere this, but you must remember it is scarcely a week + since I received your last, and my life is not so varied that in the + interim much should have occurred worthy of mention. You insist that + I should write about myself; this puts me in straits, for I really + have nothing interesting to say about myself. I think I have now + nearly got over the effects of my late illness, and am almost + restored to my normal condition of health. I sometimes wish that it + was a little higher, but we ought to be content with such blessings + as we have, and not pine after those that are out of our reach. I + feel much more uneasy about my sisters than myself just now. Emily's + cold and cough are very obstinate. I fear she has pain in the chest, + and I sometimes catch a shortness in her breathing, when she has + moved at all quickly. She looks very, very thin and pale. Her + reserved nature occasions me great uneasiness of mind. It is useless + to question her--you get no answers. It is still more useless to + recommend remedies--they are never adopted. Nor can I shut my eyes + to the fact of Anne's great delicacy of constitution. The late sad + event has, I feel, made me more apprehensive than common. I cannot + help feeling much depressed sometimes. I try to leave all in God's + hands; to trust in His goodness; but faith and resignation are + difficult to practise under some circumstances. The weather has been + most unfavourable for invalids of late: sudden changes of + temperature, and cold penetrating winds have been frequent here. + Should the atmosphere become settled, perhaps a favourable effect + might be produced on the general health, and those harassing coughs + and colds be removed. Papa has not quite escaped, but he has, so + far, stood it out better than any of us. You must not mention my + going to Brookroyd this winter. I could not, and would not, leave + home on any account. I am truly sorry to hear of Miss Heald's + serious illness, it seems to me she has been for some years out of + health now. These things make one _feel_ as well as _know_, that + this world is not our abiding-place. We should not knit human ties + too close, or clasp human affections too fondly. They must leave us, + or we must leave them, one day. Good-bye for the present. God + restore health and strength to you and to all who need it.--Yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 2_nd_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have received, since I last wrote to you, two + papers, the _Standard of Freedom_ and the _Morning Herald_, both + containing notices of the Poems; which notices, I hope, will at least + serve a useful purpose to Mr. Smith in attracting public attention to + the volume. As critiques, I should have thought more of them had + they more fully recognised Ellis Bell's merits; but the lovers of + abstract poetry are few in number. + + 'Your last letter was very welcome, it was written with so kind an + intention: you made it so interesting in order to divert my mind. I + should have thanked you for it before now, only that I kept waiting + for a cheerful day and mood in which to address you, and I grieve to + say the shadow which has fallen on our quiet home still lingers round + it. I am better, but others are ill now. Papa is not well, my + sister Emily has something like slow inflammation of the lungs, and + even our old servant, who lived with us nearly a quarter of a + century, is suffering under serious indisposition. + + 'I would fain hope that Emily is a little better this evening, but it + is difficult to ascertain this. She is a real stoic in illness: she + neither seeks nor will accept sympathy. To put any questions, to + offer any aid, is to annoy; she will not yield a step before pain or + sickness till forced; not one of her ordinary avocations will she + voluntarily renounce. You must look on and see her do what she is + unfit to do, and not dare to say a word--a painful necessity for + those to whom her health and existence are as precious as the life in + their veins. When she is ill there seems to be no sunshine in the + world for me. The tie of sister is near and dear indeed, and I think + a certain harshness in her powerful and peculiar character only makes + me cling to her more. But this is all family egotism (so to + speak)--excuse it, and, above all, never allude to it, or to the name + Emily, when you write to me. I do not always show your letters, but + I never withhold them when they are inquired after. + + 'I am sorry I cannot claim for the name Bronte the honour of being + connected with the notice in the _Bradford Observer_. That paper is + in the hands of dissenters, and I should think the best articles are + usually written by one or two intelligent dissenting ministers in the + town. Alexander Harris {168a} is fortunate in your encouragement, as + Currer Bell once was. He has not forgotten the first letter he + received from you, declining indeed his MS. of _The Professor_, but + in terms so different from those in which the rejections of the other + publishers had been expressed--with so much more sense and kind + feeling, it took away the sting of disappointment and kindled new + hope in his mind. + + 'Currer Bell might expostulate with you again about thinking too well + of him, but he refrains; he prefers acknowledging that the expression + of a fellow creature's regard--even if more than he deserves--does + him good: it gives him a sense of content. Whatever portion of the + tribute is unmerited on his part, would, he is aware, if exposed to + the test of daily acquaintance, disperse like a broken bubble, but he + has confidence that a portion, however minute, of solid friendship + would remain behind, and that portion he reckons amongst his + treasures. + + 'I am glad, by-the-bye, to hear that _Madeline_ is come out at last, + and was happy to see a favourable notice of that work and of _The + Three Paths_ in the _Morning Herald_. I wish Miss Kavanagh all + success. {168b} + + 'Trusting that Mrs. Williams's health continues strong, and that your + own and that of all your children is satisfactory, for without health + there is little comfort,--I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The next letter gives perhaps the most interesting glimpse of Emily that +has been afforded us. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 22_nd_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I put your most friendly letter into Emily's hands as + soon as I had myself perused it, taking care, however, not to say a + word in favour of homoeopathy--that would not have answered. It is + best usually to leave her to form her own judgment, and _especially_ + not to advocate the side you wish her to favour; if you do, she is + sure to lean in the opposite direction, and ten to one will argue + herself into non-compliance. Hitherto she has refused medicine, + rejected medical advice; no reasoning, no entreaty, has availed to + induce her to see a physician. After reading your letter she said, + "Mr. Williams's intention was kind and good, but he was under a + delusion: Homoeopathy was only another form of quackery." Yet she + may reconsider this opinion and come to a different conclusion; her + second thoughts are often the best. + + 'The _North American Review_ is worth reading; there is no mincing + the matter there. What a bad set the Bells must be! What appalling + books they write! To-day, as Emily appeared a little easier, I + thought the _Review_ would amuse her, so I read it aloud to her and + Anne. As I sat between them at our quiet but now somewhat melancholy + fireside, I studied the two ferocious authors. Ellis, the "man of + uncommon talents, but dogged, brutal, and morose," sat leaning back + in his easy chair drawing his impeded breath as he best could, and + looking, alas! piteously pale and wasted; it is not his wont to + laugh, but he smiled half-amused and half in scorn as he listened. + Acton was sewing, no emotion ever stirs him to loquacity, so he only + smiled too, dropping at the same time a single word of calm amazement + to hear his character so darkly portrayed. I wonder what the + reviewer would have thought of his own sagacity could he have beheld + the pair as I did. Vainly, too, might he have looked round for the + masculine partner in the firm of "Bell & Co." How I laugh in my + sleeve when I read the solemn assertions that _Jane Eyre_ was written + in partnership, and that it "bears the marks of more than one mind + and one sex." + + 'The wise critics would certainly sink a degree in their own + estimation if they knew that yours or Mr. Smith's was the first + masculine hand that touched the MS. of _Jane Eyre_, and that till you + or he read it no masculine eye had scanned a line of its contents, no + masculine ear heard a phrase from its pages. However, the view they + take of the matter rather pleases me than otherwise. If they like, I + am not unwilling they should think a dozen ladies and gentlemen aided + at the compilation of the book. Strange patchwork it must seem to + them--this chapter being penned by Mr., and that by Miss or Mrs. + Bell; that character or scene being delineated by the husband, that + other by the wife! The gentleman, of course, doing the rough work, + the lady getting up the finer parts. I admire the idea vastly. + + 'I have read _Madeline_. It is a fine pearl in simple setting. + Julia Kavanagh has my esteem; I would rather know her than many far + more brilliant personages. Somehow my heart leans more to her than + to Eliza Lynn, for instance. Not that I have read either _Amymone_ + or _Azeth_, but I have seen extracts from them which I found it + literally impossible to digest. They presented to my imagination + Lytton Bulwer in petticoats--an overwhelming vision. By-the-bye, the + American critic talks admirable sense about Bulwer--candour obliges + me to confess that. + + 'I must abruptly bid you good-bye for the present.--Yours sincerely, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 7_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I duly received Dr. Curie's work on Homoeopathy, and + ought to apologise for having forgotten to thank you for it. I will + return it when I have given it a more attentive perusal than I have + yet had leisure to do. My sister has read it, but as yet she remains + unshaken in her former opinion: she will not admit there can be + efficacy in such a system. Were I in her place, it appears to me + that I should be glad to give it a trial, confident that it can + scarcely do harm and might do good. + + 'I can give no favourable report of Emily's state. My father is very + despondent about her. Anne and I cherish hope as well as we can, but + her appearance and her symptoms tend to crush that feeling. Yet I + argue that the present emaciation, cough, weakness, shortness of + breath are the results of inflammation, now, I trust, subsided, and + that with time these ailments will gradually leave her. But my + father shakes his head and speaks of others of our family once + similarly afflicted, for whom he likewise persisted in hoping against + hope, and who are now removed where hope and fear fluctuate no more. + There were, however, differences between their case and + hers--important differences I think. I must cling to the expectation + of her recovery, I cannot renounce it. + + 'Much would I give to have the opinion of a skilful professional man. + It is easy, my dear sir, to say there is nothing in medicine, and + that physicians are useless, but we naturally wish to procure aid for + those we love when we see them suffer; most painful is it to sit + still, look on, and do nothing. Would that my sister added to her + many great qualities the humble one of tractability! I have again + and again incurred her displeasure by urging the necessity of seeking + advice, and I fear I must yet incur it again and again. Let me leave + the subject; I have no right thus to make you a sharer in our sorrow. + + 'I am indeed surprised that Mr. Newby should say that he is to + publish another work by Ellis and Acton Bell. Acton has had quite + enough of him. I think I _have_ before intimated that that author + never more intends to have Mr. Newby for a publisher. Not only does + he seem to forget that engagements made should be fulfilled, but by a + system of petty and contemptible manoeuvring he throws an air of + charlatanry over the works of which he has the management. This does + not suit the "Bells": they have their own rude north-country ideas of + what is delicate, honourable, and gentlemanlike. + + 'Newby's conduct in no sort corresponds with these notions; they have + found him--I will not say what they have found him. Two words that + would exactly suit him are at my pen point, but I shall not take the + trouble to employ them. + + 'Ellis Bell is at present in no condition to trouble himself with + thoughts either of writing or publishing. Should it please Heaven to + restore his health and strength, he reserves to himself the right of + deciding whether or not Mr. Newby has forfeited every claim to his + second work. + + 'I have not yet read the second number of _Pendennis_. The first I + thought rich in indication of ease, resource, promise; but it is not + Thackeray's way to develop his full power all at once. _Vanity Fair_ + began very quietly--it was quiet all through, but the stream as it + rolled gathered a resistless volume and force. Such, I doubt not, + will be the case with _Pendennis_. + + 'You must forget what I said about Eliza Lynn. She may be the best + of human beings, and I am but a narrow-minded fool to express + prejudice against a person I have never seen. + + 'Believe me, my dear sir, in haste, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The next four letters speak for themselves. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 9_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Your letter seems to relieve me from a difficulty and + to open my way. I know it would be useless to consult Drs. Elliotson + or Forbes: my sister would not see the most skilful physician in + England if he were brought to her just now, nor would she follow his + prescription. With regard to Homoeopathy, she has at least admitted + that it cannot do much harm; perhaps if I get the medicines she may + consent to try them; at any rate, the experiment shall be made. + + 'Not knowing Dr. Epps's address, I send the inclosed statement of her + case through your hands. {173} + + 'I deeply feel both your kindness and Mr. Smith's in thus interesting + yourselves in what touches me so nearly.--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 15_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I mentioned your coming here to Emily as a mere + suggestion, with the faint hope that the prospect might cheer her, as + she really esteems you perhaps more than any other person out of this + house. I found, however, it would not do; any, the slightest + excitement or putting out of the way is not to be thought of, and + indeed I do not think the journey in this unsettled weather, with the + walk from Keighley and walk back, at all advisable for yourself. Yet + I should have liked to see you, and so would Anne. Emily continues + much the same; yesterday I thought her a little better, but to-day + she is not so well. I hope still, for I _must_ hope--she is dear to + me as life. If I let the faintness of despair reach my heart I shall + become worthless. The attack was, I believe, in the first place, + inflammation of the lungs; it ought to have been met promptly in + time. She is too intractable. I _do_ wish I knew her state and + feelings more clearly. The fever is not so high as it was, but the + pain in the side, the cough, the emaciation are there still. + + 'Remember me kindly to all at Brookroyd, and believe me, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 21_st_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--Emily suffers no more from pain or weakness now. + She will never suffer more in this world. She is gone, after a hard, + short conflict. She died on _Tuesday_, the very day I wrote to you. + I thought it very possible she might be with us still for weeks, and + a few hours afterwards she was in eternity. Yes, there is no Emily + in time or on earth now. Yesterday we put her poor, wasted, mortal + frame quietly under the church pavement. We are very calm at + present. Why should we be otherwise? The anguish of seeing her + suffer is over; the spectacle of the pains of death is gone by; the + funeral day is past. We feel she is at peace. No need now to + tremble for the hard frost and the keen wind. Emily does not feel + them. She died in a time of promise. We saw her taken from life in + its prime. But it is God's will, and the place where she is gone is + better than she has left.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 25_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I will write to you more at length when my heart can + find a little rest--now I can only thank you very briefly for your + letter, which seemed to me eloquent in its sincerity. + + 'Emily is nowhere here now, her wasted mortal remains are taken out + of the house. We have laid her cherished head under the church aisle + beside my mother's, my two sisters'--dead long ago--and my poor, + hapless brother's. But a small remnant of the race is left--so my + poor father thinks. + + 'Well, the loss is ours, not hers, and some sad comfort I take, as I + hear the wind blow and feel the cutting keenness of the frost, in + knowing that the elements bring her no more suffering; their severity + cannot reach her grave; her fever is quieted, her restlessness + soothed, her deep, hollow cough is hushed for ever; we do not hear it + in the night nor listen for it in the morning; we have not the + conflict of the strangely strong spirit and the fragile frame before + us--relentless conflict--once seen, never to be forgotten. A dreary + calm reigns round us, in the midst of which we seek resignation. + + 'My father and my sister Anne are far from well. As for me, God has + hitherto most graciously sustained me; so far I have felt adequate to + bear my own burden and even to offer a little help to others. I am + not ill; I can get through daily duties, and do something towards + keeping hope and energy alive in our mourning household. My father + says to me almost hourly, "Charlotte, you must bear up, I shall sink + if you fail me"; these words, you can conceive, are a stimulus to + nature. The sight, too, of my sister Anne's very still but deep + sorrow wakens in me such fear for her that I dare not falter. + Somebody _must_ cheer the rest. + + 'So I will not now ask why Emily was torn from us in the fulness of + our attachment, rooted up in the prime of her own days, in the + promise of her powers; why her existence now lies like a field of + green corn trodden down, like a tree in full bearing struck at the + root. I will only say, sweet is rest after labour and calm after + tempest, and repeat again and again that Emily knows that now.--Yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +And then there are these last pathetic references to the beloved sister. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 2_nd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Untoward circumstances come to me, I think, less + painfully than pleasant ones would just now. The lash of the + _Quarterly_, however severely applied, cannot sting--as its praise + probably would not elate me. Currer Bell feels a sorrowful + independence of reviews and reviewers; their approbation might indeed + fall like an additional weight on his heart, but their censure has no + bitterness for him. + + 'My sister Anne sends the accompanying answer to the letter received + through you the other day; will you be kind enough to post it? She + is not well yet, nor is papa, both are suffering under severe + influenza colds. My letters had better be brief at present--they + cannot be cheerful. I am, however, still sustained. While looking + with dismay on the desolation sickness and death have wrought in our + home, I can combine with awe of God's judgments a sense of gratitude + for his mercies. Yet life has become very void, and hope has proved + a strange traitor; when I shall again be able to put confidence in + her suggestions, I know not: she kept whispering that Emily would + not, _could_ not die, and where is she now? Out of my reach, out of + my world--torn from me.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + '_March_ 3_rd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Hitherto, I have always forgotten to acknowledge the + receipt of the parcel from Cornhill. It came at a time when I could + not open it nor think of it; its contents are still a mystery. I + will not taste, till I can enjoy them. I looked at it the other day. + It reminded me too sharply of the time when the first parcel arrived + last October: Emily was then beginning to be ill--the opening of the + parcel and examination of the books cheered her; their perusal + occupied her for many a weary day. The very evening before her last + morning dawned I read to her one of Emerson's essays. I read on, + till I found she was not listening--I thought to recommence next day. + Next day, the first glance at her face told me what would happen + before night-fall. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + '_November_ 19_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am very sorry to hear that Mr. Taylor's illness has + proved so much more serious than was anticipated, but I do hope he is + now better. That he should be quite well cannot be as yet expected, + for I believe rheumatic fever is a complaint slow to leave the system + it has invaded. + + 'Now that I have almost formed the resolution of coming to London, + the thought begins to present itself to me under a pleasant aspect. + At first it was sad; it recalled the last time I went and with whom, + and to whom I came home, and in what dear companionship I again and + again narrated all that had been seen, heard, and uttered in that + visit. Emily would never go into any sort of society herself, and + whenever I went I could on my return communicate to her a pleasure + that suited her, by giving the distinct faithful impression of each + scene I had witnessed. When pressed to go, she would sometimes say, + "What is the use? Charlotte will bring it all home to me." And + indeed I delighted to please her thus. My occupation is gone now. + + 'I shall come to be lectured. I perceive you are ready with + animadversion; you are not at all well satisfied on some points, so I + will open my ears to hear, nor will I close my heart against + conviction; but I forewarn you, I have my own doctrines, not + acquired, but innate, some that I fear cannot be rooted up without + tearing away all the soil from which they spring, and leaving only + unproductive rock for new seed. + + 'I have read the _Caxtons_, I have looked at _Fanny Hervey_. I think + I will not write what I think of either--should I see you I will + speak it. + + 'Take a hundred, take a thousand of such works and weigh them in the + balance against a page of Thackeray. I hope Mr. Thackeray is + recovered. + + 'The _Sun_, the _Morning Herald_, and the _Critic_ came this morning. + None of them express disappointment from _Shirley_, or on the whole + compare her disadvantageously with _Jane_. It strikes me that those + worthies--the _Athenaeum_, _Spectator_, _Economist_, made haste to be + first with their notices that they might give the tone; if so, their + manoeuvre has not yet quite succeeded. + + 'The _Critic_, our old friend, is a friend still. Why does the pulse + of pain beat in every pleasure? Ellis and Acton Bell are referred + to, and where are they? I will not repine. Faith whispers they are + not in those graves to which imagination turns--the feeling, + thinking, the inspired natures are beyond earth, in a region more + glorious. I believe them blessed. I think, I _will_ think, my loss + has been _their_ gain. Does it weary you that I refer to them? If + so, forgive me.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Before closing this I glanced over the letter inclosed under your + cover. Did you read it? It is from a lady, not quite an old maid, + but nearly one, she says; no signature or date; a queer, but + good-natured production, it made me half cry, half laugh. I am sure + _Shirley_ has been exciting enough for her, and too exciting. I + cannot well reply to the letter since it bears no address, and I am + glad--I should not know what to say. She is not sure whether I am a + gentleman or not, but I fancy she thinks so. Have you any idea who + she is? If I were a gentleman and like my heroes, she suspects she + should fall in love with me. She had better not. It would be a pity + to cause such a waste of sensibility. You and Mr. Smith would not + let me announce myself as a single gentleman of mature age in my + preface, but if you had permitted it, a great many elderly spinsters + would have been pleased.' + +The last words that I have to say concerning Emily are contained in a +letter to me from Miss Ellen Nussey. + + 'So very little is known of Emily Bronte,' she writes, 'that every + little detail awakens an interest. Her extreme reserve seemed + impenetrable, yet she was intensely lovable; she invited confidence + in her moral power. Few people have the gift of looking and smiling + as she could look and smile. One of her rare expressive looks was + something to remember through life, there was such a depth of soul + and feeling, and yet a shyness of revealing herself--a strength of + self-containment seen in no other. She was in the strictest sense a + law unto herself, and a heroine in keeping to her law. She and + gentle Anne were to be seen twined together as united statues of + power and humility. They were to be seen with their arms lacing each + other in their younger days whenever their occupations permitted + their union. On the top of a moor or in a deep glen Emily was a + child in spirit for glee and enjoyment; or when thrown entirely on + her own resources to do a kindness, she could be vivacious in + conversation and enjoy giving pleasure. A spell of mischief also + lurked in her on occasions when out on the moors. She enjoyed + leading Charlotte where she would not dare to go of her own + free-will. Charlotte had a mortal dread of unknown animals, and it + was Emily's pleasure to lead her into close vicinity, and then to + tell her of how and of what she had done, laughing at her horror with + great amusement. If Emily wanted a book she might have left in the + sitting-room she would dart in again without looking at any one, + especially if any guest were present. Among the curates, Mr. + Weightman was her only exception for any conventional courtesy. The + ability with which she took up music was amazing; the style, the + touch, and the expression was that of a professor absorbed heart and + soul in his theme. The two dogs, Keeper and Flossy, were always in + quiet waiting by the side of Emily and Anne during their breakfast of + Scotch oatmeal and milk, and always had a share handed down to them + at the close of the meal. Poor old Keeper, Emily's faithful friend + and worshipper, seemed to understand her like a human being. One + evening, when the four friends were sitting closely round the fire in + the sitting-room, Keeper forced himself in between Charlotte and + Emily and mounted himself on Emily's lap; finding the space too + limited for his comfort he pressed himself forward on to the guest's + knees, making himself quite comfortable. Emily's heart was won by + the unresisting endurance of the visitor, little guessing that she + herself, being in close contact, was the inspiring cause of + submission to Keeper's preference. Sometimes Emily would delight in + showing off Keeper--make him frantic in action, and roar with the + voice of a lion. It was a terrifying exhibition within the walls of + an ordinary sitting-room. Keeper was a solemn mourner at Emily's + funeral and never recovered his cheerfulness.' + + + + +CHAPTER VII: ANNE BRONTE + + +It can scarcely be doubted that Anne Bronte's two novels, _Agnes Grey_ +and _The Tenant of Wildfell Hall_, would have long since fallen into +oblivion but for the inevitable association with the romances of her two +greater sisters. While this may he taken for granted, it is impossible +not to feel, even at the distance of half a century, a sense of Anne's +personal charm. Gentleness is a word always associated with her by those +who knew her. When Mr. Nicholls saw what professed to be a portrait of +Anne in a magazine article, he wrote: 'What an awful caricature of the +dear, gentle Anne Bronte!' Mr. Nicholls has a portrait of Anne in his +possession, drawn by Charlotte, which he pronounces to be an admirable +likeness, and this does convey the impression of a sweet and gentle +nature. + +Anne, as we have seen, was taken in long clothes from Thornton to +Haworth. Her godmother was a Miss Outhwaite, a fact I learn from an +inscription in Anne's _Book of Common Prayer_. '_Miss Outhwaite to her +goddaughter_, _Anne Bronte_, _July _13_th_, 1827.' Miss Outhwaite was +not forgetful of her goddaughter, for by her will she left Anne 200 +pounds. + +There is a sampler worked by Anne, bearing date January 23rd, 1830, and +there is a later book than the Prayer Book, with Anne's name in it, and, +as might be expected, it is a good-conduct prize. _Prize for good +conduct presented to Miss A. Bronte with Miss Wooler's kind love_, _Roe +Head_, _Dec._ 14_th_, 1836, is the inscription in a copy of Watt _On the +Improvement of the Mind_. + +Apart from the correspondence we know little more than this--that Anne +was the least assertive of the three sisters, and that she was more +distinctly a general favourite. We have Charlotte's own word for it that +even the curates ventured upon 'sheep's eyes' at Anne. We know all too +little of her two experiences as governess, first at Blake Hall with Mrs. +Ingham, and later at Thorp Green with Mrs. Robinson. The painful episode +of Branwell's madness came to disturb her sojourn at the latter place, +but long afterwards her old pupils, the Misses Robinson, called to see +her at Haworth; and one of them, who became a Mrs. Clapham of Keighley, +always retained the most kindly memories of her gentle governess. + + [Picture: Anne Bronte] + +With the exception of these two uncomfortable episodes as governess, Anne +would seem to have had no experience of the larger world. Even before +Anne's death, Charlotte had visited Brussels, London, and Hathersage (in +Derbyshire). Anne never, I think, set foot out of her native county, +although she was the only one of her family to die away from home. Of +her correspondence I have only the two following letters:-- + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 4_th_, 1847. + + 'MY DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--Many thanks to you for your unexpected and + welcome epistle. Charlotte is well, and meditates writing to you. + Happily for all parties the east wind no longer prevails. During its + continuance she complained of its influence as usual. I too suffered + from it in some degree, as I always do, more or less; but this time, + it brought me no reinforcement of colds and coughs, which is what I + dread the most. Emily considers it a very uninteresting wind, but it + does not affect her nervous system. Charlotte agrees with me in + thinking the --- {183a} a very provoking affair. You are quite + mistaken about her parasol; she affirms she brought it back, and I + can bear witness to the fact, having seen it yesterday in her + possession. As for my book, I have no wish to see it again till I + see you along with it, and then it will be welcome enough for the + sake of the bearer. We are all here much as you left us. I have no + news to tell you, except that Mr. Nicholls begged a holiday and went + to Ireland three or four weeks ago, and is not expected back till + Saturday; but that, I dare say, is no news at all. We were all and + severally pleased and gratified for your kind and judiciously + selected presents, from papa down to Tabby, or down to myself, + perhaps I ought rather to say. The crab-cheese is excellent, and + likely to be very useful, but I don't intend to need it. It is not + choice but necessity has induced me to choose such a tiny sheet of + paper for my letter, having none more suitable at hand; but perhaps + it will contain as much as you need wish to read, and I to write, for + I find I have nothing more to say, except that your little Tabby must + be a charming little creature. That is all, for as Charlotte is + writing, or about to write to you herself, I need not send any + messages from her. Therefore accept my best love. I must not omit + the Major's {183b} compliments. And--Believe me to be your + affectionate friend, + + 'ANNE BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 4_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--I am not going to give you a "nice _long_ + letter"--on the contrary, I mean to content myself with a shabby + little note, to be ingulfed in a letter of Charlotte's, which will, + of course, be infinitely more acceptable to you than any production + of mine, though I do not question your friendly regard for me, or the + indulgent welcome you would accord to a missive of mine, even without + a more agreeable companion to back it; but you must know there is a + lamentable deficiency in my organ of language, which makes me almost + as bad a hand at writing as talking, unless I have something + particular to say. I have now, however, to thank you and your friend + for your kind letter and her pretty watch-guards, which I am sure we + shall all of us value the more for being the work of her own hands. + You do not tell us how _you_ bear the present unfavourable weather. + We are all cut up by this cruel east wind. Most of us, i.e. + Charlotte, Emily, and I have had the influenza, or a bad cold + instead, twice over within the space of a few weeks. Papa has had it + once. Tabby has escaped it altogether. I have no news to tell you, + for we have been nowhere, seen no one, and done nothing (to speak of) + since you were here--and yet we contrive to be busy from morning till + night. Flossy is fatter than ever, but still active enough to relish + a sheep-hunt. I hope you and your circle have been more fortunate in + the matter of colds than we have. + + 'With kind regards to all,--I remain, dear Miss Nussey, yours ever + affectionately, + + 'ANNE BRONTE.' + +_Agnes Grey_, as we have noted, was published by Newby, in one volume, in +1847. _The Tenant of Wildfell Hall_ was issued by the same publisher, in +three volumes, in 1848. It is not generally known that _The Tenant of +Wildfell Hall_ went into a second edition the same year; and I should +have pronounced it incredible, were not a copy of the later issue in my +possession, that Anne Bronte had actually written a preface to this +edition. The fact is entirely ignored in the correspondence. The +preface in question makes it quite clear, if any evidence of that were +necessary, that Anne had her brother in mind in writing the book. 'I +could not be understood to suppose,' she says, 'that the proceedings of +the unhappy scapegrace, with his few profligate companions I have here +introduced, are a specimen of the common practices of society: the case +is an extreme one, as I trusted none would fail to perceive; but I knew +that such characters do exist, and if I have warned one rash youth from +following in their steps, or prevented one thoughtless girl from falling +into the very natural error of my heroine, the book has not been written +in vain.' 'One word more and I have done,' she continues. 'Respecting +the author's identity, I would have it to be distinctly understood that +Acton Bell is neither Currer nor Ellis Bell, and, therefore, let not his +faults be attributed to them. As to whether the name is real or +fictitious, it cannot greatly signify to those who know him only by his +works.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 18_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--In sitting down to write to you I feel as if I were + doing a wrong and a selfish thing. I believe I ought to discontinue + my correspondence with you till times change, and the tide of + calamity which of late days has set so strongly in against us takes a + turn. But the fact is, sometimes I feel it absolutely necessary to + unburden my mind. To papa I must only speak cheeringly, to Anne only + encouragingly--to you I may give some hint of the dreary truth. + + 'Anne and I sit alone and in seclusion as you fancy us, but we do not + study. Anne cannot study now, she can scarcely read; she occupies + Emily's chair; she does not get well. A week ago we sent for a + medical man of skill and experience from Leeds to see her. He + examined her with the stethoscope. His report I forbear to dwell on + for the present--even skilful physicians have often been mistaken in + their conjectures. + + 'My first impulse was to hasten her away to a warmer climate, but + this was forbidden: she must not travel; she is not to stir from the + house this winter; the temperature of her room is to be kept + constantly equal. + + 'Had leave been given to try change of air and scene, I should hardly + have known how to act. I could not possibly leave papa; and when I + mentioned his accompanying us, the bare thought distressed him too + much to be dwelt upon. Papa is now upwards of seventy years of age; + his habits for nearly thirty years have been those of absolute + retirement; any change in them is most repugnant to him, and probably + could not, at this time especially when the hand of God is so heavy + upon his old age, be ventured upon without danger. + + 'When we lost Emily I thought we had drained the very dregs of our + cup of trial, but now when I hear Anne cough as Emily coughed, I + tremble lest there should be exquisite bitterness yet to taste. + However, I must not look forwards, nor must I look backwards. Too + often I feel like one crossing an abyss on a narrow plank--a glance + round might quite unnerve. + + 'So circumstanced, my dear sir, what claim have I on your friendship, + what right to the comfort of your letters? My literary character is + effaced for the time, and it is by that only you know me. Care of + papa and Anne is necessarily my chief present object in life, to the + exclusion of all that could give me interest with my publishers or + their connections. Should Anne get better, I think I could rally and + become Currer Bell once more, but if otherwise, I look no farther: + sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. + + 'Anne is very patient in her illness, as patient as Emily was + unflinching. I recall one sister and look at the other with a sort + of reverence as well as affection--under the test of suffering + neither has faltered. + + 'All the days of this winter have gone by darkly and heavily like a + funeral train. Since September, sickness has not quitted the house. + It is strange it did not use to be so, but I suspect now all this has + been coming on for years. Unused, any of us, to the possession of + robust health, we have not noticed the gradual approaches of decay; + we did not know its symptoms: the little cough, the small appetite, + the tendency to take cold at every variation of atmosphere have been + regarded as things of course. I see them in another light now. + + 'If you answer this, write to me as you would to a person in an + average state of tranquillity and happiness. I want to keep myself + as firm and calm as I can. While papa and Anne want me, I hope, I + pray, never to fail them. Were I to see you I should endeavour to + converse on ordinary topics, and I should wish to write on the + same--besides, it will be less harassing to yourself to address me as + usual. + + 'May God long preserve to you the domestic treasures you value; and + when bereavement at last comes, may He give you strength to bear + it.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 1_st_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Anne seems so tranquil this morning, so free from pain + and fever, and looks and speaks so like herself in health, that I too + feel relieved, and I take advantage of the respite to write to you, + hoping that my letter may reflect something of the comparative peace + I feel. + + 'Whether my hopes are quite fallacious or not, I do not know; but + sometimes I fancy that the remedies prescribed by Mr. Teale, and + approved--as I was glad to learn--by Dr. Forbes, are working a good + result. Consumption, I am aware, is a flattering malady, but + certainly Anne's illness has of late assumed a less alarming + character than it had in the beginning: the hectic is allayed; the + cough gives a more frequent reprieve. Could I but believe she would + live two years--a year longer, I should be thankful: I dreaded the + terrors of the swift messenger which snatched Emily from us, as it + seemed, in a few days. + + 'The parcel came yesterday. You and Mr. Smith do nothing by halves. + Neither of you care for being thanked, so I will keep my gratitude in + my own mind. The choice of books is perfect. Papa is at this moment + reading Macaulay's _History_, which he had wished to see. Anne is + engaged with one of Frederika Bremer's tales. + + 'I wish I could send a parcel in return; I had hoped to have had one + by this time ready to despatch. When I saw you and Mr. Smith in + London, I little thought of all that was to come between July and + Spring: how my thoughts were to be caught away from imagination, + enlisted and absorbed in realities the most cruel. + + 'I will tell you what I want to do; it is to show you the first + volume of my MS., which I have copied. In reading Mary Barton (a + clever though painful tale) I was a little dismayed to find myself in + some measure anticipated both in subject and incident. I should like + to have your opinion on this point, and to know whether the + resemblance appears as considerable to a stranger as it does to + myself. I should wish also to have the benefit of such general + strictures and advice as you choose to give. Shall I therefore send + the MS. when I return the first batch of books? + + 'But remember, if I show it to you it is on two conditions: the + first, that you give me a faithful opinion--I do not promise to be + swayed by it, but I should like to have it; the second, that you show + it and speak of it to _none_ but Mr. Smith. I have always a great + horror of premature announcements--they may do harm and can never do + good. Mr. Smith must be so kind as not to mention it yet in his + quarterly circulars. All human affairs are so uncertain, and my + position especially is at present so peculiar, that I cannot count on + the time, and would rather that no allusion should be made to a work + of which great part is yet to create. + + 'There are two volumes in the first parcel which, having seen, I + cannot bring myself to part with, and must beg Mr. Smith's permission + to retain: Mr. Thackeray's _Journey from Cornhill_, _etc_. and _The + testimony to the Truth_. That last is indeed a book after my own + heart. I _do_ like the mind it discloses--it is of a fine and high + order. Alexander Harris may be a clown by birth, but he is a + nobleman by nature. When I could read no other book, I read his and + derived comfort from it. No matter whether or not I can agree in all + his views, it is the principles, the feelings, the heart of the man I + admire. + + 'Write soon and tell me whether you think it advisable that I should + send the MS.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _February_ 4_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I send the parcel up without delay, according to your + request. The manuscript has all its errors upon it, not having been + read through since copying. I have kept _Madeline_, along with the + two other books I mentioned; I shall consider it the gift of Miss + Kavanagh, and shall value it both for its literary excellence and for + the modest merit of the giver. We already possess Tennyson's _Poems_ + and _Our Street_. Emerson's _Essays_ I read with much interest, and + often with admiration, but they are of mixed gold and clay--deep and + invigorating truth, dreary and depressing fallacy seem to me combined + therein. In George Borrow's works I found a wild fascination, a + vivid graphic power of description, a fresh originality, an athletic + simplicity (so to speak), which give them a stamp of their own. + After reading his _Bible in Spain_ I felt as if I had actually + travelled at his side, and seen the "wild Sil" rush from its mountain + cradle; wandered in the hilly wilderness of the Sierras; encountered + and conversed with Manehegan, Castillian, Andalusian, Arragonese, + and, above all, with the savage Gitanos. + + 'Your mention of Mr. Taylor suggests to me that possibly you and Mr. + Smith might wish him to share the little secret of the MS.--that + exclusion might seem invidious, that it might make your mutual + evening chat less pleasant. If so, admit him to the confidence by + all means. He is attached to the firm, and will no doubt keep its + secrets. I shall be glad of another censor, and if a severe one, so + much the better, provided he is also just. I court the keenest + criticism. Far rather would I never publish more, than publish + anything inferior to my first effort. Be honest, therefore, all + three of you. If you think this book promises less favourably than + _Jane Eyre_, say so; it is but trying again, _i.e._, if life and + health be spared. + + 'Anne continues a little better--the mild weather suits her. At + times I hear the renewal of hope's whisper, but I dare not listen too + fondly; she deceived me cruelly before. A sudden change to cold + would be the test. I dread such change, but must not anticipate. + Spring lies before us, and then summer--surely we may hope a little! + + 'Anne expresses a wish to see the notices of the poems. You had + better, therefore, send them. We shall expect to find painful + allusions to one now above blame and beyond praise; but these must be + borne. For ourselves, we are almost indifferent to censure. I read + the _Quarterly_ without a pang, except that I thought there were some + sentences disgraceful to the critic. He seems anxious to let it be + understood that he is a person well acquainted with the habits of the + upper classes. Be this as it may, I am afraid he is no gentleman; + and moreover, that no training could make him such. {190} Many a + poor man, born and bred to labour, would disdain that reviewer's cast + of feeling.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 2_nd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--My sister still continues better: she has less languor + and weakness; her spirits are improved. This change gives cause, I + think, both for gratitude and hope. + + 'I am glad that you and Mr. Smith like the commencement of my present + work. I wish it were _more than a commencement_; for how it will be + reunited after the long break, or how it can gather force of flow + when the current has been checked or rather drawn off so long, I know + not. + + 'I sincerely thank you both for the candid expression of your + objections. What you say with reference to the first chapter shall + be duly weighed. At present I feel reluctant to withdraw it, + because, as I formerly said of the Lowood part of _Jane Eyre_, _it is + true_. The curates and their ongoings are merely photographed from + the life. I should like you to explain to me more fully the ground + of your objections. Is it because you think this chapter will render + the work liable to severe handling by the press? Is it because + knowing as you now do the identity of "Currer Bell," this scene + strikes you as unfeminine? Is it because it is intrinsically + defective and inferior? I am afraid the two first reasons would not + weigh with me--the last would. + + 'Anne and I thought it very kind in you to preserve all the notices + of the Poems so carefully for us. Some of them, as you said, were + well worth reading. We were glad to find that our old friend the + _Critic_ has again a kind word for us. I was struck with one curious + fact, viz., that four of the notices are fac-similes of each other. + How does this happen? I suppose they copy.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 8_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Anne's state has apparently varied very little during + the last fortnight or three weeks. I wish I could say she gains + either flesh, strength, or appetite; but there is no progress on + these points, nor I hope, as far as regards the two last at least, + any falling off; she is piteously thin. Her cough, and the pain in + her side continue the same. + + 'I write these few lines that you may not think my continued silence + strange; anything like frequent correspondence I cannot keep up, and + you must excuse me. I trust you and all at Brookroyd are happy and + well. Give my love to your mother and all the rest, and--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 11_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--My sister has been something worse since I wrote last. + We have had nearly a week of frost, and the change has tried her, as + I feared it would do, though not so severely as former experience had + led me to apprehend. I am thankful to say she is now again a little + better. Her state of mind is usually placid, and her chief + sufferings consist in the harassing cough and a sense of languor. + + 'I ought to have acknowledged the safe arrival of the parcel before + now, but I put it off from day to day, fearing I should write a + sorrowful letter. A similar apprehension induces me to abridge this + note. + + 'Believe me, whether in happiness or the contrary, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 15_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR LAETITIA,--I have not quite forgotten you through the winter, + but I have remembered you only like some pleasant waking idea + struggling through a dreadful dream. You say my last letter was + dated September 14th. You ask how I have passed the time since. + What has happened to me? Why have I been silent? + + 'It is soon told. + + 'On the 24th of September my only brother, after being long in weak + health, and latterly consumptive--though we were far from + apprehending immediate danger--died, quite suddenly as it seemed to + us. He had been out two days before. The shock was great. Ere he + could be interred I fell ill. A low nervous fever left me very weak. + As I was slowly recovering, my sister Emily, whom you knew, was + seized with inflammation of the lungs; suppuration took place; two + agonising months of hopes and fears followed, and on the 19th of + December _she died_. + + 'She was scarcely cold in her grave when Anne, my youngest and last + sister, who has been delicate all her life, exhibited symptoms that + struck us with acute alarm. We sent for the first advice that could + be procured. She was examined with the stethoscope, and the dreadful + fact was announced that her lungs too were affected, and that + tubercular consumption had already made considerable progress. A + system of treatment was prescribed, which has since been ratified by + the opinion of Dr. Forbes, whom your papa will, I dare say, know. I + hope it has somewhat delayed disease. She is now a patient invalid, + and I am her nurse. God has hitherto supported me in some sort + through all these bitter calamities, and my father, I am thankful to + say, has been wonderfully sustained; but there have been hours, days, + weeks of inexpressible anguish to undergo, and the cloud of impending + distress still lowers dark and sullen above us. I cannot write much. + I can only pray Providence to preserve you and yours from such + affliction as He has seen good to accumulate on me and mine. + + 'With best regards to your dear mamma and all your circle,--Believe + me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 24_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I have delayed answering your letter in the + faint hope that I might be able to reply favourably to your inquiries + after my sister's health. This, however, is not permitted me to do. + Her decline is gradual and fluctuating, but its nature is not + doubtful. The symptoms of cough, pain in the side and chest, wasting + of flesh, strength, and appetite, after the sad experience we have + had, cannot but be regarded by us as equivocal. + + 'In spirit she is resigned; at heart she is, I believe, a true + Christian. She looks beyond this life, and regards her home and rest + as elsewhere than on earth. May God support her and all of us + through the trial of lingering sickness, and aid her in the last hour + when the struggle which separates soul from body must be gone + through! + + 'We saw Emily torn from the midst of us when our hearts clung to her + with intense attachment, and when, loving each other as we did--well, + it seemed as if (might we but have been spared to each other) we + could have found complete happiness in our mutual society and + affection. She was scarcely buried when Anne's health failed, and we + were warned that consumption had found another victim in her, and + that it would be vain to reckon on her life. + + 'These things would be too much if Reason, unsupported by Religion, + were condemned to bear them alone. I have cause to be most thankful + for the strength which has hitherto been vouchsafed both to my father + and myself. God, I think, is specially merciful to old age; and for + my own part, trials which in prospective would have seemed to me + quite intolerable, when they actually came, I endured without + prostration. Yet, I must confess, that in the time which has elapsed + since Emily's death, there have been moments of solitary, deep, inert + affliction, far harder to bear than those which immediately followed + our loss. The crisis of bereavement has an acute pang which goads to + exertion, the desolate after-feeling sometimes paralyses. + + 'I have learned that we are not to find solace in our own strength: + we must seek it in God's omnipotence. Fortitude is good, but + fortitude itself must be shaken under us to teach us how weak we are. + + 'With best wishes to yourself and all dear to you, and sincere thanks + for the interest you so kindly continue to take in me and my + sister,--Believe me, my dear Miss Wooler, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 16_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Your kind advice on the subject of Homoeopathy + deserves and has our best thanks. We find ourselves, however, urged + from more than one quarter to try different systems and medicines, + and I fear we have already given offence by not listening to all. + The fact is, were we in every instance compliant, my dear sister + would be harassed by continual changes. Cod-liver oil and carbonate + of iron were first strongly recommended. Anne took them as long as + she could, but at last she was obliged to give them up: the oil + yielded her no nutriment, it did not arrest the progress of + emaciation, and as it kept her always sick, she was prevented from + taking food of any sort. Hydropathy was then strongly advised. She + is now trying Gobold's Vegetable Balsam; she thinks it does her some + good; and as it is the first medicine which has had that effect, she + would wish to persevere with it for a time. She is also looking + hopefully forward to deriving benefit from change of air. We have + obtained Mr. Teale's permission to go to the seaside in the course of + six or eight weeks. At first I felt torn between two duties--that of + staying with papa and going with Anne; but as it is papa's own most + kindly expressed wish that I should adopt the latter plan, and as, + besides, he is now, thank God! in tolerable health, I hope to be + spared the pain of resigning the care of my sister to other hands, + however friendly. We wish to keep together as long as we can. I + hope, too, to derive from the change some renewal of physical + strength and mental composure (in neither of which points am I what I + ought or wish to be) to make me a better and more cheery nurse. + + 'I fear I must have seemed to you hard in my observations about _The + Emigrant Family_. The fact was, I compared Alexander Harris with + himself only. It is not equal to the _Testimony to the Truth_, but, + tried by the standard of other and very popular books too, it is very + clever and original. Both subject and the manner of treating it are + unhackneyed: he gives new views of new scenes and furnishes + interesting information on interesting topics. Considering the + increasing necessity for and tendency to emigration, I should think + it has a fair chance of securing the success it merits. + + 'I took up Leigh Hunt's book _The Town_ with the impression that it + would be interesting only to Londoners, and I was surprised, ere I + had read many pages, to find myself enchained by his pleasant, + graceful, easy style, varied knowledge, just views, and kindly + spirit. There is something peculiarly anti-melancholic in Leigh + Hunt's writings, and yet they are never boisterous. They resemble + sunshine, being at once bright and tranquil. + + 'I like Carlyle better and better. His style I do not like, nor do I + always concur in his opinions, nor quite fall in with his hero + worship; but there is a manly love of truth, an honest recognition + and fearless vindication of intrinsic greatness, of intellectual and + moral worth, considered apart from birth, rank, or wealth, which + commands my sincere admiration. Carlyle would never do for a + contributor to the _Quarterly_. I have not read his _French + Revolution_. + + 'I congratulate you on the approaching publication of Mr. Ruskin's + new work. If the _Seven Lamps of Architecture_ resemble their + predecessor, _Modern Painters_, they will be no lamps at all, but a + new constellation--seven bright stars, for whose rising the reading + world ought to be anxiously agaze. + + 'Do not ask me to mention what books I should like to read. Half the + pleasure of receiving a parcel from Cornhill consists in having its + contents chosen for us. We like to discover, too, by the leaves cut + here and there, that the ground has been travelled before us. I may + however say, with reference to works of fiction, that I should much + like to see one of Godwin's works, never having hitherto had that + pleasure--_Caleb Williams_ or _Fleetwood_, or which you thought best + worth reading. + + 'But it is yet much too soon to talk of sending more books; our + present stock is scarcely half exhausted. You will perhaps think I + am a slow reader, but remember, Currer Bell is a country housewife, + and has sundry little matters connected with the needle and kitchen + to attend to which take up half his day, especially now when, alas! + there is but one pair of hands where once there were three. I did + not mean to touch that chord, its sound is too sad. + + 'I try to write now and then. The effort was a hard one at first. + It renewed the terrible loss of last December strangely. Worse than + useless did it seem to attempt to write what there no longer lived an + "Ellis Bell" to read; the whole book, with every hope founded on it, + faded to vanity and vexation of spirit. + + 'One inducement to persevere and do my best I still have, however, + and I am thankful for it: I should like to please my kind friends at + Cornhill. To that end I wish my powers would come back; and if it + would please Providence to restore my remaining sister, I think they + would. + + 'Do not forget to tell me how you are when you write again. I trust + your indisposition is quite gone by this time.--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 1_st_, 1849. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I returned Mary Taylor's letter to Hunsworth as soon as + I had read it. Thank God she was safe up to that time, but I do not + think the earthquake was then over. I shall long to hear tidings of + her again. + + 'Anne was worse during the warm weather we had about a week ago. She + grew weaker, and both the pain in her side and her cough were worse; + strange to say, since it is colder, she has appeared rather to revive + than sink. I still hope that if she gets over May she may last a + long time. + + 'We have engaged lodgings at Scarbro'. We stipulated for a + good-sized sitting-room and an airy double-bedded lodging room, with + a sea view, and if not deceived, have obtained these desiderata at + No. 2 Cliff. Anne says it is one of the best situations in the + place. It would not have done to have taken lodgings either in the + town or on the bleak steep coast, where Miss Wooler's house is + situated. If Anne is to get any good she must have every advantage. + Miss Outhwaite [her godmother] left her in her will a legacy of 200 + pounds, and she cannot employ her money better than in obtaining what + may prolong existence, if it does not restore health. We hope to + leave home on the 23rd, and I think it will be advisable to rest at + York, and stay all night there. I hope this arrangement will suit + you. We reckon on your society, dear Ellen, as a real privilege and + pleasure. We shall take little luggage, and shall have to buy + bonnets and dresses and several other things either at York or + Scarbro'; which place do you think would be best? Oh, if it would + please God to strengthen and revive Anne, how happy we might be + together! His will, however, must be done, and if she is not to + recover, it remains to pray for strength and patience. + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_May_ 8_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I hasten to acknowledge the two kind letters for which + I am indebted to you. That fine spring weather of which you speak + did not bring such happiness to us in its sunshine as I trust it did + to you and thousands besides--the change proved trying to my sister. + For a week or ten days I did not know what to think, she became so + weak, and suffered so much from increased pain in the side, and + aggravated cough. The last few days have been much colder, yet, + strange to say, during their continuance she has appeared rather to + revive than sink. She not unfrequently shows the very same symptoms + which were apparent in Emily only a few days before she died--fever + in the evenings, sleepless nights, and a sort of lethargy in the + morning hours; this creates acute anxiety--then comes an improvement, + which reassures. In about three weeks, should the weather be genial + and her strength continue at all equal to the journey, we hope to go + to Scarboro'. It is not without misgiving that I contemplate a + departure from home under such circumstances; but since she herself + earnestly wishes the experiment to be tried, I think it ought not to + be neglected. We are in God's hands, and must trust the results to + Him. An old school-fellow of mine, a tried and faithful friend, has + volunteered to accompany us. I shall have the satisfaction of + leaving papa to the attentions of two servants equally tried and + faithful. One of them is indeed now old and infirm, and unfit to + stir much from her chair by the kitchen fireside; but the other is + young and active, and even she has lived with us seven years. I have + reason, therefore, you see, to be thankful amidst sorrow, especially + as papa still possesses every faculty unimpaired, and though not + robust, has good general health--a sort of chronic cough is his sole + complaint. + + 'I hope Mr. Smith will not risk a cheap edition of _Jane Eyre_ yet, + he had better wait awhile--the public will be sick of the name of + that one book. I can make no promise as to when another will be + ready--neither my time nor my efforts are my own. That absorption in + my employment to which I gave myself up without fear of doing wrong + when I wrote _Jane Eyre_, would now be alike impossible and blamable; + but I do what I can, and have made some little progress. We must all + be patient. + + 'Meantime, I should say, let the public forget at their ease, and let + us not be nervous about it. And as to the critics, if the Bells + possess real merit, I do not fear impartial justice being rendered + them one day. I have a very short mental as well as physical sight + in some matters, and am far less uneasy at the idea of public + impatience, misconstruction, censure, etc., than I am at the thought + of the anxiety of those two or three friends in Cornhill to whom I + owe much kindness, and whose expectations I would earnestly wish not + to disappoint. If they can make up their minds to wait tranquilly, + and put some confidence in my goodwill, if not my power, to get on as + well as may be, I shall not repine; but I verily believe that the + "nobler sex" find it more difficult to wait, to plod, to work out + their destiny inch by inch, than their sisters do. They are always + for walking so fast and taking such long steps, one cannot keep up + with them. One should never tell a gentleman that one has commenced + a task till it is nearly achieved. Currer Bell, even if he had no + let or hindrance, and if his path were quite smooth, could never + march with the tread of a Scott, a Bulwer, a Thackeray, or a Dickens. + I want you and Mr. Smith clearly to understand this. I have always + wished to guard you against exaggerated anticipations--calculate low + when you calculate on me. An honest man--and woman too--would always + rather rise above expectation than fall below it. + + 'Have I lectured enough? and am I understood? + + 'Give my sympathising respects to Mrs. Williams. I hope her little + daughter is by this time restored to perfect health. It pleased me + to see with what satisfaction you speak of your son. I was glad, + too, to hear of the progress and welfare of Miss Kavanagh. The + notices of Mr. Harris's works are encouraging and just--may they + contribute to his success! + + 'Should Mr. Thackeray again ask after Currer Bell, say the secret is + and will be well kept because it is not worth disclosure. This fact + his own sagacity will have already led him to divine. In the hope + that it may not be long ere I hear from you again,--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 16_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I will lose no time in thanking you for your + letter and kind offer of assistance. We have, however, already + engaged lodgings. I am not myself acquainted with Scarbro', but Anne + knows it well, having been there three or four times. She had a + particular preference for the situation of some lodgings (No. 2 + Cliff). We wrote about them, and finding them disengaged, took them. + Your information is, notwithstanding, valuable, should we find this + place in any way ineligible. It is a satisfaction to be provided + with directions for future use. + + 'Next Wednesday is the day fixed for our departure. Ellen Nussey + accompanies us (by Anne's expressed wish). I could not refuse her + society, but I dared not urge her to go, for I have little hope that + the excursion will be one of pleasure or benefit to those engaged in + it. Anne is extremely weak. She herself has a fixed impression that + the sea air will give her a chance of regaining strength; that + chance, therefore, we must have. Having resolved to try the + experiment, misgivings are useless; and yet, when I look at her, + misgivings will rise. She is more emaciated than Emily was at the + very last; her breath scarcely serves her to mount the stairs, + however slowly. She sleeps very little at night, and often passes + most of the forenoon in a semi-lethargic state. Still, she is up all + day, and even goes out a little when it is fine. Fresh air usually + acts as a stimulus, but its reviving power diminishes. + + 'With best wishes for your own health and welfare,--Believe me, my + dear Miss Wooler, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'No. 2 CLIFF, SCARBORO', _May_ 27_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--The date above will inform you why I have not answered + your last letter more promptly. I have been busy with preparations + for departure and with the journey. I am thankful to say we reached + our destination safely, having rested one night at York. We found + assistance wherever we needed it; there was always an arm ready to do + for my sister what I was not quite strong enough to do: lift her in + and out of the carriages, carry her across the line, etc. + + 'It made her happy to see both York and its Minster, and Scarboro' + and its bay once more. There is yet no revival of bodily strength--I + fear indeed the slow ebb continues. People who see her tell me I + must not expect her to last long--but it is something to cheer her + mind. + + 'Our lodgings are pleasant. As Anne sits at the window she can look + down on the sea, which this morning is calm as glass. She says if + she could breathe more freely she would be comfortable at this + moment--but she cannot breathe freely. + + 'My friend Ellen is with us. I find her presence a solace. She is a + calm, steady girl--not brilliant, but good and true. She suits and + has always suited me well. I like her, with her phlegm, repose, + sense, and sincerity, better than I should like the most talented + without these qualifications. + + 'If ever I see you again I should have pleasure in talking over with + you the topics you allude to in your last--or rather, in hearing + _you_ talk them over. We see these things through a glass darkly--or + at least I see them thus. So far from objecting to speculation on, + or discussion of, the subject, I should wish to hear what others have + to say. By _others_, I mean only the serious and reflective--levity + in such matters shocks as much as hypocrisy. + + 'Write to me. In this strange place your letters will come like the + visits of a friend. Fearing to lose the post, I will add no more at + present.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_May_ 30_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--My poor sister is taken quietly home at last. She + died on Monday. With almost her last breath she said she was happy, + and thanked God that death was come, and come so gently. I did not + think it would be so soon. + + 'You will not expect me to add more at present.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_June_ 25_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am now again at home, where I returned last + Thursday. I call it _home_ still--much as London would be called + London if an earthquake should shake its streets to ruins. But let + me not be ungrateful: Haworth parsonage is still a home for me, and + not quite a ruined or desolate home either. Papa is there, and two + most affectionate and faithful servants, and two old dogs, in their + way as faithful and affectionate--Emily's large house-dog which lay + at the side of her dying bed, and followed her funeral to the vault, + lying in the pew couched at our feet while the burial service was + being read--and Anne's little spaniel. The ecstasy of these poor + animals when I came in was something singular. At former returns + from brief absences they always welcomed me warmly--but not in that + strange, heart-touching way. I am certain they thought that, as I + was returned, my sisters were not far behind. But here my sisters + will come no more. Keeper may visit Emily's little bed-room--as he + still does day by day--and Flossy may look wistfully round for Anne, + they will never see them again--nor shall I--at least the human part + of me. I must not write so sadly, but how can I help thinking and + feeling sadly? In the daytime effort and occupation aid me, but when + evening darkens, something in my heart revolts against the burden of + solitude--the sense of loss and want grows almost too much for me. I + am not good or amiable in such moments, I am rebellious, and it is + only the thought of my dear father in the next room, or of the kind + servants in the kitchen, or some caress from the poor dogs, which + restores me to softer sentiments and more rational views. As to the + night--could I do without bed, I would never seek it. Waking, I + think, sleeping, I dream of them; and I cannot recall them as they + were in health, still they appear to me in sickness and suffering. + Still, my nights were worse after the first shock of Branwell's + death--they were terrible then; and the impressions experienced on + waking were at that time such as we do not put into language. Worse + seemed at hand than was yet endured--in truth, worse awaited us. + + 'All this bitterness must be tasted. Perhaps the palate will grow + used to the draught in time, and find its flavour less acrid. This + pain must be undergone; its poignancy, I trust, will be blunted one + day. Ellen would have come back with me but I would not let her. I + knew it would be better to face the desolation at once--later or + sooner the sharp pang must be experienced. + + 'Labour must be the cure, not sympathy. Labour is the only radical + cure for rooted sorrow. The society of a calm, serenely cheerful + companion--such as Ellen--soothes pain like a soft opiate, but I find + it does not probe or heal the wound; sharper, more severe means, are + necessary to make a remedy. Total change might do much; where that + cannot be obtained, work is the best substitute. + + 'I by no means ask Miss Kavanagh to write to me. Why should she + trouble herself to do it? What claim have I on her? She does not + know me--she cannot care for me except vaguely and on hearsay. I + have got used to your friendly sympathy, and it comforts me. I have + tried and trust the fidelity of one or two other friends, and I lean + upon it. The natural affection of my father and the attachment and + solicitude of our two servants are precious and consolatory to me, + but I do not look round for general pity; conventional condolence I + do not want, either from man or woman. + + 'The letter you inclosed in your last bore the signature H. S. + Mayers--the address, Sheepscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire; can you + give me any information respecting the writer? It is my intention to + acknowledge it one day. I am truly glad to hear that your little + invalid is restored to health, and that the rest of your family + continue well. Mrs. Williams should spare herself for her husband's + and children's sake. Her life and health are too valuable to those + round her to be lavished--she should be careful of them.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +It is not necessary to tell over again the story of Anne's death. Miss +Ellen Nussey, who was an eye witness, has related it once for all in Mrs. +Gaskell's Memoir. The tomb at Scarborough hears the following +inscription:-- + + HERE LIE THE REMAINS OF + ANNE BRONTE + DAUGHTER OF THE REV. P. BRONTE + INCUMBENT OF HAWORTH, YORKSHIRE + _She Died_, _Aged_ 28, _May_ 28_th_, 1849 + + + + +CHAPTER VIII: ELLEN NUSSEY + + +If to be known by one's friends is the index to character that it is +frequently assumed to be, Charlotte Bronte comes well out of that ordeal. +She was discriminating in friendship and leal to the heart's core. With +what gratitude she thought of the publisher who gave her the 'first +chance' we know by recognising that the manly Dr. John of _Villette_ was +Mr. George Smith of Smith & Elder. Mr. W. S. Williams, again, would seem +to have been a singularly gifted and amiable man. To her three girl +friends, Ellen Nussey, Mary Taylor, and Laetitia Wheelwright, she was +loyal to her dying day, and pencilled letters to the two of them who were +in England were written in her last illness. Of all her friends, Ellen +Nussey must always have the foremost place in our esteem. Like Mary +Taylor, she made Charlotte's acquaintance when, at fifteen years of age, +she first went to Roe Head School. Mrs. Gaskell has sufficiently +described the beginnings of that friendship which death was not to break. +Ellen Nussey and Charlotte Bronte corresponded with a regularity which +one imagines would be impossible had they both been born half a century +later. The two girls loved one another profoundly. They wrote at times +almost daily. They quarrelled occasionally over trifles, as friends +will, but Charlotte was always full of contrition when a few hours had +passed. Towards the end of her life she wrote to Mr. Williams a letter +concerning Miss Nussey which may well be printed here. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 3_rd_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of the _Morning + Chronicle_ with a good review, and of the _Church of England + Quarterly_ and the _Westminster_ with bad ones. I have also to thank + you for your letter, which would have been answered sooner had I been + alone; but just now I am enjoying the treat of my friend Ellen's + society, and she makes me indolent and negligent--I am too busy + talking to her all day to do anything else. You allude to the + subject of female friendships, and express wonder at the infrequency + of sincere attachments amongst women. As to married women, I can + well understand that they should be absorbed in their husbands and + children--but single women often like each other much, and derive + great solace from their mutual regard. Friendship, however, is a + plant which cannot be forced. True friendship is no gourd, springing + in a night and withering in a day. When I first saw Ellen I did not + care for her; we were school-fellows. In course of time we learnt + each other's faults and good points. We were contrasts--still, we + suited. Affection was first a germ, then a sapling, then a strong + tree--now, no new friend, however lofty or profound in intellect--not + even Miss Martineau herself--could be to me what Ellen is; yet she is + no more than a conscientious, observant, calm, well-bred Yorkshire + girl. She is without romance. If she attempts to read poetry, or + poetic prose, aloud, I am irritated and deprive her of the book--if + she talks of it, I stop my ears; but she is good; she is true; she is + faithful, and I love her. + + 'Since I came home, Miss Martineau has written me a long and truly + kindly letter. She invites me to visit her at Ambleside. I like the + idea. Whether I can realise it or not, it is pleasant to have in + prospect. + + 'You ask me to write to Mrs. Williams. I would rather she wrote to + me first; and let her send any kind of letter she likes, without + studying mood or manner.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Good, True, Faithful--friendship has no sweeter words than these; and it +was this loyalty in Miss Nussey which has marked her out in our day as a +fine type of sweet womanliness, and will secure to her a lasting name as +the friend of Charlotte Bronte. + +Miss Ellen Nussey was one of a large family of children, all of whom she +survives. Her home during the years of her first friendship with +Charlotte Bronte was at the Rydings, at that time the property of an +uncle, Reuben Walker, a distinguished court physician. The family in +that generation and in this has given many of its members to high public +service in various professions. Two Nusseys, indeed, and two Walkers, +were court physicians in their day. When Earl Fitzwilliam was canvassing +for the county in 1809, he was a guest at the Rydings for two weeks, and +on his election was chaired by the tenantry. Reuben Walker, this uncle +of Miss Nussey's, was the only Justice of the Peace for the district +which included Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, and Halifax, during the +Luddite riots--a significant reminder of the growth of population since +that day. Ellen Nussey's home was at the Rydings, then tenanted by her +brother John, until 1837, and she then removed to Brookroyd, where she +lived until long after Charlotte Bronte died. + +The first letter to Ellen Nussey is dated May 31, 1831, Charlotte having +become her school-fellow in the previous January. It would seem to have +been a mere play exercise across the school-room, as the girls were then +together at Roe Head. + + [Picture: Ellen Nussey as schoolgirl and adult] + + 'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--I take advantage of the earliest opportunity to + thank you for the letter you favoured me with last week, and to + apologise for having so long neglected to write to you; indeed, I + believe this will be the first letter or note I have ever addressed + to you. I am extremely obliged to Mary for her kind invitation, and + I assure you that I should very much have liked to hear the Lectures + on Galvanism, as they would doubtless have been amusing and + instructive. But we are often compelled to bend our inclination to + our duty (as Miss Wooler observed the other day), and since there are + so many holidays this half-year, it would have appeared almost + unreasonable to ask for an extra holiday; besides, we should perhaps + have got behindhand with our lessons, so that, everything considered, + it is perhaps as well that circumstances have deprived us of this + pleasure.--Believe me to remain, your affectionate friend, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +But by the Christmas holidays, 'Dear Miss Nussey' has become 'Dear +Ellen,' and the friendship has already well commenced. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 13_th_, 1832. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--The receipt of your letter gave me an agreeable + surprise, for notwithstanding your faithful promises, you must excuse + me if I say that I had little confidence in their fulfilment, knowing + that when school girls once get home they willingly abandon every + recollection which tends to remind them of school, and indeed they + find such an infinite variety of circumstances to engage their + attention and employ their leisure hours, that they are easily + persuaded that they have no time to fulfil promises made at school. + It gave me great pleasure, however, to find that you and Miss Taylor + are exceptions to the general rule. The cholera still seems slowly + advancing, but let us yet hope, knowing that all things are under the + guidance of a merciful Providence. England has hitherto been highly + favoured, for the disease has neither raged with the astounding + violence, nor extended itself with the frightful rapidity which + marked its progress in many of the continental countries.--From your + affectionate friend, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 1_st_, 1833. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I believe we agreed to correspond once a month. That + space of time has now elapsed since I received your last interesting + letter, and I now therefore hasten to reply. Accept my + congratulations on the arrival of the New Year, every succeeding day + of which will, I trust, find you _wiser_ and _better_ in the true + sense of those much-used words. The first day of January always + presents to my mind a train of very solemn and important reflections, + and a question more easily asked than answered frequently occurs, + viz.--How have I improved the past year, and with what good + intentions do I view the dawn of its successor? These, my dearest + Ellen, are weighty considerations which (young as we are) neither you + nor I can too deeply or too seriously ponder. I am sorry your too + great diffidence, arising, I think, from the want of sufficient + confidence in your own capabilities, prevented you from writing to me + in French, as I think the attempt would have materially contributed + to your improvement in that language. You very kindly caution me + against being tempted by the fondness of my sisters to consider + myself of too much importance, and then in a parenthesis you beg me + not to be offended. O Ellen, do you think I could be offended by any + good advice you may give me? No, I thank you heartily, and love you, + if possible, better for it. I am glad you like _Kenilworth_. It is + certainly a splendid production, more resembling a romance than a + novel, and, in my opinion, one of the most interesting works that + ever emanated from the great Sir Walter's pen. I was exceedingly + amused at the characteristic and naive manner in which you expressed + your detestation of Varney's character--so much so, indeed, that I + could not forbear laughing aloud when I perused that part of your + letter. He is certainly the personification of consummate villainy; + and in the delineation of his dark and profoundly artful mind, Scott + exhibits a wonderful knowledge of human nature as well as surprising + skill in embodying his perceptions so as to enable others to become + participators in that knowledge. Excuse the want of news in this + very barren epistle, for I really have none to communicate. Emily + and Anne beg to be kindly remembered to you. Give my best love to + your mother and sisters, and as it is very late permit me to conclude + with the assurance of my unchanged, unchanging, and unchangeable + affection for you.--Adieu, my sweetest Ellen, I am ever yours, + + 'CHARLOTTE.' + +Here is a pleasant testimony to Miss Nussey's attractions from Emily and +Anne. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 11_th_, 1833. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have hitherto delayed answering your last letter + because from what you said I imagined you might be from home. Since + you were here Emily has been very ill. Her ailment was erysipelas in + the arm, accompanied by severe bilious attacks, and great general + debility. Her arm was obliged to be cut in order to relieve it. It + is now, I am happy to say, nearly healed--her health is, in fact, + almost perfectly re-established. The sickness still continues to + recur at intervals. Were I to tell you of the impression you have + made on every one here you would accuse me of flattery. Papa and + aunt are continually adducing you as an example for me to shape my + actions and behaviour by. Emily and Anne say "they never saw any one + they liked so well as Miss Nussey," and Tabby talks a great deal more + nonsense about you than I choose to report. You must read this + letter, dear Ellen, without thinking of the writing, for I have + indited it almost all in the twilight. It is now so dark that, + notwithstanding the singular property of "seeing in the night-time" + which the young ladies at Roe Head used to attribute to me, I can + scribble no longer. All the family unite with me in wishes for your + welfare. Remember me respectfully to your mother and sisters, and + supply all those expressions of warm and genuine regard which the + increasing darkness will not permit me to insert. + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _February_ 11_th_, 1834. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--My letters are scarcely worth the postage, and + therefore I have, till now, delayed answering your last + communication; but upwards of two months having elapsed since I + received it, I have at length determined to take up my pen in reply + lest your anger should be roused by my apparent negligence. It + grieved me extremely to hear of your precarious state of health. I + trust sincerely that your medical adviser is mistaken in supposing + you have any tendency to a pulmonary affection. Dear Ellen, that + would indeed be a calamity. I have seen enough of consumption to + dread it as one of the most insidious and fatal diseases incident to + humanity. But I repeat it, I _hope_, nay _pray_, that your alarm is + groundless. If you remember, I used frequently to tell you at school + that you were constitutionally nervous--guard against the gloomy + impressions which such a state of mind naturally produces. Take + constant and regular exercise, and all, I doubt not, will yet be + well. What a remarkable winter we have had! Rain and wind + continually, but an almost total absence of frost and snow. Has + _general_ ill health been the consequence of wet weather at Birstall + or not? With us an unusual number of deaths have lately taken place. + According to custom I have no news to communicate, indeed I do not + write either to retail gossip or to impart solid information; my + motives for maintaining our mutual correspondence are, in the first + place, to get intelligence from you, and in the second that we may + remind each other of our separate existences; without some such + medium of reciprocal converse, according to the nature of things, + _you_, who are surrounded by society and friends, would soon forget + that such an insignificant being as myself ever lived. _I_, however, + in the solitude of our wild little hill village, think of my only + unrelated friend, my dear ci-devant school companion daily--nay, + almost hourly. Now Ellen, don't you think I have very cleverly + contrived to make up a letter out of nothing? Goodbye, dearest. + That God may bless you is the earnest prayer of your ever faithful + friend, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 10_th_, 1834. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have been a long while, a very long while without + writing to you. A letter I received from Mary Taylor this morning + reminded me of my neglect, and made me instantly sit down to atone + for it, if possible. She tells me your aunt, of Brookroyd, is dead, + and that Sarah is very ill; for this I am truly sorry, but I hope her + case is not yet without hope. You should however remember that + death, should it happen, will undoubtedly be great gain to her. In + your last, dear Ellen, you ask my opinion respecting the amusement of + dancing, and whether I thought it objectionable when indulged in for + an hour or two in parties of boys and girls. I should hesitate to + express a difference of opinion from Mr. Atkinson, but really the + matter seems to me to stand thus: It is allowed on all hands that the + sin of dancing consists not in the mere action of shaking the shanks + (as the Scotch say), but in the consequences that usually attend + it--namely, frivolity and waste of time; when it is used only, as in + the case you state, for the exercise and amusement of an hour among + young people (who surely may without any breach of God's commandments + be allowed a little light-heartedness), these consequences cannot + follow. Ergo (according to my manner of arguing), the amusement is + at such times perfectly innocent. Having nothing more to say, I will + conclude with the expression of my sincere and earnest attachment + for, Ellen, your own dear self. + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 12_th_, 1835. + + 'DEAREST ELLEN,--I thought it better not to answer your kind letter + too soon, lest I should (in the present fully occupied state of your + time) appear intrusive. I am happy to inform you papa has given me + permission to accept the invitation it conveyed, and ere long I hope + once more to have the pleasure of seeing _almost_ the _only_ and + certainly the _dearest_ friend I possess (out of our own family). I + leave it to you to fix the time, only requesting you not to appoint + too early a day; let it be a fortnight or three weeks at least from + the date of the present letter. I am greatly obliged to you for your + kind offer of meeting me at Bradford, but papa thinks that such a + plan would involve uncertainty, and be productive of trouble to you. + He recommends that I should go direct in a gig from Haworth at the + time you shall determine, or, if that day should prove unfavourable, + the first subsequent fine one. Such an arrangement would leave us + both free, and if it meets with your approbation would perhaps be the + best we could finally resolve upon. Excuse the brevity of this + epistle, dear Ellen, for I am in a great hurry, and we shall, I + trust, soon see each other face to face, which will be better than a + hundred letters. Give my respectful love to your mother and sisters, + accept the kind remembrances of all our family, and--Believe me in + particular to be, your firm and faithful friend, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--You ask me to stay a month when I come, but as I do not wish + to tire you with my company, and as, besides, papa and aunt both + think a fortnight amply sufficient, I shall not exceed that period. + Farewell, _dearest_, _dearest_.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'ROE HEAD, _September_ 10_th_, 1835. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--You are far too kind and frequent in your + invitations. You puzzle me: I hardly know how to refuse, and it is + still more embarrassing to accept. At any rate, I cannot come this + week, for we are in the very thickest _melee_ of the repetitions; I + was hearing the terrible fifth section when your note arrived. But + Miss Wooler says I must go to Gomersall next Friday as she promised + for me on Whitsunday; and on Sunday morning I will join you at + church, if it be convenient, and stay at Rydings till Monday morning. + There's a free and easy proposal! Miss Wooler has driven me to + it--she says her character is implicated! I am very sorry to hear + that your mother has been ill. I do hope she is better now, and that + all the rest of the family are well. Will you be so kind as to + deliver the accompanying note to Miss Taylor when you see her at + church on Sunday? Dear Ellen, excuse the most horrid scrawl ever + penned by mortal hands. Remember me to your mother and sisters, + and--Believe me, E. Nussey's friend, + + 'CHARLOTTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_February_ 20_th_, 1837. + + 'I read your letter with dismay, Ellen--what shall I do without you? + Why are we so to be denied each other's society? It is an + inscrutable fatality. I long to be with you because it seems as if + two or three days or weeks spent in your company would beyond measure + strengthen me in the enjoyment of those feelings which I have so + lately begun to cherish. You first pointed out to me that way in + which I am so feebly endeavouring to travel, and now I cannot keep + you by my side, I must proceed sorrowfully alone. + + 'Why are we to be divided? Surely, Ellen, it must be because we are + in danger of loving each other too well--of losing sight of the + _Creator_ in idolatry of the _creature_. At first I could not say, + "Thy will be done." I felt rebellious; but I know it was wrong to + feel so. Being left a moment alone this morning I prayed fervently + to be enabled to resign myself to _every_ decree of God's + will--though it should be dealt forth with a far severer hand than + the present disappointment. Since then, I have felt calmer and + humbler--and consequently happier. Last Sunday I took up my Bible in + a gloomy frame of mind; I began to read; a feeling stole over me such + as I have not known for many long years--a sweet placid sensation + like those that I remember used to visit me when I was a little + child, and on Sunday evenings in summer stood by the open window + reading the life of a certain French nobleman who attained a purer + and higher degree of sanctity than has been known since the days of + the early Martyrs. I thought of my own Ellen--I wished she had been + near me that I might have told her how happy I was, how bright and + glorious the pages of God's holy word seemed to me. But the + "foretaste" passed away, and earth and sin returned. I must see you + before you go, Ellen; if you cannot come to Roe Head I will contrive + to walk over to Brookroyd, provided you will let me know the time of + your departure. Should you not be at home at Easter I dare not + promise to accept your mother's and sisters' invitation. I should be + miserable at Brookroyd without you, yet I would contrive to visit + them for a few hours if I could not for a few days. I love them for + your sake. I have written this note at a venture. When it will + reach you I know not, but I was determined not to let slip an + opportunity for want of being prepared to embrace it. Farewell, may + God bestow on you all His blessings. My darling--Farewell. Perhaps + you may return before midsummer--do you think you possibly can? I + wish your brother John knew how unhappy I am; he would almost pity + me. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 8_th_, 1837. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--The inclosed, as you will perceive, was written + before I received your last. I had intended to send it by this, but + what you said altered my intention. I scarce dare build a hope on + the foundation your letter lays--we have been disappointed so often, + and I fear I shall not be able to prevail on them to part with you; + but I will try my utmost, and at any rate there is a chance of our + meeting soon; with that thought I will comfort myself. You do not + know how selfishly _glad_ I am that you still continue to dislike + London and the Londoners--it seems to afford a sort of proof that + your affections are not changed. Shall we really stand once again + together on the moors of Haworth? I _dare_ not flatter myself with + too sanguine an expectation. I see many doubts and difficulties. + But with Miss Wooler's leave, which I have asked and in part + obtained, I will go to-morrow and try to remove them.--Believe me, my + own Ellen, yours always truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 12_th_, 1839. + + 'MY _dear kind_ ELLEN,--I can hardly help laughing when I reckon up + the number of urgent invitations I have received from you during the + last three months. Had I accepted all or even half of them, the + Birstallians would certainly have concluded that I had come to make + Brookroyd my permanent residence. When you set your mind upon it, + you have a peculiar way of edging one in with a circle of dilemmas, + so that they hardly know how to refuse you; however, I shall take a + running leap and clear them all. Frankly, my dear Ellen, I _cannot + come_. Reflect for yourself a moment. Do you see nothing absurd in + the idea of a person coming again into a neighbourhood within a month + after they have taken a solemn and formal leave of all their + acquaintance? However, I thank both you and your mother for the + invitation, which was most kindly expressed. You give no answer to + my proposal that you should come to Haworth with the Taylors. I + still think it would be your best plan. I wish you and the Taylors + were safely here; there is no pleasure to be had without toiling for + it. You must invite me no more, my dear Ellen, until next Midsummer + at the nearest. All here desire to be remembered to you, aunt + particularly. Angry though you are, I will venture to sign myself as + usual (no, not as usual, but as suits circumstances).--Yours, under a + cloud, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 5_th_, 1838. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--Yesterday I heard that you were ill. Mr. and + Miss Heald were at Dewsbury Moor, and it was from them I obtained the + information. This morning I set off to Brookroyd to learn further + particulars, from whence I am but just returned. Your mother is in + great distress about you, she can hardly mention your name without + tears; and both she and Mercy wish very much to see you at home + again. Poor girl, you have been a fortnight confined to your bed; + and while I was blaming you in my own mind for not writing, you were + suffering in sickness without one kind _female_ friend to watch over + you. I should have heard all this before and have hastened to + express my sympathy with you in this crisis had I been able to visit + Brookroyd in the Easter holidays, but an unexpected summons back to + Dewsbury Moor, in consequence of the illness and death of Mr. Wooler, + prevented it. Since that time I have been a fortnight and two days + quite alone, Miss Wooler being detained in the interim at Rouse Mill. + You will now see, Ellen, that it was not neglect or failure of + affection which has occasioned my silence, though I fear you will + long ago have attributed it to those causes. If you are well enough, + do write to me just two lines--just to assure me of your + convalescence; not a word, however, if it would harm you--not a + syllable. They value you at home. Sickness and absence call forth + expressions of attachment which might have remained long enough + unspoken if their object had been present and well. I wish your + _friends_ (I include myself in that word) may soon cease to have + cause for so painful an excitement of their regard. As yet I have + but an imperfect idea of the nature of your illness--of its + extent--or of the degree in which it may now have subsided. When you + can let me know all, no particular, however minute, will be + uninteresting to me. How have your spirits been? I trust not much + overclouded, for that is the most melancholy result of illness. You + are not, I understand, going to Bath at present; they seem to have + arranged matters strangely. When I parted from you near White-lee + Bar, I had a more sorrowful feeling than ever I experienced before in + our temporary separations. It is foolish to dwell too much on the + idea of presentiments, but I certainly had a feeling that the time of + our reunion had never been so indefinite or so distant as then. I + doubt not, my dear Ellen, that amidst your many trials, amidst the + sufferings that you have of late felt in yourself, and seen in + several of your relations, you have still been able to look up and + find support in trial, consolation in affliction, and repose in + tumult, where human interference can make no change. I think you + know in the right spirit how to withdraw yourself from the vexation, + the care, the meanness of life, and to derive comfort from purer + sources than this world can afford. You know how to do it silently, + unknown to others, and can avail yourself of that hallowed communion + the Bible gives us with God. I am charged to transmit your mother's + and sister's love. Receive mine in the same parcel, I think it will + scarcely be the smallest share. Farewell, my dear Ellen. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 15_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I read your last letter with a great deal of + interest. Perhaps it is not always well to tell people when we + approve of their actions, and yet it is very pleasant to do so; and + as, if you had done wrongly, I hope I should have had honesty enough + to tell you so, so now, as you have done rightly, I shall gratify + myself by telling you what I think. + + 'If I made you my father confessor I could reveal weaknesses which + you do not dream of. I do not mean to intimate that I attach a _high + value_ to empty compliments, but a word of panegyric has often made + me feel a sense of confused pleasure which it required my strongest + effort to conceal--and on the other hand, a hasty expression which I + could construe into neglect or disapprobation has tortured me till I + have lost half a night's rest from its rankling pangs. + + 'C. BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--Don't talk any more of sending for me--when I come I will + _send_ myself. All send their love to you. I have no prospect of a + situation any more than of going to the moon. Write to me again as + soon as you can.' + +Here is the only glimpse that we find of her Penzance relatives in these +later years. They would seem to have visited Haworth when Charlotte was +twenty-four years of age. The impression they left was not a kindly one. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 14_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--As you only sent me a note, I shall only send you + one, and that not out of revenge, but because like you I have but + little to say. The freshest news in our house is that we had, a + fortnight ago, a visit from some of our South of England relations, + John Branwell and his wife and daughter. They have been staying + above a month with Uncle Fennell at Crosstone. They reckon to be + very grand folks indeed, and talk largely--I thought assumingly. I + cannot say I much admired them. To my eyes there seemed to be an + attempt to play the great Mogul down in Yorkshire. Mr. Branwell was + much less assuming than the womenites; he seemed a frank, sagacious + kind of man, very tall and vigorous, with a keen active look. The + moment he saw me he exclaimed that I was the very image of my aunt + Charlotte. Mrs. Branwell sets up for being a woman of great talent, + tact, and accomplishment. I thought there was much more noise than + work. My cousin Eliza is a young lady intended by nature to be a + bouncing, good-looking girl--art has trained her to be a languishing, + affected piece of goods. I would have been friendly with her, but I + could get no talk except about the Low Church, Evangelical clergy, + the Millennium, Baptist Noel, botany, and her own conversion. A + mistaken education has utterly spoiled the lass. Her face tells that + she is naturally good-natured, though perhaps indolent. Her + affectations were so utterly out of keeping with her round rosy face + and tall bouncing figure, I could hardly refrain from laughing as I + watched her. Write a long letter next time and I'll write you ditto. + Good-bye.' + +We have already read the letters which were written to Miss Nussey during +the governess period, and from Brussels. On her final return from +Brussels, Charlotte implores a letter. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _February_ 10_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I cannot tell what occupies your thoughts and time. + Are you ill? Is some one of your family ill? Are you married? Are + you dead? If it be so, you may as well write a word and let me + know--for my part, I am again in old England. I shall tell you + nothing further till you write to me. + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Write to me directly, that is a good girl; I feel really anxious, + and have felt so for a long time to hear from you.' + +She visits Miss Nussey soon afterwards at Brookroyd, and a little later +writes as follows: + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 7_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I have received your note. It communicated a piece of + good news which I certainly did not expect to hear. I want, however, + further enlightenment on the subject. Can you tell me what has + caused the change in Mary's plans, and brought her so suddenly back + to England? Is it on account of Mary Dixon? Is it the wish of her + brother, or is it her own determination? I hope, whatever the reason + be, it is nothing which can give her uneasiness or do her harm. Do + you know how long she is likely to stay in England? or when she + arrives at Hunsworth? + + 'You ask how I am. I really have felt much better the last week--I + think my visit to Brookroyd did me good. What delightful weather we + have had lately. I wish we had had such while I was with you. Emily + and I walk out a good deal on the moors, to the great damage of our + shoes, but I hope to the benefit of our health. + + 'Good-bye, dear Ellen. Send me another of your little notes soon. + Kindest regards to all, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 9_th_, 1844. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--Anne and Branwell are now at home, and they and + Emily add their request to mine, that you will join us at the + beginning of next week. Write and let us know what day you will + come, and how--if by coach, we will meet you at Keighley. Do not let + your visit be later than the beginning of next week, or you will see + little of Anne and Branwell as their holidays are very short. They + will soon have to join the family at Scarborough. Remember me kindly + to your mother and sisters. I hope they are all well. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 14_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Your letter came very apropos, as, indeed, your letters + always do; but this morning I had something of a headache, and was + consequently rather out of spirits, and the epistle (scarcely legible + though it be--excuse a rub) cheered me. In order to evince my + gratitude, as well as to please my own inclination, I sit down to + answer it immediately. I am glad, in the first place, to hear that + your brother is going to be married, and still more so to learn that + his wife-elect has a handsome fortune--not that I advocate marrying + for money in general, but I think in many cases (and this is one) + money is a very desirable contingent of matrimony. + + 'I wonder when Mary Taylor is expected in England. I trust you will + be at home while she is at Hunsworth, and that you, she, and I, may + meet again somewhere under the canopy of heaven. I cannot, dear + Ellen, make any promise about myself and Anne going to Brookroyd at + Christmas; her vacations are so short she would grudge spending any + part of them from home. + + 'The catastrophe, which you related so calmly, about your book-muslin + dress, lace bertha, etc., convulsed me with cold shudderings of + horror. You have reason to curse the day when so fatal a present was + offered you as that infamous little "varmint." The perfect serenity + with which you endured the disaster proves most fully to me that you + would make the best wife, mother, and mistress in the world. You and + Anne are a pair for marvellous philosophical powers of endurance; no + spoilt dinners, scorched linen, dirtied carpets, torn sofa-covers, + squealing brats, cross husbands, would ever discompose either of you. + You ought never to marry a good-tempered man, it would be mingling + honey with sugar, like sticking white roses upon a black-thorn + cudgel. With this very picturesque metaphor I close my letter. + Good-bye, and write very soon. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Much has been said concerning Charlotte Bronte's visit to Hathersage in +Derbyshire, and it is interesting because of the fact that Miss Bronte +obtained the name of 'Eyre' from a family in that neighbourhood, and +Morton in _Jane Eyre_ may obviously be identified with Hathersage. {221} +Miss Ellen Nussey's brother Henry became Vicar of Hathersage, and he +married shortly afterwards. While he was on his honeymoon his sister +went to Hathersage to keep house for him, and she invited her friend +Charlotte Bronte to stay with her. The visit lasted three weeks. This +was the only occasion that Charlotte visited Hathersage. Here are two or +three short notes referring to that visit. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 10_th_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--It is very vexatious for you to have had to go to + Sheffield in vain. I am glad to hear that there is an omnibus on + Thursday, and I have told Emily and Anne I will try to come on that + day. The opening of the railroad is now postponed till July 7th. I + should not like to put you off again, and for that and some other + reasons they have decided to give up the idea of going to Scarbro', + and instead, to make a little excursion next Monday and Tuesday, to + Ilkley or elsewhere. I hope no other obstacle will arise to prevent + my going to Hathersage. I do long to be with you, and I feel + nervously afraid of being prevented, or put off in some way. + Branwell only stayed a week with us, but he is to come home again + when the family go to Scarboro'. I will write to Brookroyd directly. + Yesterday I had a little note from Henry inviting me to go to see + you. This is one of your contrivances, for which you deserve + smothering. You have written to Henry to tell him to write to me. + Do you think I stood on ceremony about the matter? + + 'The French papers have ceased to come. Good-bye for the present. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MRS. NUSSEY + + '_July_ 23_rd_, 1845. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. NUSSEY,--I lose no time after my return home in writing + to you and offering you my sincere thanks for the kindness with which + you have repeatedly invited me to go and stay a few days at + Brookroyd. It would have given me great pleasure to have gone, had + it been only for a day, just to have seen you and Miss Mercy (Miss + Nussey I suppose is not at home) and to have been introduced to Mrs. + Henry, but I have stayed so long with Ellen at Hathersage that I + could not possibly now go to Brookroyd. I was expected at home; and + after all _home_ should always have the first claim on our attention. + When I reached home (at ten o'clock on Saturday night) I found papa, + I am thankful to say, pretty well, but he thought I had been a long + time away. + + 'I left Ellen well, and she had generally good health while I stayed + with her, but she is very anxious about matters of business, and + apprehensive lest things should not be comfortable against the + arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Henry--she is so desirous that the day of + their arrival at Hathersage should be a happy one to both. + + 'I hope, my dear Mrs. Nussey, you are well; and I should be very + happy to receive a little note either from you or from Miss Mercy to + assure me of this.--Believe me, yours affectionately and sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_July_ 24_th_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--A series of toothaches, prolonged and severe, bothering + me both day and night, have kept me very stupid of late, and + prevented me from writing to you. More than once I have sat down and + opened my desk, but have not been able to get up to par. To-day, + after a night of fierce pain, I am better--much better, and I take + advantage of the interval of ease to discharge my debt. I wish I had + 50 pounds to spare at present, and that you, Emily, Anne, and I were + all at liberty to leave home without our absence being detrimental to + any body. How pleasant to set off _en masse_ to the seaside, and + stay there a few weeks, taking in a stock of health and strength.--We + could all do with recreation. Adversity agrees with you, Ellen. + Your good qualities are never so obvious as when under the pressure + of affliction. Continued prosperity might develope too much a + certain germ of ambition latent in your character. I saw this little + germ putting out green shoots when I was staying with you at + Hathersage. It was not then obtrusive, and perhaps might never + become so. Your good sense, firm principle, and kind feeling might + keep it down. Holding down my head does not suit my toothache. Give + my love to your mother and sisters. Write again as soon as may + be.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 18_th_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I am writing to you, not because I have anything to + tell you, but because I want you to write to me. I am glad to see + that you were pleased with your new sister. When I was at Hathersage + you were talking of writing to Mary Taylor. I have lately written to + her a brief, shabby epistle of which I am ashamed, but I found when I + began to write I had really very little to say. I sent the letter to + Hunsworth, and I suppose it will go sometime. You must write to me + soon, a long letter. Remember me respectfully to Mr. and Mrs. Henry + Nussey. Give my love to Miss R.--Yours, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 14_th_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I was glad to get your last note, though it was so + short and crusty. Three weeks had elapsed without my having heard a + word from you, and I began to fear some new misfortune had occurred. + I was relieved to find such was not the case. Anne is obliged by the + kind regret you express at not being able to ask her to Brookroyd. + She wishes you could come to Haworth. Do you scold me out of habit, + or are you really angry? In either case it is all nonsense. You + know as well as I do that to go to Brookroyd is always a pleasure to + me, and that to one who has so little change, and so few friends as I + have, it must be a _great pleasure_, but I am not at all times in the + mood or circumstances to take my pleasure. I wish so much to see + you, that I shall certainly sometime after New Year's Day, if all be + well, be going over to Birstall. Now I could _not go_ if I _would_. + If you think I stand upon ceremony in this matter, you miscalculate + sadly. I have known you, and your mother and sisters, too long to be + ceremonious with any of you. Invite me no more now, till I invite + myself--be too proud to trouble yourself; and if, when at last I + mention coming (for I shall give you warning), it does not happen to + suit you, tell me so, with quiet hauteur. I should like a long + letter next time. No more lovers' quarrels. + + 'Good-bye. Best love to your mother and sisters. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 28_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Long may you look young and handsome enough to dress in + white, dear, and long may you have a right to feel the consciousness + that you look agreeable. I know you have too much judgment to let an + overdose of vanity spoil the blessing and turn it into a misfortune. + After all though, age will come on, and it is well you have something + better than a nice face for friends to turn to when that is changed. + I hope this excessively cold weather has not harmed you or yours + much. It has nipped me severely, taken away my appetite for a while + and given me toothache; in short, put me in the ailing condition, in + which I have more than once had the honour of making myself such a + nuisance both at Brookroyd and Hunsworth. The consequence is that at + this present speaking I look almost old enough to be your + mother--grey, sunk, and withered. To-day, however, it is milder, and + I hope soon to feel better; indeed I am not _ill_ now, and my + toothache is now subsided, but I experience a loss of strength and a + deficiency of spirit which would make me a sorry companion to you or + any one else. I would not be on a visit now for a large sum of + money. + + 'Write soon. Give my best love to your mother and + sisters.--Good-bye, dear Nell, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 21_st_, 1847. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I am very much obliged to you for your gift, which you + must not undervalue, for I like the articles; they look extremely + pretty and light. They are for wrist frills, are they not? Will you + condescend to accept a yard of lace made up into nothing? I thought + I would not offer to spoil it by stitching it into any shape. Your + creative fingers will turn it to better account than my destructive + ones. I hope, such as it is, they will not peck it out of the + envelope at the Bradford Post-office, where they generally take the + liberty of opening letters when they feel soft as if they contained + articles. I had forgotten all about your birthday and mine, till + your letter arrived to remind me of it. I wish you many happy + returns of yours. Of course your visit to Haworth must be regulated + by Miss Ringrose's movements. I was rather amused at your fearing I + should be jealous. I never thought of it. She and I could not be + rivals in your affections. You allot her, I know, a different set of + feelings to what you allot me. She is amiable and estimable, I am + not amiable, but still we shall stick to the last I don't doubt. In + short, I should as soon think of being jealous of Emily and Anne in + these days as of you. If Miss Ringrose does not come to Brookroyd + about Whitsuntide, I should like you to come. I shall feel a good + deal disappointed if the visit is put off--I would rather Miss + Ringrose fixed her time in summer, and then I would come to see you + (D.V.) in the autumn. I don't think it will be at all a good plan to + go back with you. We see each other so seldom, that I would far + rather divide the visits. Remember me to all.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 25_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I have a small present for Mercy. You must fetch it, + for I repeat you shall _come to Haworth before I go to Brookroyd._ + + 'I do not say this from pique or anger--I am not angry now--but + because my leaving home at present would from solid reasons be + difficult to manage. If all be well I will visit you in the autumn, + at present I _cannot_ come. Be assured that if I could come I + should, after your last letter, put scruples and pride away and "go + over into Macedonia" at once. I never could manage to help you yet. + You have always found me something like a new servant, who requires + to be told where everything is, and shown how everything is to be + done. + + 'My sincere love to your mother and Mercy.--Yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 29_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Your letter and its contents were most welcome. You + must direct your luggage to Mr. Bronte's, and we will tell the + carrier to inquire for it. The railroad has been opened some time, + but it only comes as far as Keighley. If you arrive about 4 o'clock + in the afternoon, Emily, Anne, and I will all meet you at the + station. We can take tea jovially together at the Devonshire Arms, + and walk home in the cool of the evening. This arrangement will be + much better than fagging through four miles in the heat of noon. + Write by return of post if you can, and say if this plan suits + you.--Yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 10_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--The old pang of fearing you should fancy I forget you + drives me to write to you, though heaven knows I have precious little + to say, and if it were not that I wish to hear from you, and hate to + appear disregardful when I am not so, I might let another week or + perhaps two slip away without writing. There is much in Ruth's + letter that I thought very melancholy. Poor girls! theirs, I fear, + must be a very unhappy home. Yours and mine, with all disadvantages, + all absences of luxury and wealth and style, are, I doubt not, + happier. I wish to goodness you were rich, that you might give her a + temporary asylum, and a relief from uneasiness, suffering, and gloom. + What you say about the effects of ether on your sister rather + startled me. I had always consoled myself with the idea of having + some teeth extracted some day under its soothing influence, but now I + should think twice before I consented to inhale it; one would not + like to make a fool of one's self.--I am, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 11_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--There is a great deal of good-sense in your last + letter. Be thankful that God gave you sense, for what are beauty, + wealth, or even health without it? I had a note from Miss Ringrose + the other day. I do not think I shall write again, for the reasons I + before mentioned to you; but the note moved me much, it was almost + all about her dear Ellen, a kind of gentle enthusiasm of affection, + enough to make one smile and weep--her feelings are half truth, half + illusion. No human being could be altogether what she supposes you + to be, yet your kindness must have been very great. If one were only + rich, how delightful it would be to travel and spend the winter in + climates where there are no winters. Give my love to your mother and + sisters.--Believe me, faithfully yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 22_nd_, 1848. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have just received your little parcel, and beg to + thank you in all our names for its contents, and also for your + letter, of the arrival of which I was, to speak truth, getting rather + impatient. + + 'The housewife's travelling companion is a most commodious + thing--just the sort of article which suits one to a T, and which yet + I should never have the courage or industry to sit down and make for + myself. I shall keep it for occasions of going from home, it will + save me a world of trouble. It must have required some thought to + arrange the various compartments and their contents so aptly. I had + quite forgotten till your letter reminded me that it was the + anniversary of your birthday and mine. I am now thirty-two. Youth + is gone--gone--and will never come back; can't help it. I wish you + many returns of your birthday and increase of happiness with increase + of years. It seems to me that sorrow must come sometime to every + body, and those who scarcely taste it in their youth often have a + more brimming and bitter cup to drain in after-life; whereas, those + who exhaust the dregs early, who drink the lees before the wine, may + reasonably expect a purer and more palatable draught to succeed. So, + at least, one fain would hope. It touched me at first a little + painfully to hear of your purposed governessing, but on second + thoughts I discovered this to be quite a foolish feeling. You are + doing right even though you should not gain much. The effort will do + you good; no one ever does regret a step towards self-help; it is so + much gained in independence. + + 'Give my love to your mother and sisters.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 24_th_, 1848. + + 'Dear Ellen,--I shall begin by telling you that you have no right to + be angry at the length of time I have suffered to slip by since + receiving your last, without answering it, because you have often + kept me waiting much longer; and having made this gracious speech, + thereby obviating reproaches, I will add that I think it a great + shame when you receive a long and thoroughly interesting letter, full + of the sort of details you fully relish, to read the same with + selfish pleasure and not even have the manners to thank your + correspondent, and express how much you enjoyed the narrative. I + _did_ enjoy the narrative in your last very keenly; the exquisitely + characteristic traits concerning the Bakers were worth gold; just + like not only them but all their class--respectable, well-meaning + people enough, but with all that petty assumption of dignity, that + small jealousy of senseless formalities, which to such people seems + to form a second religion. Your position amongst them was + detestable. I admire the philosophy with which you bore it. Their + taking offence because you stayed all night at their aunt's is rich. + It is right not to think much of casual attentions; it is quite + justifiable also to derive from them temporary gratification, + insomuch as they prove that their object has the power of pleasing. + Let them be as ephemera--to last an hour, and not be regretted when + gone. + + 'Write to me again soon and--Believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 3, 1849. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have received the furs safely. I like the sables + very much, and shall keep them; and 'to save them' shall keep the + squirrel, as you prudently suggested. I hope it is not too much like + the steel poker to save the brass one. I return Mary's letter. It + is another page from the volume of life, and at the bottom is written + "Finis"--mournful word. Macaulay's _History_ was only _lent_ to + myself--all the books I have from London I accept only as a loan, + except in peculiar cases, where it is the author's wish I should + possess his work. + + 'Do you think in a few weeks it will be possible for you to come to + see me? I am only waiting to get my labour off my hands to permit + myself the pleasure of asking you. At our house you can read as much + as you please. + + 'I have been much better, very free from oppression or irritation of + the chest, during the last fortnight or ten days. Love to + all.--Good-bye, dear Nell. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 23_rd_, 1849. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Papa has not been well at all lately--he has had + another attack of bronchitis. I felt very uneasy about him for some + days, more wretched indeed than I care to tell you. After what has + happened, one trembles at any appearance of sickness, and when + anything ails papa I feel too keenly that he is the _last_, the + _only_ near and dear relation I have in the world. Yesterday and + to-day he has seemed much better, for which I am truly thankful. + + 'For myself, I should be pretty well but for a continually recurring + feeling of slight cold, slight soreness in the throat and chest, of + which, do what I will, I cannot quite get rid. Has your cough + entirely left you? I wish the atmosphere would return to a + salubrious condition, for I really think it is not healthy. English + cholera has been very prevalent here. + + 'I _do_ wish to see you.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 16, 1850. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I am going on Monday (D.V.) a journey, whereof the + prospect cheers me not at all, to Windermere, in Westmoreland, to + spend a few days with Sir J. K. S., who has taken a house there for + the autumn and winter. I consented to go with reluctance, chiefly to + please papa, whom a refusal on my part would have much annoyed; but I + dislike to leave him. I trust he is not worse, but his complaint is + still weakness. It is not right to anticipate evil, and to be always + looking forward in an apprehensive spirit; but I think grief is a + two-edged sword--it cuts both ways: the memory of one loss is the + anticipation of another. Take moderate exercise and be careful, dear + Nell, and--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 10_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR NELL,--Poor little Flossy! I have not yet screwed up nerve to + tell papa about her fate, it seems to me so piteous. However, she + had a happy life with a kind mistress, whatever her death has been. + Little hapless plague! She had more goodness and patience shown her + than she deserved, I fear. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 26_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I should not have written to you to-day by choice. + Lately I have again been harassed with headache--the heavy electric + atmosphere oppresses me much, yet I am less miserable just now than I + was a little while ago. A severe shock came upon me about papa. He + was suddenly attacked with acute inflammation of the eye. Mr. + Ruddock was sent for; and after he had examined him, he called me + into another room, and said papa's pulse was bounding at 150 per + minute, that there was a strong pressure of blood upon the brain, + that, in short, the symptoms were decidedly apoplectic. + + 'Active measures were immediately taken. By the next day the pulse + was reduced to ninety. Thank God he is now better, though not well. + The eye is a good deal inflamed. He does not know his state. To + tell him he had been in danger of apoplexy would almost be to kill + him at once--it would increase the rush to the brain and perhaps + bring about rupture. He is kept very quiet. + + 'Dear Nell, you will excuse a short note. Write again soon. Tell me + all concerning yourself that can relieve you.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 3_rd_, 1852. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I write a line to say that papa is now considered out + of danger. His progress to health is not without relapse, but I + think he gains ground, if slowly, surely. Mr. Ruddock says the + seizure was quite of an apoplectic character; there was a partial + paralysis for two days, but the mind remained clear, in spite of a + high degree of nervous irritation. One eye still remains inflamed, + and papa is weak, but all muscular affection is gone, and the pulse + is accurate. One cannot be too thankful that papa's sight is yet + spared--it was the fear of losing that which chiefly distressed him. + + 'With best wishes for yourself, dear Ellen,--I am, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'My headaches are better. I have needed no help, but I thank you + sincerely for your kind offers.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _August_ 12_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Papa has varied occasionally since I wrote to you last. + Monday was a very bad day, his spirits sunk painfully. Tuesday and + yesterday, however, were much better, and to-day he seems wonderfully + well. The prostration of spirits which accompanies anything like a + relapse is almost the most difficult point to manage. Dear Nell, you + are tenderly kind in offering your society; but rest very tranquil + where you are; be fully assured that it is not now, nor under present + circumstances, that I feel the lack either of society or occupation; + my time is pretty well filled up, and my thoughts appropriated. + + 'Mr. Ruddock now seems quite satisfied there is no present danger + whatever; he says papa has an excellent constitution and may live + many years yet. The true balance is not yet restored to the + circulation, but I believe that impetuous and dangerous termination + to the head is quite obviated. I cannot permit myself to comment + much on the chief contents of your last; advice is not necessary. As + far as I can judge, you seem hitherto enabled to take these trials in + a good and wise spirit. I can only pray that such combined strength + and resignation may be continued to you. Submission, courage, + exertion, when practicable--these seem to be the weapons with which + we must fight life's long battle.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +To Miss Nussey we owe many other letters than those here printed--indeed, +they must needs play an important part in Charlotte Bronte's biography. +They do not deal with the intellectual interests which are so marked in +the letters to W. S. Williams, and which, doubtless, characterised the +letters to Miss Mary Taylor. 'I ought to have written this letter to +Mary,' Charlotte says, when on one occasion she dropped into literature +to her friend; but the friendship was as precious as most intellectual +friendships, because it was based upon a common esteem and an unselfish +devotion. Ellen Nussey, as we have seen, accompanied Anne Bronte to +Scarborough, and was at her death-bed. She attended Charlotte's wedding, +and lived to mourn over her tomb. For forty years she has been the +untiring advocate and staunch champion, hating to hear a word in her +great friend's dispraise, loving to note the glorious recognition, of +which there has been so rich and so full a harvest. That she still lives +to receive our reverent gratitude for preserving so many interesting +traits of the Brontes, is matter for full and cordial congratulation, +wherever the names of the authors of _Jane Eyre_ and _Wuthering Heights_ +are held in just and wise esteem. + + + + +CHAPTER IX: MARY TAYLOR + + +Mary Taylor, the 'M---' of Mrs. Gaskell's biography, and the 'Rose Yorke' +of _Shirley_, will always have a peculiar interest to those who care for +the Brontes. She shrank from publicity, and her name has been less +mentioned than that of any other member of the circle. And yet hers was +a personality singularly strenuous and strong. She wrote two books 'with +a purpose,' and, as we shall see, vigorously embodied her teaching in her +life. It will be remembered that Charlotte Bronte, Ellen Nussey, and +Mary Taylor first met at Roe Head School, when Charlotte and Mary were +fifteen and her friend about fourteen years of age. Here are Miss +Nussey's impressions-- + + 'She was pretty, and very childish-looking, dressed in a red-coloured + frock with short sleeves and low neck, as then worn by young girls. + Miss Wooler in later years used to say that when Mary went to her as + a pupil she thought her too pretty to live. She was not talkative at + school, but industrious, and always ready with lessons. She was + always at the top in class lessons, with Charlotte Bronte and the + writer; seldom a change was made, and then only with the three--one + move. Charlotte and she were great friends for a time, but there was + no withdrawing from me on either side, and Charlotte never quite knew + how an estrangement arose with Mary, but it lasted a long time. Then + a time came that both Charlotte and Mary were so proficient in + schoolroom attainments there was no more for them to learn, and Miss + Wooler set them Blair's _Belles Lettres_ to commit to memory. We all + laughed at their studies. Charlotte persevered, but Mary took her + own line, flatly refused, and accepted the penalty of disobedience, + going supper-less to bed for about a month before she left school. + When it was moonlight, we always found her engaged in drawing on the + chest of drawers, which stood in the bay window, quite happy and + cheerful. Her rebellion was never outspoken. She was always quiet + in demeanour. Her sister Martha, on the contrary, spoke out + vigorously, daring Miss Wooler so much, face to face, that she + sometimes received a box on the ear, which hardly any saint could + have withheld. Then Martha would expatiate on the danger of boxing + ears, quoting a reverend brother of Miss Wooler's. Among her school + companions, Martha was called "Miss Boisterous," but was always a + favourite, so piquant and fascinating were her ways. She was not in + the least pretty, but something much better, full of change and + variety, rudely outspoken, lively, and original, producing laughter + with her own good-humour and affection. She was her father's pet + child. He delighted in hearing her sing, telling her to go to the + piano, with his affectionate "Patty lass." + + 'Mary never had the impromptu vivacity of her sister, but was lively + in games that engaged her mind. Her music was very correct, but + entirely cultivated by practice and perseverance. Anything underhand + was detestable to both Mary and Martha; they had no mean pride + towards others, but accepted the incidents of life with imperturbable + good-sense and insight. They were not dressed as well as other + pupils, for economy at that time was the rule of their household. + The girls had to stitch all over their new gloves before wearing + them, by order of their mother, to make them wear longer. Their dark + blue cloth coats were worn when _too short_, and black beaver bonnets + quite plainly trimmed, with the ease and contentment of a fashionable + costume. Mr. Taylor was a banker as well as a monopolist of army + cloth manufacture in the district. He lost money, and gave up + banking. He set his mind on paying all creditors, and effected this + during his lifetime as far as possible, willing that his sons were to + do the remainder, which two of his sons carried out, as was + understood, during their lifetime--Mark and Martin of _Shirley_.' + +Let us now read Charlotte's description in _Shirley_, and I think we have +a tolerably fair estimate of the sisters. + + 'The two next are girls, Rose and Jessie; they are both now at their + father's knee; they seldom go near their mother, except when obliged + to do so. Rose, the elder, is twelve years old; she is like her + father--the most like him of the whole group--but it is a granite + head copied in ivory; all is softened in colour and line. Yorke + himself has a harsh face; his daughter's is not harsh, neither is it + quite pretty; it is simple--childlike in feature; the round cheeks + bloom; as to the grey eyes, they are otherwise than childlike--a + serious soul lights them--a young soul yet, but it will mature, if + the body lives; and neither father nor mother has a spirit to compare + with it. Partaking of the essence of each, it will one day be better + than either--stronger, much purer, more aspiring. Rose is a still, + and sometimes a stubborn girl now; her mother wants to make of her + such a woman as she is herself--a woman of dark and dreary duties; + and Rose has a mind full-set, thick-sown with the germs of ideas her + mother never knew. It is agony to her often to have these ideas + trampled on and repressed. She has never rebelled yet; but if hard + driven, she will rebel one day, and then it will be once for all. + Rose loves her father; her father does not rule her with a rod of + iron; he is good to her. He sometimes fears she will not live, so + bright are the sparks of intelligence which, at moments, flash from + her glance and gleam in her language. This idea makes him often + sadly tender to her. + + 'He has no idea that little Jessie will die young, she is so gay and + chattering, arch--original even now; passionate when provoked, but + most affectionate if caressed; by turns gentle and rattling; exacting + yet generous; fearless--of her mother, for instance, whose + irrationally hard and strict rule she has often defied--yet reliant + on any who will help her. Jessie, with her little piquant face, + engaging prattle, and winning ways, is made to be a pet; and her + father's pet she accordingly is.' + +Mary Taylor was called 'Pag' by her friends, and the first important +reference to her that I find is contained in a letter written by +Charlotte to Ellen Nussey, when she was seventeen years of age. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _June_ 20_th_, 1833. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I know you will be very angry because I have not + written sooner; my reason, or rather my motive for this apparent + neglect was, that I had determined not to write until I could ask you + to pay us your long-promised visit. Aunt thought it would be better + to defer it until about the middle of summer, as the winter and even + the spring seasons are remarkably cold and bleak among our mountains. + Papa now desires me to present his respects to your mother, and say + that he should feel greatly obliged if she would allow us the + pleasure of your company for a few weeks at Haworth. I will leave it + to you to fix whatever day may be most convenient, but let it be an + early one. I received a letter from Pag Taylor yesterday; she was in + high dudgeon at my inattention in not promptly answering her last + epistle. I however sat down immediately and wrote a very humble + reply, candidly confessing my faults and soliciting forgiveness; I + hope it has proved successful. Have you suffered much from that + troublesome though not (I am happy to hear) generally fatal disease, + the influenza? We have so far steered clear of it, but I know not + how long we may continue to escape. Your last letter revealed a + state of mind which seemed to promise much. As I read it I could not + help wishing that my own feelings more resembled yours; but unhappily + all the good thoughts that enter _my mind_ evaporate almost before I + have had time to ascertain their existence; every right resolution + which I form is so transient, so fragile, and so easily broken, that + I sometimes fear I shall never be what I ought. Earnestly hoping + that this may not be your case, that you may continue steadfast till + the end,--I remain, dearest Ellen, your ever faithful friend, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE.' + +The next letter refers to Mr. Taylor's death. Mr. Taylor, it is scarcely +necessary to add, is the Mr. Yorke of Briarmains, who figures so largely +in _Shirley_. I have visited the substantial red-brick house near the +high-road at Gomersall, but descriptions of the Bronte country do not +come within the scope of this volume. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 3_rd_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I received the news in your last with no surprise, + and with the feeling that this removal must be a relief to Mr. Taylor + himself and even to his family. The bitterness of death was past a + year ago, when it was first discovered that his illness must + terminate fatally; all between has been lingering suspense. This is + at an end now, and the present certainty, however sad, is better than + the former doubt. What will be the consequence of his death is + another question; for my own part, I look forward to a dissolution + and dispersion of the family, perhaps not immediately, but in the + course of a year or two. It is true, causes may arise to keep them + together awhile longer, but they are restless, active spirits, and + will not be restrained always. Mary alone has more energy and power + in her nature than any ten men you can pick out in the united + parishes of Birstall and Haworth. It is vain to limit a character + like hers within ordinary boundaries--she will overstep them. I am + morally certain Mary will establish her own landmarks, so will the + rest of them. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Soon after her father's death Mary Taylor turned her eyes towards New +Zealand, where she had friends, but two years were to go by before +anything came of the idea. + + TO MISS EMILY J. BRONTE + + 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, _April_ 2_nd_, 1841. + + 'DEAR E. J.,--I received your last letter with delight as usual. I + must write a line to thank you for it and the inclosure, which + however is too bad--you ought not to have sent me those packets. I + had a letter from Anne yesterday; she says she is well. I hope she + speaks absolute truth. I had written to her and Branwell a few days + before. I have not heard from Branwell yet. It is to be hoped that + his removal to another station will turn out for the best. As you + say, it _looks_ like getting on at any rate. + + 'I have got up my courage so far as to ask Mrs. White to grant me a + day's holiday to go to Birstall to see Ellen Nussey, who has offered + to send a gig for me. My request was granted, but so coldly and + slowly. However, I stuck to my point in a very exemplary and + remarkable manner. I hope to go next Saturday. Matters are + progressing very strangely at Gomersall. Mary Taylor and Waring have + come to a singular determination, but I almost think under the + peculiar circumstances a defensible one, though it sounds + outrageously odd at first. They are going to emigrate--to quit the + country altogether. Their destination unless they change is Port + Nicholson, in the northern island of New Zealand!!! Mary has made up + her mind she can not and will not be a governess, a teacher, a + milliner, a bonnet-maker nor housemaid. She sees no means of + obtaining employment she would like in England, so she is leaving it. + I counselled her to go to France likewise and stay there a year + before she decided on this strange unlikely-sounding plan of going to + New Zealand, but she is quite resolved. I cannot sufficiently + comprehend what her views and those of her brothers may be on the + subject, or what is the extent of their information regarding Port + Nicholson, to say whether this is rational enterprise or absolute + madness. With love to papa, aunt, Tabby, etc.--Good-bye. + + 'C. B. + + '_P.S._--I am very well; I hope you are. Write again soon.' + +Soon after this Mary went on a long visit to Brussels, which, as we have +seen, was the direct cause of Charlotte and Emily establishing themselves +at the Pensionnat Heger. In Brussels Martha Taylor found a grave. Here +is one of her letters. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY. + + 'BRUSSELS, _Sept_. 9_th_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I received your letter from Mary, and you say I am + to write though I have nothing to say. My sister will tell you all + about me, for she has more time to write than I have. + + 'Whilst Mary and John have been with me, we have been to Liege and + Spa, where we stayed eight days. I found my little knowledge of + French very useful in our travels. I am going to begin working again + very hard, now that John and Mary are going away. I intend beginning + German directly. I would write some more but this pen of Mary's + won't write; you must scold her for it, and tell her to write you a + long account of my proceedings. You must write to me sometimes. + George Dixon is coming here the last week in September, and you must + send a letter for me to Mary to be forwarded by him. Good-bye. May + you be happy. + + 'MARTHA TAYLOR.' + +It was while Charlotte was making her second stay in Brussels that she +heard of Mary's determination to go with her brother Waring to New +Zealand, with a view to earning her own living in any reasonable manner +that might offer. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'BRUSSELS, _April_ 1_st_, 1843. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--That last letter of yours merits a good dose of + panegyric--it was both long and interesting; send me quickly such + another, longer still if possible. You will have heard of Mary + Taylor's resolute and intrepid proceedings. Her public letters will + have put you in possession of all details--nothing is left for me to + say except perhaps to express my opinion upon it. I have turned the + matter over on all sides and really I cannot consider it otherwise + than as very rational. Mind, I did not jump to this opinion at once, + but was several days before I formed it conclusively. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_Sunday Evening_, _June_ 1_st_, 1845. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--You probably know that another letter has been received + from Mary Taylor. It is, however, possible that your absence from + home will have prevented your seeing it, so I will give you a sketch + of its contents. It was written at about 4 degrees N. of the + Equator. The first part of the letter contained an account of their + landing at Santiago. Her health at that time was very good, and her + spirits seemed excellent. They had had contrary winds at first + setting out, but their voyage was then prosperous. In the latter + portion of the letter she complains of the excessive heat, and says + she lives chiefly on oranges; but still she was well, and freer from + headache and other ailments than any other person on board. The + receipt of this letter will have relieved all her friends from a + weight of anxiety. I am uneasy about what you say respecting the + French newspapers--do you mean to intimate that you have received + none? I have despatched them regularly. Emily and I keep them + usually three days, sometimes only two, and then send them forward to + you. I see by the cards you sent, and also by the newspaper, that + Henry is at last married. How did you like your office of + bridesmaid? and how do you like your new sister and her family? You + must write to me as soon as you can, and give me an _observant_ + account of everything. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'MANCHESTER, _September_ 13_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Papa thinks his own progress rather slow, but the + doctor affirms he is getting on very well. He complains of extreme + weakness and soreness in the eye, but I suppose that is to be + expected for some time to come. He is still kept in the dark, but + now sits up the greater part of the day, and is allowed a little fire + in the room, from the light of which he is carefully screened. + + 'By this time you will have got Mary's letters; most interesting they + are, and she is in her element because she is where she has a + toilsome task to perform, an important improvement to effect, a weak + vessel to strengthen. You ask if I had any enjoyment here; in truth, + I can't say I have, and I long to get home, though, unhappily, home + is not now a place of complete rest. It is sad to think how it is + disquieted by a constant phantom, or rather two--sin and suffering; + they seem to obscure the cheerfulness of day, and to disturb the + comfort of evening. + + 'Give my love to all at Brookroyd, and believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 5_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I return you Mary Taylor's letter; it made me somewhat + sad to read it, for I fear she is not quite content with her + existence in New Zealand. She finds it too barren. I believe she is + more home-sick than she will confess. Her gloomy ideas respecting + you and me prove a state of mind far from gay. I have also received + a letter; its tone is similar to your own, and its contents too. + + 'What brilliant weather we have had. Oh! I do indeed regret you + could not come to Haworth at the time fixed, these warm sunny days + would have suited us exactly; but it is not to be helped. Give my + best love to your mother and Mercy.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _June_ 26_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I should have answered your last long ago if I had + known your address, but you omitted to give it me, and I have been + waiting in the hope that you would perhaps write again and repair the + omission. Finding myself deceived in this expectation however, I + have at last hit on the plan of sending the letter to Brookroyd to be + directed; be sure to give me your address when you reply to this. + + 'I was glad to hear that you were well received at London, and that + you got safe to the end of your journey. Your _naivete_ in gravely + inquiring my opinion of the "last new novel" amuses me. We do not + subscribe to a circulating library at Haworth, and consequently "new + novels" rarely indeed come in our way, and consequently, again, we + are not qualified to give opinions thereon. + + 'About three weeks ago, I received a brief note from Hunsworth, to + the effect that Mr. Joe Taylor and his cousin Henry would make some + inquiries respecting Mme. Heger's school on account of Ellen Taylor, + and that if I had no objection, they would ride over to Haworth in a + day or two. I said they might come if they would. They came, + accompanied by Miss Mossman, of Bradford, whom I had never seen, only + heard of occasionally. It was a pouring wet and windy day; we had + quite ceased to expect them. Miss Mossman was quite wet, and we had + to make her change her things, and dress her out in ours as well as + we could. I do not know if you are acquainted with her; I thought + her unaffected and rather agreeable-looking, though she has very red + hair. Henry Taylor does indeed resemble John most strongly. Joe + looked thin; he was in good spirits, and I think in tolerable + good-humour. I would have given much for you to have been there. I + had not been very well for some days before, and had some difficulty + in keeping up the talk, but I managed on the whole better than I + expected. I was glad Miss Mossman came, for she helped. Nothing new + was communicated respecting Mary. Nothing of importance in any way + was said the whole time; it was all rattle, rattle, of which I should + have great difficulty now in recalling the substance. They left + almost immediately after tea. I have not heard a word respecting + them since, but I suppose they got home all right. The visit strikes + me as an odd whim. I consider it quite a caprice, prompted probably + by curiosity. + + 'Joe Taylor mentioned that he had called at Brookroyd, and that Anne + had told him you were ill, and going into the South for change of + air. + + 'I hope you will soon write to me again and tell me particularly how + your health is, and how you get on. Give my regards to Mary Gorham, + for really I have a sort of regard for her by hearsay, and--Believe + me, dear Nell, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The Ellen Taylor mentioned in the above letter did not go to Brussels. +She joined her cousin Mary in New Zealand instead. + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, _April_ 10_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--I've been delighted to receive a very interesting + letter from you with an account of your visit to London, etc. I + believe I have tacked this acknowledgment to the tail of my last + letter to you, but since then it has dawned on my comprehension that + you are becoming a very important personage in this little world, and + therefore, d'ye see? I must write again to you. I wish you would + give me some account of Newby, and what the man said when confronted + with the real Ellis Bell. By the way, having got your secret, will + he keep it? And how do you contrive to get your letters under the + address of Mr. Bell? The whole scheme must be particularly + interesting to hear about, if I could only talk to you for half a + day. When do you intend to tell the good people about you? + + 'I am now hard at work expecting Ellen Taylor. She may possibly be + here in two months. I once thought of writing you some of the dozens + of schemes I have for Ellen Taylor, but as the choice depends on her + I may as well wait and tell you the one she chooses. The two most + reasonable are keeping a school and keeping a shop. The last is + evidently the most healthy, but the most difficult of accomplishment. + I have written an account of the earthquakes for _Chambers_, and + intend (now don't remind me of this a year hence, because _la femme + propose_) to write some more. What else I shall do I don't know. I + find the writing faculty does not in the least depend on the leisure + I have, but much more on the _active_ work I have to do. I write at + my novel a little and think of my other book. What this will turn + out, God only knows. It is not, and never can be forgotten. It is + my child, my baby, and _I assure you_ such a wonder as never was. I + intend him when full grown to revolutionise society and _faire + epoque_ in history. + + 'In the meantime I'm doing a collar in crochet work. + + 'PAG.' + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, + '_July_ 24_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--About a month since I received and read _Jane + Eyre_. It seemed to me incredible that you had actually written a + book. Such events did not happen while I was in England. I begin to + believe in your existence much as I do in Mr. Rochester's. In a + believing mood I don't doubt either of them. After I had read it I + went on to the top of Mount Victoria and looked for a ship to carry a + letter to you. There was a little thing with one mast, and also + H.M.S. _Fly_, and nothing else. If a cattle vessel came from Sydney + she would probably return in a few days, and would take a mail, but + we have had east wind for a month and nothing can come in. + + '_Aug_. 1.--The _Harlequin_ has just come from Otago, and is to sail + for Singapore _when the wind changes_, and by that route (which I + hope to take myself sometime) I send you this. Much good may it do + you. Your novel surprised me by being so perfect as a work of art. + I expected something more changeable and unfinished. You have + polished to some purpose. If I were to do so I should get tired, and + weary every one else in about two pages. No sign of this weariness + in your book--you must have had abundance, having kept it all to + yourself! + + 'You are very different from me in having no doctrine to preach. It + is impossible to squeeze a moral out of your production. Has the + world gone so well with you that you have no protest to make against + its absurdities? Did you never sneer or declaim in your first + sketches? I will scold you well when I see you. I do not believe in + Mr. Rivers. There are no _good_ men of the Brocklehurst species. A + missionary either goes into his office for a piece of bread, or he + goes from enthusiasm, and that is both too good and too bad a quality + for St. John. It's a bit of your absurd charity to believe in such a + man. You have done wisely in choosing to imagine a high class of + readers. You never stop to explain or defend anything, and never + seem bothered with the idea. If Mrs. Fairfax or any other + well-intentioned fool gets hold of this what will she think? And + yet, you know, the world is made up of such, and worse. Once more, + how have you written through three volumes without declaring war to + the knife against a few dozen absurd doctrines, each of which is + supported by "a large and respectable class of readers"? Emily seems + to have had such a class in her eye when she wrote that strange thing + _Wuthering Heights_. Anne, too, stops repeatedly to preach + commonplace truths. She has had a still lower class in her mind's + eye. Emily seems to have followed the bookseller's advice. As to + the price you got, it was certainly Jewish. But what could the + people do? If they had asked you to fix it, do you know yourself how + many ciphers your sum would have had? And how should they know + better? And if they did, that's the knowledge they get their living + by. If I were in your place, the idea of being bound in the sale of + two more would prevent me from ever writing again. Yet you are + probably now busy with another. It is curious for me to see among + the old letters one from Anne sending _a copy of a whole article_ on + the currency question written by Fonblanque! I exceedingly regret + having burnt your letters in a fit of caution, and I've forgotten all + the names. Was the reader Albert Smith? What do they all think of + you? + + 'I mention the book to no one and hear no opinions. I lend it a good + deal because it's a novel, and _it's as good as another_! They say + "it makes them cry." They are not literary enough to give an + opinion. If ever I hear one I'll embalm it for you. As to my own + affair, I have written 100 pages, and lately 50 more. It's no use + writing faster. I get so disgusted, I can do nothing. + + 'If I could command sufficient money for a twelve-month, I would go + home by way of India and write my travels, which would prepare the + way for my novel. With the benefit of your experience I should + perhaps make a better bargain than you. I am most afraid of my + health. Not that I should die, but perhaps sink into a state of + betweenity, neither well nor ill, in which I should observe nothing, + and be very miserable besides. My life here is not disagreeable. I + have a great resource in the piano, and a little employment in + teaching. + + 'It's a pity you don't live in this world, that I might entertain you + about the price of meat. Do you know, I bought six heifers the other + day for 23 pounds, and now it is turned so cold I expect to hear + one-half of them are dead. One man bought twenty sheep for 8 pounds, + and they are all dead but one. Another bought 150 and has 40 left. + + 'I have now told you everything I can think of except that the cat's + on the table and that I'm going to borrow a new book to read--no less + than an account of all the systems of philosophy of modern Europe. I + have lately met with a wonder, a man who thinks Jane Eyre would have + done better to marry Mr. Rivers! He gives no reason--such people + never do. + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--I have set up shop! I am delighted with it as a + whole--that is, it is as pleasant or as little disagreeable as you + can expect an employment to be that you earn your living by. The + best of it is that your labour has some return, and you are not + forced to work on hopelessly without result. _Du reste_, it is very + odd. I keep looking at myself with one eye while I'm using the + other, and I sometimes find myself in very queer positions. + Yesterday I went along the shore past the wharfes and several + warehouses on a street where I had never been before during all the + five years I have been in Wellington. I opened the door of a long + place filled with packages, with passages up the middle, and a row of + high windows on one side. At the far end of the room a man was + writing at a desk beneath a window. I walked all the length of the + room very slowly, for what I had come for had completely gone out of + my head. Fortunately the man never heard me until I had recollected + it. Then he got up, and I asked him for some stone-blue, saltpetre, + tea, pickles, salt, etc. He was very civil. I bought some things + and asked for a note of them. He went to his desk again; I looked at + some newspapers lying near. On the top was a circular from Smith & + Elder containing notices of the most important new works. The first + and longest was given to _Shirley_, a book I had seen mentioned in + the _Manchester Examiner_ as written by Currer Bell. I blushed all + over. The man got up, folding the note. I pulled it out of his hand + and set off to the door, looking odder than ever, for a partner had + come in and was watching. The clerk said something about sending + them, and I said something too--I hope it was not very silly--and + took my departure. + + 'I have seen some extracts from _Shirley_ in which you talk of women + working. And this first duty, this great necessity, you seem to + think that some women may indulge in, if they give up marriage, and + don't make themselves too disagreeable to the other sex. You are a + coward and a traitor. A woman who works is by that alone better than + one who does not; and a woman who does not happen to be rich and who + _still_ earns no money and does not wish to do so, is guilty of a + great fault, almost a crime--a dereliction of duty which leads + rapidly and almost certainly to all manner of degradation. It is + very wrong of you to _plead_ for toleration for workers on the ground + of their being in peculiar circumstances, and few in number or + singular in disposition. Work or degradation is the lot of all + except the very small number born to wealth. + + 'Ellen is with me, or I with her. I cannot tell how our shop will + turn out, but I am as sanguine as ever. Meantime we certainly amuse + ourselves better than if we had nothing to do. We _like_ it, and + that's the truth. By the _Cornelia_ we are going to send our + sketches and fern leaves. You must look at them, and it will need + all your eyes to understand them, for they are a mass of confusion. + They are all within two miles of Wellington, and some of them rather + like--Ellen's sketch of me especially. During the last six months I + have seen more "society" than in all the last four years. Ellen is + half the reason of my being invited, and my improved circumstances + besides. There is no one worth mentioning particularly. The women + are all ignorant and narrow, and the men selfish. They are of a + decent, honest kind, and some intelligent and able. A Mr. Woodward + is the only _literary_ man we know, and he seems to have fair sense. + This was the clerk I bought the stone-blue of. We have just got a + mechanic's institute, and weekly lectures delivered there. It is + amusing to see people trying to find out whether or not it is + fashionable and proper to patronise it. Somehow it seems it is. I + think I have told you all this before, which shows I have got to the + end of my news. Your next letter to me ought to bring me good news, + more cheerful than the last. You will somehow get drawn out of your + hole and find interests among your fellow-creatures. Do you know + that living among people with whom you have not the slightest + interest in common is just like living alone, or worse? Ellen Nussey + is the only one you can talk to, that I know of at least. Give my + love to her and to Miss Wooler, if you have the opportunity. I am + writing this on just such a night as you will likely read it--rain + and storm, coming winter, and a glowing fire. Ours is on the ground, + wood, no fender or irons; no matter, we are very comfortable. + + 'PAG.' + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, N. Z., _April_ 3_rd_, 1850. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--About a week since I received your last melancholy + letter with the account of Anne's death and your utter indifference + to everything, even to the success of your last book. Though you do + not say this, it is pretty plain to be seen from the style of your + letter. It seems to me hard indeed that you who would succeed, + better than any one, in making friends and keeping them, should be + condemned to solitude from your poverty. To no one would money bring + more happiness, for no one would use it better than you would. For + me, with my headlong self-indulgent habits, I am perhaps better + without it, but I am convinced it would give you great and noble + pleasures. Look out then for success in writing; you ought to care + as much for that as you do for going to Heaven. Though the + advantages of being employed appear to you now the best part of the + business, you will soon, please God, have other enjoyments from your + success. Railway shares will rise, your books will sell, and you + will acquire influence and power; and then most certainly you will + find something to use it in which will interest you and make you + exert yourself. + + 'I have got into a heap of social trickery since Ellen came, never + having troubled my head before about the comparative numbers of young + ladies and young gentlemen. To Ellen it is quite new to be of such + importance by the mere fact of her femininity. She thought she was + coming wofully down in the world when she came out, and finds herself + better received than ever she was in her life before. And the class + are not _in education_ inferior, though they are in money. They are + decent well-to-do people: six grocers, one draper, two parsons, two + clerks, two lawyers, and three or four nondescripts. All these but + one have families to "take tea with," and there are a lot more single + men to flirt with. For the last three months we have been out every + Sunday sketching. We seldom succeed in making the slightest + resemblance to the thing we sit down to, but it is wonderfully + interesting. Next year we hope to send a lot home. With all this my + novel stands still; it might have done so if I had had nothing to do, + for it is not want of time but want of freedom of mind that makes me + unable to direct my attention to it. Meantime it grows in my head, + for I never give up the idea. I have written about a volume I + suppose. Read this letter to Ellen Nussey. + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, _August_ 13_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--After waiting about six months we have just got + _Shirley_. It was landed from the _Constantinople_ on Monday + afternoon, just in the thick of our preparations for a "small party" + for the next day. We stopped spreading red blankets over everything + (New Zealand way of arranging the room) and opened the box and read + all the letters. Soyer's _Housewife_ and _Shirley_ were there all + right, but Miss Martineau's book was not. In its place was a silly + child's tale called _Edward Orland_. On Tuesday we stayed up dancing + till three or four o'clock, what for I can't imagine. However, it + was a piece of business done. On Wednesday I began _Shirley_ and + continued in a curious confusion of mind till now, principally at the + handsome foreigner who was nursed in our house when I was a little + girl. By the way, you've put him in the servant's bedroom. You make + us all talk much as I think we should have done if we'd ventured to + speak at all. What a little lump of perfection you've made me! + There is a strange feeling in reading it of hearing us all talking. + I have not seen the matted hall and painted parlour windows so plain + these five years. But my father is not like. He hates well enough + and perhaps loves too, but he is not honest enough. It was from my + father I learnt not to marry for money nor to tolerate any one who + did, and he never would advise any one to do so, or fail to speak + with contempt of those who did. Shirley is much more interesting + than Jane Eyre, who never interests you at all until she has + something to suffer. All through this last novel there is so much + more life and stir that it leaves you far more to remember than the + other. Did you go to London about this too? What for? I see by a + letter of yours to Mr. Dixon that you _have_ been. I wanted to + contradict some of your opinions, now I can't. As to when I'm coming + home, you may well ask. I have wished for fifteen years to begin to + earn my own living; last April I began to try--it is too soon to say + yet with what success. I am woefully ignorant, terribly wanting in + tact, and obstinately lazy, and almost too old to mend. Luckily + there is no other dance for me, so I must work. Ellen takes to it + kindly, it gratifies a deep ardent _wish_ of hers as of mine, and she + is habitually industrious. For _her_, ten years younger, our shop + will be a blessing. She may possibly secure an independence, and + skill to keep it and use it, before the prime of life is past. As to + my writings, you may as well ask the Fates about that too. I can + give you no information. I write a page now and then. I never + forget or get strange to what I have written. When I read it over it + looks very interesting. + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + +The Ellen Taylor referred to so frequently was, as I have said, a cousin +of Mary's. Her early death in New Zealand gives the single letter I have +of hers a more pathetic interest. + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, N. Z. + + 'MY DEAR MISS BRONTE,--I shall tell you everything I can think of, + since you said in one of your letters to Pag that you wished me to + write to you. I have been here a year. It seems a much shorter + time, and yet I have thought more and done more than I ever did in my + life before. When we arrived, Henry and I were in such a hurry to + leave the ship that we didn't wait to be fetched, but got into the + first boat that came alongside. When we landed we inquired where + Waring lived, but hadn't walked far before we met him. I had never + seen him before, but he guessed we were the cousins he expected, so + caught us and took us along with him. Mary soon joined us, and we + went home together. At first I thought Mary was not the least + altered, but when I had seen her for about a week I thought she + looked rather older. The first night Mary and I sat up till 2 A.M. + talking. Mary and I settled we would do something together, and we + talked for a fortnight before we decided whether we would have a + school or shop; it ended in favour of the shop. Waring thought we + had better be quiet, and I believe he still thinks we are doing it + for amusement; but he never refuses to help us. He is teaching us + book-keeping, and he buys things for us now and then. Mary gets as + fierce as a dragon and goes to all the wholesale stores and looks at + things, gets patterns, samples, etc., and asks prices, and then comes + home, and we talk it over; and then she goes again and buys what we + want. She says the people are always civil to her. Our keeping shop + astonishes every body here; I believe they think we do it for fun. + Some think we shall make nothing of it, or that we shall get tired; + and all laugh at us. Before I left home I used to be afraid of being + laughed at, but now it has very little effect upon me. + + 'Mary and I are settled together now: I can't do without Mary and she + couldn't get on by herself. I built the house we live in, and we + made the plan ourselves, so it suits us. We take it in turns to + serve in the shop, and keep the accounts, and do the housework--I + mean, Mary takes the shop for a week and I the kitchen, and then we + change. I think we shall do very well if no more severe earthquakes + come, and if we can prevent fire. When a wooden house takes fire it + doesn't stop; and we have got an oil cask about as high as I am, that + would help it. If some sparks go out at the chimney-top the shingles + are in danger. The last earthquake but one about a fortnight ago + threw down two medicine bottles that were standing on the table and + made other things jingle, but did no damage. If we have nothing + worse than that I don't care, but I don't want the chimney to come + down--it would cost 10 pounds to build it up again. Mary is making + me stop because it is nearly 9 P.M. and we are going to Waring's to + supper. Good-bye.--Yours truly, + + 'ELLEN TAYLOR.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 4_th_, 1849. + + 'I get on as well as I can. Home is not the home it used to be--that + you may well conceive; but so far, I get on. + + 'I cannot boast of vast benefits derived from change of air yet; but + unfortunately I brought back the seeds of a cold with me from that + dismal Easton, and I have not got rid of it yet. Still I think I + look better than I did before I went. How are you? You have never + told me. + + 'Mr. Williams has written to me twice since my return, chiefly on the + subject of his third daughter, who wishes to be a governess, and has + some chances of a presentation to Queen's College, an establishment + connected with the Governess Institution; this will secure her four + years of instruction. He says Mr. George Smith is kindly using his + influence to obtain votes, but there are so many candidates he is not + sanguine of success. + + 'I had a long letter from Mary Taylor--interesting but sad, because + it contained many allusions to those who are in this world no more. + She mentioned you, and seemed impressed with an idea of the + lamentable nature of your unoccupied life. She spoke of her own + health as being excellent. + + 'Give my love to your mother and sisters, and,--Believe me, yours, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 18_th_. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I inclose Mary Taylor's letter announcing Ellen's + death, and two last letters--sorrowful documents, all of them. I + received them this morning from Hunsworth without any note or + directions where to send them, but I think, if I mistake not, Amelia + in a previous note told me to transmit them to you.--Yours + faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS CHARLOTTE BRONTE + + 'WELLINGTON, N. Z. + + 'DEAR CHARLOTTE,--I began a letter to you one bitter cold evening + last week, but it turned out such a sad one that I have left it and + begun again. I am sitting all alone in my own house, or rather what + is to be mine when I've paid for it. I bought it of Henry when Ellen + died--shop and all, and carry on by myself. I have made up my mind + not to get any assistance. I have not too much work, and the + annoyance of having an unsuitable companion was too great to put up + with without necessity. I find now that it was Ellen that made me so + busy, and without her to nurse I have plenty of time. I have begun + to keep the house very tidy; it makes it less desolate. I take great + interest in my trade--as much as I could do in anything that was not + _all_ pleasure. But the best part of my life is the excitement of + arrivals from England. Reading all the news, written and printed, is + like living another life quite separate from this one. The old + letters are strange--very, when I begin to read them, but quite + familiar notwithstanding. So are all the books and newspapers, + though I never see a human being to whom it would ever occur to me to + mention anything I read in them. I see your _nom de guerre_ in them + sometimes. I saw a criticism on the preface to the second edition of + _Wuthering Heights_. I saw it among the notables who attended + Thackeray's lectures. I have seen it somehow connected with Sir J. + K. Shuttleworth. Did he want to marry you, or only to lionise you? + _or was it somebody else_? + + 'Your life in London is a "new country" to me, which I cannot even + picture to myself. You seem to like it--at least some things in it, + and yet your late letters to Mrs. J. Taylor talk of low spirits and + illness. "What's the matter with you now?" as my mother used to say, + as if it were the twentieth time in a fortnight. It is really + melancholy that now, in the prime of life, in the flush of your + hard-earned prosperity, you can't be well. Did not Miss Martineau + improve you? If she did, why not try her and her plan again? But I + suppose if you had hope and energy to try, you would be well. Well, + it's nearly dark and you will surely be well when you read this, so + what's the use of writing? I should like well to have some details + of your life, but how can I hope for it? I have often tried to give + you a picture of mine, but I have not the skill. I get a heap of + details, mostly paltry in themselves, and not enough to give you an + idea of the whole. Oh, for one hour's talk! You are getting too far + off and beginning to look strange to me. Do you look as you used to + do, I wonder? What do you and Ellen Nussey talk about when you meet? + There! it's dark. + + '_Sunday night_.--I have let the vessel go that was to take this. As + there were others going soon I did not much care. I am in the height + of cogitation whether to send for some worsted stockings, etc. They + will come next year at this time, and who can tell what I shall want + then, or shall be doing? Yet hitherto we have sent such orders, and + have guessed or known pretty well what we should want. I have just + been looking over a list of four pages long in Ellen's handwriting. + These things ought to come by the next vessel, or part of them at + least. When tired of that I began to read some pages of "my book" + intending to write some more, but went on reading for pleasure. I + often do this, and find it very interesting indeed. It does not get + on fast, though I have written about one volume and a half. It's + full of music, poverty, disputing, politics, and original views of + life. I can't for the life of me bring the lover into it, nor tell + what he's to do when he comes. Of the men generally I can never tell + what they'll do next. The women I understand pretty well, and rare + _tracasserie_ there is among them--they are perfectly _feminine_ in + that respect at least. + + 'I am just now in a state of famine. No books and no news from + England for this two months. I am thinking of visiting a circulating + library from sheer dulness. If I had more time I should get + melancholy. No one can prize activity more than I do. I never am + long without it than a gloom comes over me. The cloud seems to be + always there behind me, and never quite out of sight but when I keep + on at a good rate. Fortunately, the more I work the better I like + it. I shall take to scrubbing the floor before it's dirty and + polishing pans on the outside in my old age. It is the only thing + that gives me an appetite for dinner. + + 'PAG. + + 'Give my love to Ellen Nussey.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'WELLINGTON, N. Z., 8_th_ _Jan_. 1857. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--A few days ago I got a letter from you, dated 2nd May + 1856, along with some patterns and fashion-book. They seem to have + been lost somehow, as the box ought to have come by the _Hastings_, + and only now makes its appearance by the _Philip Lang_. It has come + very _apropos_ for a new year's gift, and the patterns were not + opened twenty-four hours before a silk cape was cut out by one of + them. I think I made a very impertinent request when I asked you to + give yourself so much trouble. The poor woman for whom I wanted them + is now a first-rate dressmaker--her drunken husband, who was her main + misfortune, having taken himself off and not been heard of lately. + + 'I am glad to hear that Mrs. Gaskell is progressing with the _Life_. + + 'I wish I had kept Charlotte's letters now, though I never felt it + safe to do so until latterly that I have had a home of my own. They + would have been much better evidence than my imperfect recollection, + and infinitely more interesting. A settled opinion is very likely to + look absurd unless you give the grounds for it, and even if I could + remember them it might look as if there might be other facts which I + have neglected which ought to have altered it. Your news of the + "neighbours" is very interesting, especially of Miss Wooler and my + old schoolfellows. I wish I knew how to give you some account of my + ways here and the effect of my position on me. First of all, it + agrees with me. I am in better health than at any time since I left + school. My life now is not overburdened with work, and what I do has + interest and attraction in it. I think it is that part that I shall + think most agreeable when I look back on my death-bed--a number of + small pleasures scattered over my way, that, when seen from a + distance, will seem to cover it thick. They don't cover it by any + means, but I never had so many. + + 'I look after my shopwoman, make out bills, decide who shall have + "trust" and who not. Then I go a-buying, not near such an anxious + piece of business now that I understand my trade, and have, moreover, + a good "credit." I read a good deal, sometimes on the sofa, a vice I + am much given to in hot weather. Then I have some friends--not many, + and no geniuses, which fact pray keep strictly to yourself, for how + the doings and sayings of Wellington people in England always come + out again to New Zealand! They are not very interesting any way. + This is my fault in part, for I can't take interest in their + concerns. A book is worth any of them, and a good book worth them + all put together. + + '_Our_ east winds are much the pleasantest and healthiest we have. + The soft moist north-west brings headache and depression--it even + blights the trees.--Yours affectionately, + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'WELLINGTON, 4_th_ _June_ 1858. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have lately heard that you are leaving Brookroyd. I + shall not even see Brookroyd again, and one of the people who lived + there; and _one_ whom I used to see there I shall never see more. + Keep yourself well, dear Ellen, and gather round you as much + happiness and interest as you can, and let me find you cheery and + thriving when I come. When that will be I don't yet know; but one + thing is sure, I have given over ordering goods from England, so that + I must sometime give over for want of anything to sell. The last + things ordered I expect to arrive about the beginning of the year + 1859. In the course of that year, therefore, I shall be left without + anything to do or motive for staying. Possibly this time twelve + months I may be leaving Wellington. + + 'We are here in the height of a political crisis. The election for + the highest office in the province (Superintendent) comes off in + about a fortnight. There is altogether a small storm going on in our + teacup, quite brisk enough to stir everything in it. My principal + interest therein is the sale of election ribbons, though I am afraid, + owing to the bad weather, there will be little display. Besides the + elections, there is nothing interesting. We all go on pretty well. + I have got a pony about four feet high, that carries me about ten + miles from Wellington, which is much more than walking distance, to + which I have been confined for the last ten years. I have given over + most of the work to Miss Smith, who will finally take the business, + and if we had fine weather I think I should enjoy myself. My main + want here is for books enough to fill up my idle time. It seems to + me that when I get home I will spend half my income on books, and + sell them when I have read them to make it go further. I know this + is absurd, but people with an unsatisfied appetite think they can eat + enormously. + + 'Remember me kindly to Miss Wooler, and tell me all about her in your + next.--Yours affectionately, + + 'MARY TAYLOR.' + +Miss Taylor wrote one or two useful letters to Mrs. Gaskell, while the +latter was preparing her Memoir of Charlotte Bronte, and her favourable +estimate of the book we have already seen. About 1859 or 1860 she +returned to England and lived out the remainder of her days in complete +seclusion in a Yorkshire home that she built for herself. The novel to +which she refers in a letter to her friend never seems to have got itself +written, or at least published, for it was not until 1890 that Miss Mary +Taylor produced a work of fiction--_Miss Miles_. {259a} This novel +strives to inculcate the advantages as well as the duty of women learning +to make themselves independent of men. It is well, though not +brilliantly written, and might, had the author possessed any of the +latter-day gifts of self-advertisement, have attracted the public, if +only by the mere fact that its author was a friend of Currer Bell's. But +Miss Taylor, it is clear, hated advertisement, and severely refused to be +lionised by Bronte worshippers. Twenty years earlier than _Miss Miles_, +I may add, she had preached the same gospel in less attractive guise. A +series of papers in the _Victorian Magazine_ were reprinted under the +title of _The First Duty of Women_. {259b} 'To inculcate the duty of +earning money,' she declares, 'is the principal point in these articles.' +'It is to the feminine half of the world that the commonplace duty of +providing for themselves is recommended,' and she enforces her doctrine +with considerable point, and by means of arguments much more accepted in +our day than in hers. Miss Taylor died in March 1893, at High Royd, in +Yorkshire, at the age of seventy-six. She will always occupy an +honourable place in the Bronte story. + + + + +CHAPTER X: MARGARET WOOLER + + +The kindly, placid woman who will ever be remembered as Charlotte +Bronte's schoolmistress, had, it may be safely said, no history. She was +a good-hearted woman, who did her work and went to her rest with no +possible claim to a place in biography, save only that she assisted in +the education of two great women. For that reason her brief story is +worth setting forth here. + + 'I am afraid we cannot give you very much information about our aunt, + Miss Wooler,' writes one of her kindred. 'She was the eldest of a + large family, born June 10th, 1792. She was extremely intelligent + and highly educated, and throughout her long life, which lasted till + within a week of completing her ninety-third year, she took the + greatest interest in religious, political, and every charitable work, + being a life governor to many institutions. Part of her early life + was spent in the Isle of Wight with relations, where she was very + intimate with the Sewell family, one of whom was the author of _Amy + Herbert_. By her own family, she was ever looked up to with the + greatest respect, being always called "Sister" by her brothers and + sisters all her life. After she retired from her school at Roe Head, + and afterwards Dewsbury Moor, she used sometimes to make her home for + months together with my father and mother at Heckmondwike Vicarage; + then she would go away for a few months to the sea-side, either alone + or with one of her sisters. The last ten or twelve years of her life + were spent at Gomersall, along with two of her sisters and a niece. + The three sisters all died within a year, the youngest going first + and the eldest last. They are buried in Birstall Churchyard, close + to my parents and sister. + + 'Miss Bronte was her pupil when at Roe Head; the late Miss Taylor and + Miss E. Nussey were also her pupils at the same time. Afterwards + Miss Bronte stayed on as governess. My father prepared Miss Bronte + for confirmation when he was curate-in-charge at Mirfield Parish + Church. When Miss Bronte was married, Miss Wooler was one of the + guests. Mr. Bronte, not feeling well enough to go to Church that + morning, my aunt gave her away, as she had no other relative there to + do it. + + 'Miss Wooler kept up a warm friendship with her former pupil, up to + the time of her death. + + 'My aunt was a most loyal subject, and devotedly attached to the + Church. She made a point of reading the Bible steadily through every + year, and a chapter out of her Italian Testament each day, for she + used to say "she never liked to lose anything she had learnt." It + was always a pleasure, too, if she met with any one who could + converse with her in French. + + 'I fear these few items will not be of much use, but it is difficult + to record anything of one who led such a quiet and retiring, but + useful life.' + + 'My recollections of Miss Wooler,' writes Miss Nussey, 'are, that she + was short and stout, but graceful in her movements, very fluent in + conversation and with a very sweet voice. She had Charlotte and + myself to stay with her sometimes after we left school. We had + delightful sitting-up times with her when the pupils had gone to bed. + She would treat us so confidentially, relating her six years' + residence in the Isle of Wight with an uncle and aunt--Dr. More and + his wife. Dr. More was on the military staff, and the society of the + island had claims upon him. Mrs. More was a fine woman and very + benevolent. Personally, Miss Wooler was like a lady abbess. She + wore white, well-fitting dresses embroidered. Her long hair plaited, + formed a coronet, and long large ringlets fell from her head to + shoulders. She was not pretty or handsome, but her quiet dignity + made her presence imposing. She was nobly scrupulous and + conscientious--a woman of the greatest self-denial. Her income was + small. She lived on half of it, and gave the remainder to charitable + objects.' + +It is clear that Charlotte was very fond of her schoolmistress, although +they had one serious difference during the brief period of her stay at +Dewsbury Moor with Anne. Anne was home-sick and ill, and Miss Wooler, +with her own robust constitution, found it difficult to understand Anne's +illness. Charlotte, in arms for her sister, spoke out with vehemence, +and both the sisters went home soon afterwards. {262} Here are a bundle +of letters addressed to Miss Wooler. + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _August_ 28_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Since you wish to hear from me while you are + from home, I will write without further delay. It often happens that + when we linger at first in answering a friend's letter, obstacles + occur to retard us to an inexcusably late period. + + 'In my last I forgot to answer a question you asked me, and was sorry + afterwards for the omission; I will begin, therefore, by replying to + it, though I fear what I can give will now come a little late. You + said Mrs. Chapham had some thoughts of sending her daughter to + school, and wished to know whether the Clergy Daughters' School at + Casterton was an eligible place. + + 'My personal knowledge of that institution is very much out of date, + being derived from the experience of twenty years ago; the + establishment was at that time in its infancy, and a sad rickety + infancy it was. Typhus fever decimated the school periodically, and + consumption and scrofula in every variety of form, which bad air and + water, and bad, insufficient diet can generate, preyed on the + ill-fated pupils. It would not then have been a fit place for any of + Mrs. Chapham's children. But, I understand, it is very much altered + for the better since those days. The school is removed from Cowan + Bridge (a situation as unhealthy as it was picturesque--low, damp, + beautiful with wood and water) to Casterton; the accommodation, the + diet, the discipline, the system of tuition, all are, I believe, + entirely altered and greatly improved. I was told that such pupils + as behaved well and remained at school till their educations were + finished were provided with situations as governesses if they wish to + adopt that vocation, and that much care was exercised in the + selection; it was added they were also furnished with an excellent + wardrobe on quitting Casterton. + + 'If I have the opportunity of reading _The Life of Dr. Arnold_, I + shall not fail to profit thereby; your recommendation makes me + desirous to see it. Do you remember once speaking with approbation + of a book called _Mrs. Leicester's School_, which you said you had + met with, and you wondered by whom it was written? I was reading the + other day a lately published collection of the _Letters of Charles + Lamb_, edited by Serjeant Talfourd, where I found it mentioned that + _Mrs. Leicester's School_ was the first production of Lamb and his + sister. These letters are themselves singularly interesting; they + have hitherto been suppressed in all previous collections of Lamb's + works and relics, on account of the frequent allusions they contain + to the unhappy malady of Miss Lamb, and a frightful incident which + darkened her earlier years. She was, it appears, a woman of the + sweetest disposition, and, in her normal state, of the highest and + clearest intellect, but afflicted with periodical insanity which came + on once a year, or oftener. To her parents she was a most tender and + dutiful daughter, nursing them in their old age, when one was + physically and the other mentally infirm, with unremitting care, and + at the same time toiling to add something by needlework to the + slender resources of the family. A succession of laborious days and + sleepless nights brought on a frenzy fit, in which she had the + miserable misfortune to kill her own mother. She was afterwards + placed in a madhouse, where she would have been detained for life, + had not her brother Charles promised to devote himself to her and + take her under his care--and for her sake renounce a project of + marriage he then entertained. An instance of abnegation of self + scarcely, I think, to be paralleled in the annals of the "coarser + sex." They passed their subsequent lives together--models of + fraternal affection, and would have been very happy but for the dread + visitation to which Mary Lamb continued liable all her life. I + thought it both a sad and edifying history. Your account of your + little niece's naive delight in beholding the morning sea for the + first time amused and pleased me; it proves she has some + sensations--a refreshing circumstance in a day and generation when + the natural phenomenon of children wholly destitute of all pretension + to the same is by no means an unusual occurrence. + + 'I have written a long letter as you requested me, but I fear you + will not find it very amusing. With love to your little + companion,--Believe me, my dear Miss Wooler, yours affectionately and + respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Papa, I am most thankful to say, continues in very good health, + considering his age. My sisters likewise are pretty well.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 31_st_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I had been wishing to hear from you for some + time before I received your last. There has been so much sickness + during the last winter, and the influenza especially has been so + severe and so generally prevalent, that the sight of suffering around + us has frequently suggested fears for absent friends. Ellen Nussey + told me, indeed, that neither you nor Miss C. Wooler had escaped the + influenza, but, since your letter contains no allusion to your own + health or hers, I trust you are completely recovered. I am most + thankful to say that papa has hitherto been exempted from any attack. + My sister and myself have each had a visit from it, but Anne is the + only one with whom it stayed long or did much mischief; in her case + it was attended with distressing cough and fever; but she is now + better, though it has left her chest weak. + + 'I remember well wishing my lot had been cast in the troubled times + of the late war, and seeing in its exciting incidents a kind of + stimulating charm which it made my pulse beat fast only to think + of--I remember even, I think, being a little impatient that you would + not fully sympathise with my feelings on this subject, that you heard + my aspirations and speculations very tranquilly, and by no means + seemed to think the flaming sword could be any pleasant addition to + the joys of paradise. I have now outlived youth; and, though I dare + not say that I have outlived all its illusions, that the romance is + quite gone from life, the veil fallen from truth, and that I see both + in naked reality, yet, certainly, many things are not to me what they + were ten years ago; and amongst the rest, "the pomp and circumstance + of war" have quite lost in my eyes their factitious glitter. I have + still no doubt that the shock of moral earthquakes wakens a vivid + sense of life both in nations and individuals; that the fear of + dangers on a broad national scale diverts men's minds momentarily + from brooding over small private perils, and, for the time, gives + them something like largeness of views; but, as little doubt have I + that convulsive revolutions put back the world in all that is good, + check civilisation, bring the dregs of society to its surface--in + short, it appears to me that insurrections and battles are the acute + diseases of nations, and that their tendency is to exhaust by their + violence the vital energies of the countries where they occur. That + England may be spared the spasms, cramps, and frenzy-fits now + contorting the Continent and threatening Ireland, I earnestly pray! + + 'With the French and Irish I have no sympathy. With the Germans and + Italians I think the case is different--as different as the love of + freedom is from the lust of license.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 27_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--When I tell you that I have already been to + the Lakes this season, and that it is scarcely more than a month + since I returned, you will understand that it is no longer within my + power to accept your kind invitation. + + 'I wish I could have gone to you. I wish your invitation had come + first; to speak the truth, it would have suited me better than the + one by which I profited. It would have been pleasant, soothing, in + many ways beneficial, to have spent two weeks with you in your + cottage-lodgings. But these reflections are vain. I have already + had my excursion, and there is an end of it. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth + is residing near Windermere, at a house called "The Briary," and it + was there I was staying for a little while in August. He very kindly + showed me the scenery--_as it can be seen from a carriage_--and I + discerned that the "Lake Country" is a glorious region, of which I + had only seen the similitude in dream--waking or sleeping. But, my + dear Miss Wooler, I only half enjoyed it, because I was only half at + my ease. Decidedly I find it does not agree with me to prosecute the + search of the picturesque in a carriage; a waggon, a spring-cart, + even a post-chaise might do, but the carriage upsets everything. I + longed to slip out unseen, and to run away by myself in amongst the + hills and dales. Erratic and vagrant instincts tormented me, and + these I was obliged to control, or rather, suppress, for fear of + growing in any degree enthusiastic, and thus drawing attention to the + "lioness," the authoress, the artist. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth is a + man of ability and intellect, but not a man in whose presence one + willingly unbends. + + 'You say you suspect I have found a large circle of acquaintance by + this time. No, I cannot say that I have. I doubt whether I possess + either the wish or the power to do so. A few friends I should like + to know well; if such knowledge brought proportionate regard I could + not help concentrating my feelings. Dissipation, I think, appears + synonymous with dilution. However, I have as yet scarcely been + tried. During the month I spent in London in the spring, I kept very + quiet, having the fear of "lionising" before my eyes. I only went + out once to dinner, and was once present at an evening party; and the + only visits I have paid have been to Sir J. K. Shuttleworth and my + publishers. From this system I should not like to depart. As far as + I can see, indiscriminate visiting tends only to a waste of time and + a vulgarising of character. Besides, it would be wrong to leave papa + often; he is now in his 75th year, the infirmities of age begin to + creep upon him. During the summer he has been much harassed by + chronic bronchitis, but, I am thankful to say, he is now somewhat + better. I think my own health has derived benefit from change and + exercise. + + 'You ask after Ellen Nussey. When I saw Ellen, about two months ago, + she looked remarkably well. I sometimes hear small fragments of + gossip which amuse me. Somebody professes to have authority for + saying that "When Miss Bronte was in London she neglected to attend + divine service on the Sabbath, and in the week spent her time in + going about to balls, theatres, and operas." On the other hand, the + London quidnuncs make my seclusion a matter of wonder, and devise + twenty romantic fictions to account for it. Formerly I used to + listen to report with interest and a certain credulity; I am now + grown deaf and sceptical. Experience has taught me how absolutely + devoid of foundations her stories may be. + + 'With the sincere hope that your own health is better, and kind + remembrances to all old friends whenever you see them or write to + them (and whether or not their feeling to me has ceased to be + friendly, which I fear is the case in some instances),--I am, my dear + Miss Wooler, always yours, affectionately and respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 14_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--My first feeling on receiving your note was + one of disappointment; but a little consideration sufficed to show me + that "all was for the best." In truth, it was a great piece of + extravagance on my part to ask you and Ellen together; it is much + better to divide such good things. To have your visit in _prospect_ + will console me when hers is in _retrospect_. Not that I mean to + yield to the weakness of clinging dependently to the society of + friends, however dear, but still as an occasional treat I must value + and even seek such society as a necessary of life. Let me know, + then, whenever it suits your convenience to come to Haworth, and, + unless some change I cannot now foresee occurs, a ready and warm + welcome will await you. Should there be any cause rendering it + desirable to defer the visit, I will tell you frankly. + + 'The pleasures of society I cannot offer you, nor those of fine + scenery, but I place very much at your command the moors, some books, + a series of "curling-hair times," and an old pupil into the bargain. + Ellen may have told you that I have spent a month in London this + summer. When you come you shall ask what questions you like on that + point, and I will answer to the best of my stammering ability. Do + not press me much on the subject of the "Crystal Palace." I went + there five times, and certainly saw some interesting things, and the + _coup d'oeil_ is striking and bewildering enough, but I never was + able to get up any raptures on the subject, and each renewed visit + was made under coercion rather than my own free-will. It is an + excessively bustling place; and, after all, it's wonders appeal too + exclusively to the eye and rarely touch the heart or head. I make an + exception to the last assertion in favour of those who possess a + large range of scientific knowledge. Once I went with Sir David + Brewster, and perceived that he looked on objects with other eyes + than mine. + + 'Ellen I find is writing, and will therefore deliver her own messages + of regard. If papa were in the room he would, I know, desire his + respects; and you must take both respects and a good bundle of + something more cordial from yours very faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 22_nd_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Our visitor (a relative from Cornwall) having + left us, the coast is now clear, so that whenever you feel inclined + to come, papa and I will be truly glad to see you. I _do_ wish the + splendid weather we have had and are having may accompany you here. + I fear I have somewhat grudged the fine days, fearing a change before + you come.--Believe me, with papa's regards, yours respectfully and + affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Come soon; if you can, on Wednesday.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_October_ 3_rd_, 1851. + + 'DEAR NELL,--Do not think I have forgotten you because I have not + written since your last. Every day I have had you more or less in my + thoughts, and wondered how your mother was getting on; let me have a + line of information as soon as possible. I have been busy, first + with a somewhat unexpected visitor, a cousin from Cornwall, who has + been spending a few days with us, and now with Miss Wooler, who came + on Monday. The former personage we can discuss any time when we + meet. Miss Wooler is and has been very pleasant. She is like good + wine: I think time improves her; and really whatever she may be in + person, in mind she is younger than when at Roe Head. Papa and she + get on extremely well. I have just heard papa walk into the + dining-room and pay her a round compliment on her good-sense. I + think so far she has been pretty comfortable and likes Haworth, but + as she only brought a small hand-basket of luggage with her she + cannot stay long. + + 'How are _you_? Write directly. With my love to your mother, etc., + good-bye, dear Nell.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + TO MISS WOOLER + + '_February_ 6_th_, 1852. + + 'Ellen Nussey, it seems, told you I spent a fortnight in London last + December; they wished me very much to stay a month, alleging that I + should in that time be able to secure a complete circle of + acquaintance, but I found a fortnight of such excitement quite + enough. The whole day was usually spent in sight-seeing, and often + the evening was spent in society; it was more than I could bear for a + length of time. On one occasion I met a party of my critics--seven + of them; some of them had been very bitter foes in print, but they + were prodigiously civil face to face. These gentlemen seemed + infinitely grander, more pompous, dashing, showy, than the few + authors I saw. Mr. Thackeray, for instance, is a man of quiet, + simple demeanour; he is however looked upon with some awe and even + distrust. His conversation is very peculiar, too perverse to be + pleasant. It was proposed to me to see Charles Dickens, Lady Morgan, + Mesdames Trollope, Gore, and some others, but I was aware these + introductions would bring a degree of notoriety I was not disposed to + encounter; I declined, therefore, with thanks. + + 'Nothing charmed me more during my stay in town than the pictures I + saw. One or two private collections of Turner's best water-colour + drawings were indeed a treat; his later oil-paintings are strange + things--things that baffle description. + + 'I twice saw Macready act--once in _Macbeth_ and once in _Othello_. + I astonished a dinner-party by honestly saying I did not like him. + It is the fashion to rave about his splendid acting. Anything more + false and artificial, less genuinely impressive than his whole style + I could scarcely have imagined. The fact is, the stage-system + altogether is hollow nonsense. They act farces well enough: the + actors comprehend their parts and do them justice. They comprehend + nothing about tragedy or Shakespeare, and it is a failure. I said + so; and by so saying produced a blank silence--a mute consternation. + I was, indeed, obliged to dissent on many occasions, and to offend by + dissenting. It seems now very much the custom to admire a certain + wordy, intricate, obscure style of poetry, such as Elizabeth Barrett + Browning writes. Some pieces were referred to about which Currer + Bell was expected to be very rapturous, and failing in this, he + disappointed. + + 'London people strike a provincial as being very much taken up with + little matters about which no one out of particular town-circles + cares much; they talk, too, of persons--literary men and women--whose + names are scarcely heard in the country, and in whom you cannot get + up an interest. I think I should scarcely like to live in London, + and were I obliged to live there, I should certainly go little into + company, especially I should eschew the literary coteries. + + 'You told me, my dear Miss Wooler, to write a long letter. I have + obeyed you.--Believe me now, yours affectionately and respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 12_th_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Your kind note holds out a strong temptation, + but one that _must be resisted_. From home I must not go unless + health or some cause equally imperative render a change necessary. + For nearly four months now (_i.e._ since I became ill) I have not put + pen to paper. My work has been lying untouched, and my faculties + have been rusting for want of exercise. Further relaxation is out of + the question, and I _will not permit myself to think of it_. My + publisher groans over my long delays; I am sometimes provoked to + check the expression of his impatience with short and crusty answers. + + 'Yet the pleasure I now deny myself I would fain regard as only + deferred. I heard something about your proposing to visit Scarbro' + in the course of the summer, and could I by the close of July or + August bring my task to a certain point, how glad should I be to join + you there for awhile! + + 'Ellen will probably go to the south about May to make a stay of two + or three months; she has formed a plan for my accompanying her and + taking lodgings on the Sussex Coast; but the scheme seems to me + impracticable for many reasons, and, moreover, my medical man doubts + the advisability of my going southward in summer, he says it might + prove very enervating, whereas Scarbro' or Burlington would brace and + strengthen. However, I dare not lay plans at this distance of time. + For me so much must depend, first on papa's health (which throughout + the winter has been, I am thankful to say, really excellent), and + second, on the progress of work, a matter not wholly contingent on + wish or will, but lying in a great measure beyond the reach of effort + and out of the pale of calculation. + + 'I will not write more at present, as I wish to save this post. All + in the house would join in kind remembrances to you if they knew I + was writing. Tabby and Martha both frequently inquire after Miss + Wooler, and desire their respects when an opportunity offers of + presenting the same.--Believe me, yours always affectionately and + respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 2_nd_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I have delayed answering your very kind letter + till I could speak decidedly respecting papa's health. For some + weeks after the attack there were frequent variations, and once a + threatening of a relapse, but I trust his convalescence may now be + regarded as confirmed. The acute inflammation of the eye, which + distressed papa so much as threatening loss of sight, but which I + suppose was merely symptomatic of the rush of blood to the brain, is + now quite subsided; the partial paralysis has also disappeared; the + appetite is better; weakness with occasional slight giddiness seem + now the only lingering traces of disease. I am assured that with + papa's excellent constitution, there is every prospect of his still + being spared to me for many years. + + 'For two things I have reason to be most thankful, viz., that the + mental faculties have remained quite untouched, and also that my own + health and strength have been found sufficient for the occasion. + Solitary as I certainly was at Filey, I yet derived great benefit + from the change. + + 'It would be pleasant at the sea-side this fine warm weather, and I + should dearly like to be there with you; to such a treat, however, I + do not now look forward at all. You will fully understand the + impossibility of my enjoying peace of mind during absence from papa + under present circumstances; his strength must be very much more + fully restored before I can think of leaving home. + + 'My dear Miss Wooler, in case you should go to Scarbro' this season, + may I request you to pay one visit to the churchyard and see if the + inscription on the stone has been altered as I directed. We have + heard nothing since on the subject, and I fear the alteration may + have been neglected. + + 'Ellen has made a long stay in the south, but I believe she will soon + return now, and I am looking forward to the pleasure of having her + company in the autumn. + + 'With kind regards to all old friends, and sincere love to + yourself,--I am, my dear Miss Wooler, yours affectionately and + respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 21_st_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I was truly sorry to hear that when Ellen + called at the Parsonage you were suffering from influenza. I know + that an attack of this debilitating complaint is no trifle in your + case, as its effects linger with you long. It has been very + prevalent in this neighbourhood. I did not escape, but the sickness + and fever only lasted a few days and the cough was not severe. Papa, + I am thankful to say, continues pretty well; Ellen thinks him little, + if at all altered. + + 'And now for your kind present. The book will be precious to + me--chiefly, perhaps, for the sake of the giver, but also for its own + sake, for it is a good book; and I wish I may be enabled to read it + with some approach to the spirit you would desire. Its perusal came + recommended in such a manner as to obviate danger of neglect; its + place shall always be on my dressing-table. + + 'As to the other part of the present, it arrived under these + circumstances: + + 'For a month past an urgent necessity to buy and make some things for + winter-wear had been importuning my conscience; the _buying_ might be + soon effected, but the _making_ was a more serious consideration. At + this juncture Ellen arrives with a good-sized parcel, which, when + opened, discloses the things I required, perfectly made and of + capital useful fabric; adorned too--which seemly decoration it is but + too probable I might myself have foregone as an augmentation of + trouble not to be lightly incurred. I felt strong doubts as to my + right to profit by this sort of fairy gift, so unlooked for and so + curiously opportune; on reading the note accompanying the garments, I + am told that to accept will be to confer a favour(!) The doctrine is + too palatable to be rejected; I even waive all nice scrutiny of its + soundness--in short, I submit with as good a grace as may be. + + 'Ellen has only been my companion one little week. I would not have + her any longer, for I am disgusted with myself and my delays, and + consider it was a weak yielding to temptation in me to send for her + at all; but, in truth, my spirits were getting low--prostrate + sometimes, and she has done me inexpressible good. I wonder when I + shall see you at Haworth again. Both my father and the servants have + again and again insinuated a distinct wish that you should be + requested to come in the course of the summer and autumn, but I + always turned a deaf ear: "Not yet," was my thought, "I want first to + be free--work first, then pleasure." + + 'I venture to send by Ellen a book which may amuse an hour: a Scotch + tale by a minister's wife. It seems to me well told, and may serve + to remind you of characters and manners you have seen in Scotland. + When you have time to write a line, I shall feel anxious to hear how + you are. With kind regards to all old friends, and truest affection + to yourself; in which Ellen joins me,--I am, my dear Miss Wooler, + yours gratefully and respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 8_th_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I wished much to write to you immediately on + my return home, but I found several little matters demanding + attention, and have been kept busy till now. + + 'I reached home about five o'clock in the afternoon, and the anxiety + which is inseparable from a return after absence was pleasantly + relieved by finding papa well and cheerful. He inquired after you + with interest. I gave him your kind regards, and he specially + charged me whenever I wrote to present his in return, and to say also + that he hoped to see you at Haworth at the earliest date which shall + be convenient to you. + + 'The week I spent at Hornsea was a happy and pleasant week. Thank + you, my dear Miss Wooler, for the true kindness which gave it its + chief charm. I shall think of you often, especially when I walk out, + and during the long evenings. I believe the weather has at length + taken a turn: to-day is beautifully fine. I wish I were at Hornsea + and just now preparing to go out with you to walk on the sands or + along the lake. + + I would not have you to fatigue yourself with writing to me when you + are not inclined, but yet I should be glad to hear from you some day + ere long. When you _do_ write, tell me how you liked _The Experience + of Life_, and whether you have read _Esmond_, and what you think of + it.--Believe me always yours, with true affection and respect, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'BROOKROYD, _December_ 7_th_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Since you were so kind as to take some + interest in my small tribulation of Saturday, I write a line to tell + you that on Sunday morning a letter came which put me out of pain and + obviated the necessity of an impromptu journey to London. + + 'The _money transaction_, of course, remains the same, and perhaps is + not quite equitable; but when an author finds that his work is + cordially approved, he can pardon the rest--indeed, my chief regret + now lies in the conviction that papa will be disappointed: he + expected me to earn 500 pounds, nor did I myself anticipate that a + lower sum would be offered; however, 250 pounds is not to be + despised. {275} + + 'Your sudden departure from Brookroyd left a legacy of consternation + to the bereaved breakfast-table. Ellen was not easily to be soothed, + though I diligently represented to her that you had quitted Haworth + with the same inexorable haste. I am commissioned to tell you, + first, that she has decided not to go to Yarmouth till after + Christmas, her mother's health having within the last few days + betrayed some symptoms not unlike those which preceded her former + illness; and though it is to be hoped that those may pass without any + untoward result, yet they naturally increase Ellen's reluctance to + leave home for the present. + + 'Secondly, I am to say, that when the present you left came to be + examined, the costliness and beauty of it inspired some concern. + Ellen thinks you are too kind, as I also think every morning, for I + am now benefiting by your kind gift. + + 'With sincere regards to all at the Parsonage,--I am, my dear Miss + Wooler, yours respectfully and affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--I shall direct that _Esmond_ (Mr. Thackeray's work) shall be + sent on to you as soon as the Hunsworth party have read it. It has + already reached a second edition.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 20_th_, 1853. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Your last kind note would not have remained so + long unanswered if I had been in better health. While Ellen was with + me, I seemed to revive wonderfully, but began to grow worse again the + day she left; and this falling off proved symptomatic of a relapse. + My doctor called the next day; he said the headache from which I was + suffering arose from inertness in the liver. + + 'Thank God, I now feel better; and very grateful am I for the + improvement--grateful no less for my dear father's sake than for my + own. + + 'Most fully can I sympathise with you in the anxiety you express + about your friend. The thought of his leaving England and going out + alone to a strange country, with all his natural sensitiveness and + retiring diffidence, is indeed painful; still, my dear Miss Wooler, + should he actually go to America, I can but then suggest to you the + same source of comfort and support you have suggested to me, and of + which indeed I know you never lose sight--namely, reliance on + Providence. "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," and He will + doubtless care for a good, though afflicted man, amidst whatever + difficulties he may be thrown. When you write again, I should be + glad to know whether your anxiety on this subject is relieved. I was + truly glad to learn through Ellen that Ilkley still continued to + agree with your health. Earnestly trusting that the New Year may + prove to you a happy and tranquil time,--I am, my dear Miss Wooler, + sincerely and affectionately yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + '_January_ 27_th_, 1853. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--I received your letter here in London where I + have been staying about three weeks, and shall probably remain a few + days longer. _Villette_ is to be published to-morrow. Its + appearance has been purposely delayed hitherto, to avoid discourteous + clashing with Mrs. Gaskell's new work. Your name was one of the + first on the list of presentees, and directed to the Parsonage, where + I shall also send this letter, as you mention that you are to leave + Halifax at the close of this week. I will bear in mind what you say + about Mrs. Morgan; and should I ever have an opportunity of serving + her, will not omit to do so. I only wish my chance of being useful + were greater. Schools seem to be considered almost obsolete in + London. Ladies' colleges, with professors for every branch of + instruction, are superseding the old-fashioned seminary. How the + system will work I can't tell. I think the college classes might be + very useful for finishing the education of ladies intended to go out + as governesses, but what progress little girls will make in them + seems to me another question. + + 'My dear Miss Wooler, I read attentively all you say about Miss + Martineau; the sincerity and constancy of your solicitude touches me + very much. I should grieve to neglect or oppose your advice, and yet + I do not feel that it would be right to give Miss Martineau up + entirely. There is in her nature much that is very noble. Hundreds + have forsaken her, more, I fear, in the apprehension that their fair + names may suffer if seen in connection with hers, than from any pure + convictions, such as you suggest, of harm consequent on her fatal + tenets. With these fair-weather friends I cannot bear to rank. And + for her sin, is it not one of those which God and not man must judge? + + 'To speak the truth, my dear Miss Wooler, I believe if you were in my + place, and knew Miss Martineau as I do--if you had shared with me the + proofs of her rough but genuine kindliness, and had seen how she + secretly suffers from abandonment, you would be the last to give her + up; you would separate the sinner from the sin, and feel as if the + right lay rather in quietly adhering to her in her strait, while that + adherence is unfashionable and unpopular, than in turning on her your + back when the world sets the example. I believe she is one of those + whom opposition and desertion make obstinate in error, while patience + and tolerance touch her deeply and keenly, and incline her to ask of + her own heart whether the course she has been pursuing may not + possibly be a faulty course. However, I have time to think of this + subject, and I shall think of it seriously. + + 'As to what I have seen in London during my present visit, I hope one + day to tell you all about it by our fireside at home. When you write + again will you name a time when it would suit you to come and see me; + everybody in the house would be glad of your presence; your last + visit is pleasantly remembered by all. + + 'With kindest regards,--I am always, affectionately and respectfully + yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +A note to Miss Nussey written after Charlotte's death indicates a fairly +shrewd view on the part of Miss Wooler as regards the popularity of her +friend. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'MY DEAR MISS ELLEN,--The third edition of Charlotte's Life has at + length ventured out. Our curate tells me he is assured it is quite + inferior to the former ones. So you see Mrs. Gaskell displayed + worldly wisdom in going out of her way to furnish gossip for the + discerning public. Did I mention to you that Mrs. Gibson knows two + or three young ladies in Hull who finished their education at Mme. + Heger's pension? Mrs. G. said they read _Villette_ with keen + interest--of course they would. I had a nice walk with a Suffolk + lady, who was evidently delighted to meet with one who had personally + known our dear C. B., and would not soon have wearied of a + conversation in which she was the topic.--Love to yourself and + sisters, from--Your affectionate, + + 'M. WOOLER.' + + + + +CHAPTER XI: THE CURATES AT HAWORTH + + +Something has already been said concerning the growth of the population +of Haworth during the period of Mr. Bronte's Incumbency. It was 4668 in +1821, and 6301 in 1841. This makes it natural that Mr. Bronte should +have applied to his Bishop for assistance in his pastoral duty, and such +aid was permanently granted him in 1838, when Mr. William Weightman +became his first curate. {280} Mr. Weightman would appear to have been a +favourite. He many times put in an appearance at the parsonage, although +I do not recognise him in any one of Charlotte's novels, and he certainly +has no place among the three famous curates of _Shirley_. He would seem +to have been the only man, other than her father and brother, whom Emily +was known to tolerate. We know that the girls considered him effeminate, +and they called him 'Celia Amelia,' under which name he frequently +appears in Charlotte's letters to Ellen Nussey. That he was good-natured +seems to be indisputable. There is one story of his walking to Bradford +to post valentines to the incumbent's daughters, when he found they had +never received any. There is another story of a trip to Keighley to hear +him lecture. He was a bit of a poet, it seems, and Ellen Nussey was the +heroine of some of his verses when she visited at Haworth. Here is a +letter which throws some light upon Charlotte's estimate of the young +man--he was twenty-three years of age at this time. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 17_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. ELEANOR,--I wish to scold you with a forty-horse power + for having told Mary Taylor that I had requested you not to tell her + everything, which piece of information has thrown her into tremendous + ill-humour, besides setting the teeth of her curiosity on edge. Tell + her forthwith every individual occurrence, including valentines, + "Fair E---, Fair E---," etc.; "Away fond love," etc.; "Soul divine," + and all; likewise the painting of Miss Celia Amelia Weightman's + portrait, and that _young lady's_ frequent and agreeable visits. + By-the-bye, I inquired into the opinion of that intelligent and + interesting young person respecting you. It was a favourable one. + "She" thought you a fine-looking girl, and a very good girl into the + bargain. Have you received the newspaper which has been despatched, + containing a notice of "her" lecture at Keighley? Mr. Morgan came + and stayed three days. By Miss Weightman's aid, we got on pretty + well. It was amazing to see with what patience and good-temper the + innocent creature endured that fat Welshman's prosing, though she + confessed afterwards that she was almost done up by his long stories. + We feel very dull without you. I wish those three weeks were to come + over again. Aunt has been at times precious cross since you + went--however, she is rather better now. I had a bad cold on Sunday + and stayed at home most of the day. Anne's cold is better, but I + don't consider her strong yet. What did your sister Anne say about + my omitting to send a drawing for the Jew basket? I hope she was too + much occupied with the thoughts of going to Earnley to think of it. + I am obliged to cut short my letter. Everybody in the house unites + in sending their love to you. Miss Celia Amelia Weightman also + desires to be remembered. Write soon again and--Believe me, yours + unalterably, + + 'CHARIVARI.' + +He would seem to have been a much teased curate. Now it is Miss Ellen +Nussey, now a Miss Agnes Walton, who is supposed to be the object of his +devotion. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 9_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR MRS. MENELAUS,--I think I am exceedingly good to write to + you so soon, indeed I am quite afraid you will begin to consider me + intrusive with my frequent letters. I ought by right to let an + interval of a quarter of a year elapse between each communication, + and I will, in time; never fear me. I shall improve in + procrastination as I get older. + + 'My hand is trembling like that of an old man, so I don't expect you + will be able to read my writing; never mind, put the letter by and + I'll read it to you the next time I see you. + + 'I have been painting a portrait of Agnes Walton for our friend Miss + Celia Amelia. You would laugh to see how his eyes sparkle with + delight when he looks at it, like a pretty child pleased with a new + plaything. Good-bye to you. Let me have no more of your humbug + about Cupid, etc. You know as well as I do it is all groundless + trash. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 20_th_, 1840. + + 'DEAR MRS. ELLEN,--I was very well pleased with your capital long + letter. A better farce than the whole affair of that letter-opening + (ducks and Mr. Weightman included) was never imagined. {282} + By-the-bye, speaking of Mr. W., I told you he was gone to pass his + examination at Ripon six weeks ago. He is not come back yet, and + what has become of him we don't know. Branwell has received one + letter since he went, speaking rapturously of Agnes Walton, + describing certain balls at which he had figured, and announcing that + he had been twice over head and ears desperately in love. It is my + devout belief that his reverence left Haworth with the fixed + intention of never returning. If he does return, it will be because + he has not been able to get a "living." Haworth is not the place for + him. He requires novelty, a change of faces, difficulties to be + overcome. He pleases so easily that he soon gets weary of pleasing + at all. He ought not to have been a parson; certainly he ought not. + Our _august_ relations, as you choose to call them, are gone back to + London. They never stayed with us, they only spent one day at our + house. Have you seen anything of the Miss Woolers lately? I wish + they, or somebody else, would get me a situation. I have answered + advertisements without number, but my applications have met with no + success. + + 'CALIBAN.' + +One wonders if a single letter by Charlotte Bronte applying for a +'situation' has been preserved! I have not seen one. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_September_ 29_th_, 1840. + + 'I know Mrs. Ellen is burning with eagerness to hear something about + William Weightman. I think I'll plague her by not telling her a + word. To speak heaven's truth, I have precious little to say, + inasmuch as I seldom see him, except on a Sunday, when he looks as + handsome, cheery, and good-tempered as usual. I have indeed had the + advantage of one long conversation since his return from Westmorland, + when he poured out his whole warm fickle soul in fondness and + admiration of Agnes Walton. Whether he is in love with her or not I + can't say; I can only observe that it sounds very like it. He sent + us a prodigious quantity of game while he was away--a brace of wild + ducks, a brace of black grouse, a brace of partridges, ditto of + snipes, ditto of curlews, and a large salmon. If you were to ask Mr. + Weightman's opinion of my character just now, he would say that at + first he thought me a cheerful chatty kind of body, but that on + farther acquaintance he found me of a capricious changeful temper, + never to be reckoned on. He does not know that I have regulated my + manner by his--that I was cheerful and chatty so long as he was + respectful, and that when he grew almost contemptuously familiar I + found it necessary to adopt a degree of reserve which was not + natural, and therefore was very painful to me. I find this reserve + very convenient, and consequently I intend to keep it up.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 12_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR NELL,--You will excuse this scrawled sheet of paper, + inasmuch as I happen to be out of that article, this being the only + available sheet I can find in my desk. I have effaced one of the + delectable portraitures, but have spared the others--lead pencil + sketches of horse's head, and man's head--being moved to that act of + clemency by the recollection that they are not the work of my hand, + but of the sacred fingers of his reverence William Weightman. You + will discern that the eye is a little too elevated in the horse's + head, otherwise I can assure you it is no such bad attempt. It shows + taste and something of an artist's eye. The fellow had no copy for + it. He sketched it, and one or two other little things, when he + happened to be here one evening, but you should have seen the vanity + with which he afterwards regarded his productions. One of them + represented the flying figure of Fame inscribing his own name on the + clouds. + + 'Mrs. Brook and I have interchanged letters. She expressed herself + pleased with the style of my application--with its candour, etc. (I + took care to tell her that if she wanted a showy, elegant, + fashionable personage, I was not the man for her), but she wants + music and singing. I can't give her music and singing, so of course + the negotiation is null and void. Being once up, however, I don't + mean to sit down till I have got what I want; but there is no sense + in talking about unfinished projects, so we'll drop the subject. + Consider this last sentence a hint from me to be applied practically. + It seems Miss Wooler's school is in a consumptive state of health. I + have been endeavouring to obtain a reinforcement of pupils for her, + but I cannot succeed, because Mrs. Heap is opening a new school in + Bradford. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 10_th_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I promised to write to you, and therefore I must + keep my promise, though I have neither much to say nor much time to + say it in. + + 'Mary Taylor's visit has been a very pleasant one to us, and I + believe to herself also. She and Mr. Weightman have had several + games at chess, which generally terminated in a species of mock + hostility. Mr. Weightman is better in health; but don't set your + heart on him, I'm afraid he is very fickle--not to you in particular, + but to half a dozen other ladies. He has just cut his _inamorata_ at + Swansea, and sent her back all her letters. His present object of + devotion is Caroline Dury, to whom he has just despatched a most + passionate copy of verses. Poor lad, his sanguine temperament + bothers him grievously. + + 'That Swansea affair seems to me somewhat heartless as far as I can + understand it, though I have not heard a very clear explanation. He + sighs as much as ever. I have not mentioned your name to him yet, + nor do I mean to do so until I have a fair opportunity of gathering + his real mind. Perhaps I may never mention it at all, but on the + contrary carefully avoid all allusion to you. It will just depend + upon the further opinion I may form of his character. I am not + pleased to find that he was carrying on a regular correspondence with + this lady at Swansea all the time he was paying such pointed + attention to you; and now the abrupt way in which he has cut her off, + and the evident wandering instability of his mind is no favourable + symptom at all. I shall not have many opportunities of observing him + for a month to come. As for the next fortnight, he will be + sedulously engaged in preparing for his ordination, and the fortnight + after he will spend at Appleby and Crackenthorp with Mr. and Miss + Walton. Don't think about him; I am not afraid you will break your + heart, but don't think about him. + + 'Give my love to Mercy and your mother, and,--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'CA'IRA.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'RAWDON, _March_ 3_rd_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I dare say you have received a valentine this year + from our bonny-faced friend the curate of Haworth. I got a precious + specimen a few days before I left home, but I knew better how to + treat it than I did those we received a year ago. I am up to the + dodges and artifices of his lordship's character. He knows I know + him, and you cannot conceive how quiet and respectful he has long + been. Mind I am not writing against him--I never _will_ do that. I + like him very much. I honour and admire his generous, open + disposition, and sweet temper--but for all the tricks, wiles, and + insincerities of love, the gentleman has not his match for twenty + miles round. He would fain persuade every woman under thirty whom he + sees that he is desperately in love with her. I have a great deal + more to say, but I have not a moment's time to write it in. My dear + Ellen, _do_ write to me soon, don't forget.--Good-bye.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 21_st_, 1841. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--I do not know how to wear your pretty little + handcuffs. When you come you shall explain the mystery. I send you + the precious valentine. Make much of it. Remember the writer's blue + eyes, auburn hair, and rosy cheeks. You may consider the concern + addressed to yourself, for I have no doubt he intended it to suit + anybody. + + 'Fare-thee-well. + + 'C. B.' + +Then there are these slighter inferences, that concerning Anne being +particularly interesting. + + 'Write long letters to me, and tell me everything you can think of, + and about everybody. "His young reverence," as you tenderly call + him, is looking delicate and pale; poor thing, don't you pity him? I + do from my heart! When he is well, and fat, and jovial, I never + think of him, but when anything ails him I am always sorry. He sits + opposite to Anne at church, sighing softly, and looking out of the + corners of his eyes to win her attention, and Anne is so quiet, her + look so downcast, they are a picture.' + + '_July_ 19_th_, 1841. + + 'Our revered friend, W. W., is quite as bonny, pleasant, + lighthearted, good-tempered, generous, careless, fickle, and + unclerical as ever. He keeps up his correspondence with Agnes + Walton. During the last spring he went to Appleby, and stayed + upwards of a month.' + +During the governess and Brussels episodes in Charlotte's life we lose +sight of Mr. Weightman, and the next record is of his death, which took +place in September 1842, while Charlotte and Emily were in Brussels. Mr. +Bronte preached the funeral sermon, {287} stating by way of introduction +that for the twenty years and more that he had been in Haworth he had +never before read his sermon. 'This is owing to a conviction in my +mind,' he says, 'that in general, for the ordinary run of hearers, +extempore preaching, though accompanied with some peculiar disadvantages, +is more likely to be of a colloquial nature, and better adapted, on the +whole, to the majority.' His departure from the practice on this +occasion, he explains, is due to the request that his sermon should be +printed. + +Mr. Weightman, he told his hearers, was a native of Westmoreland, +educated at the University of Durham. 'While he was there,' continued +Mr. Bronte, 'I applied to the justly venerated Apostolical Bishop of this +diocese, requesting his Lordship to send me a curate adequate to the +wants and wishes of the parishioners. This application was not in vain. +Our Diocesan, in the scriptural character of the Overlooker and Head of +his clergy, made an admirable choice, which more than answered my +expectations, and probably yours. The Church Pastoral Aid Society, in +their pious liberality, lent their pecuniary aid, without which all +efforts must have failed.' 'He had classical attainments of the first +order, and, above all, his religious principles were sound and orthodox,' +concludes Mr. Bronte. Mr. Weightman was twenty-six years of age when he +died. His successor was Mr. Peter Augustus Smith, whom Charlotte Bronte +has made famous in _Shirley_ as Mr. Malone, curate of Briarfield. Mr. +Smith was Mr. A. B. Nicholls's predecessor at Haworth. Here is Charlotte +Bronte's vigorous treatment of him in a letter to her friend. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 26_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--We were all very glad to get your letter this morning. + _We_, I say, as both papa and Emily were anxious to hear of the safe + arrival of yourself and the little _varmint_. {288} + + 'As you conjecture, Emily and I set to shirt-making the very day + after you left, and we have stuck to it pretty closely ever since. + We miss your society at least as much as you miss ours, depend upon + it. Would that you were within calling distance, that you could as + you say burst in upon us in an afternoon, and, being despoiled of + your bonnet and shawl, be fixed in the rocking-chair for the evening + once or twice every week. I certainly cherished a dream during your + stay that such might one day be the case, but the dream is somewhat + dissipating. I allude of course to Mr. Smith, to whom you do not + allude in your letter, and I think you foolish for the omission. I + say the dream is dissipating, because Mr. Smith has not mentioned + your name since you left, except once when papa said you were a nice + girl, he said, "Yes, she is a nice girl--rather quiet. I suppose she + has money," and that is all. I think the words speak volumes; they + do not prejudice one in favour of Mr. Smith. I can well believe what + papa has often affirmed, and continues to affirm, _i.e._, that Mr. + Smith is a very fickle man, that if he marries he will soon get tired + of his wife, and consider her as a burden, also that money will be a + principal consideration with him in marrying. + + 'Papa has two or three times expressed a fear that since Mr. Smith + paid you so much attention he will perhaps have made an impression on + your mind which will interfere with your comfort. I tell him I think + not, as I believe you to be mistress of yourself in those matters. + Still, he keeps saying that I am to write to you and dissuade you + from thinking of him. I never saw papa make himself so uneasy about + a thing of the kind before; he is usually very sarcastic on such + subjects. + + 'Mr. Smith be hanged! I never thought very well of him, and I am + much disposed to think very ill of him at this blessed minute. I + have discussed the subject fully, for where is the use of being + mysterious and constrained?--it is not worth while. + + 'Be sure you write to me and immediately, and tell me whether you + have given up eating and drinking altogether. I am not surprised at + people thinking you looked pale and thin. I shall expect another + letter on Thursday--don't disappoint me. + + 'My best regards to your mother and sisters.--Yours, somewhat + irritated, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'DEAR NELL,--I did not "swear at the postman" when I saw another + letter from you. And I hope you will not "swear" at me when I tell + you that I cannot think of leaving home at present, even to have the + pleasure of joining you at Harrogate, but I am obliged to you for + thinking of me. I have nothing new about Rev. Lothario Smith. I + think I like him a little bit less every day. Mr. Weightman was + worth 200 Mr. Smiths tied in a bunch. Good-bye. I fear by what you + say, "Flossy jun." behaves discreditably, and gets his mistress into + scrapes. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 16_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I received your kind note last Saturday, and should + have answered it immediately, but in the meantime I had a letter from + Mary Taylor, and had to reply to her, and to write sundry letters to + Brussels to send by opportunity. My sight will not allow me to write + several letters per day, so I was obliged to do it gradually. + + 'I send you two more circulars because you ask for them, not because + I hope their distribution will produce any result. I hope that if a + time should come when Emily, Anne, or I shall be able to serve you, + we shall not forget that you have done your best to serve us. + + 'Mr. Smith is gone hence. He is in Ireland at present, and will stay + there six weeks. He has left neither a bad nor a good character + behind him. Nobody regrets him, because nobody could attach + themselves to one who could attach himself to nobody. I thought once + he had a regard for you, but I do not think so now. He has never + asked after you since you left, nor even mentioned you in my hearing, + except to say once when I purposely alluded to you, that you were + "not very locomotive." The meaning of the observation I leave you to + divine. + + 'Yet the man is not without points that will be most useful to + himself in getting through life. His good qualities, however, are + all of the selfish order, but they will make him respected where + better and more generous natures would be despised, or at least + neglected. + + 'Mr. Grant fills his shoes at present decently enough--but one cares + naught about these sort of individuals, so drop them. + + 'Mary Taylor is going to leave our hemisphere. To me it is something + as if a great planet fell out of the sky. Yet, unless she marries in + New Zealand, she will not stay there long. + + 'Write to me again soon and I promise to write you a regular long + letter next time. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The Mr. Grant here described had come to Haworth as master of the small +grammar school in which Branwell had received some portion of his +education. He is the Mr. Donne, curate of Whinbury, in _Shirley_. +Whinbury is Oxenhope, of which village and district Mr. Grant after a +time became incumbent. The district was taken out of Haworth Chapelry, +and Mr. Grant collected the funds to build a church, schoolhouse, and +parsonage. He died at Oxenhope, many years ago, greatly respected by his +parishioners. He seems to have endured good-naturedly much chaff from +Mr. Bronte and others, who always called him Mr. Donne. It was the +opinion of many of his acquaintances that the satire of _Shirley_ had +improved his disposition. + +Mr. Smith left Haworth in 1844, to become curate of the parish church of +Keighley. He became, at a later date, incumbent of a district church, +but, his health failing, he returned to his native country, where he +died. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_October_ 15_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I send you two additional circulars, and will send you + two more, if you desire it, when I write again. I have no news to + give you. Mr. Smith leaves in the course of a fortnight. He will + spend a few weeks in Ireland previously to settling at Keighley. He + continues just the same: often anxious and bad-tempered, sometimes + rather tolerable--just supportable. How did your party go off? How + are you? Write soon, and at length, for your letters are a great + comfort to me. We are all pretty well. Remember me kindly to each + member of the household at Brookroyd.--Yours, + + 'C. B.' + +The third curate of _Shirley_, Mr. Sweeting of Nunnely, was Mr. Richard +Bradley, curate of Oakworth, an outlying district of Keighley parish. He +is at this present time vicar of Haxby, Yorkshire, but far too aged and +infirm to have any memories of those old Haworth days. + +Mr. Bronte's one other curate was Mr. De Renzi, who occupied the position +for a little more than a year,--during the period, in fact, of Mr. +Bronte's quarrel with Mr. Nicholls for aspiring to become his son-in-law. +After he left Haworth, Mr. De Renzi became a curate at Bradford. He has +been dead for some years. The story of Mr. Nicholls's curacy belongs to +another chapter. It is sufficient testimony to his worth, however, that +he was able to win Charlotte Bronte in spite of the fact that his +predecessors had inspired in her such hearty contempt. 'I think he must +be like all the curates I have seen,' she writes of one; 'they seem to me +a self-seeking, vain, empty race.' + + + + +CHAPTER XII: CHARLOTTE BRONTE'S LOVERS + + +Charlotte Bronte was not beautiful, but she must have been singularly +fascinating. That she was not beautiful there is abundant evidence. +When, as a girl of fifteen, she became a pupil at Roe Head, Mary Taylor +once told her to her face that she was ugly. Ugly she was not in later +years. All her friends emphasise the soft silky hair, and the beautiful +grey eyes which in moments of excitement seemed to glisten with +remarkable brilliancy. But she had a sallow complexion, and a large nose +slightly on one side. She was small in stature, and, in fact, the casual +observer would have thought her a quaint, unobtrusive little body. Mr. +Grundy's memory was very defective when he wrote about the Brontes; but, +with the exception of the reference to red hair--and all the girls had +brown hair--it would seem that he was not very wide of the mark when he +wrote of 'the daughters--distant and distrait, large of nose, small of +figure, red of hair, prominent of spectacles, showing great intellectual +development, but with eyes constantly cast down, very silent, painfully +retiring.' + +Charlotte was indeed painfully shy. Miss Wheelwright, who saw much of +her during her visits to London in the years of her literary success, +says that she would never enter a room without sheltering herself under +the wing of some taller friend. A resident of Haworth, still alive, +remembers the girls passing him frequently on the way down to the shops, +and their hands would involuntarily be lifted to the face on the side +nearest to him, with a view to avoid observation. This was not +affectation; it was absolute timidity. Miss Wheelwright always thought +George Richmond's portrait--for which Charlotte sat during a stay at Dr. +Wheelwright's in Phillimore Place--entirely flattering. Many of +Charlotte's friends were pleased that it should be so, but there can be +no doubt that the magnificent expanse of forehead was an exaggeration. +Charlotte's forehead was high, but very narrow. + +All this is comparatively unimportant. Charlotte certainly was under no +illusion; and we who revere her to-day as one of the greatest of +Englishwomen need have no illusions. It is sufficient that, if not +beautiful, Charlotte possessed a singular charm of manner, and, when +interested, an exhilarating flow of conversation which carried +intelligent men off their feet. She had at least four offers of +marriage. The three lovers she refused have long since gone to their +graves, and there can be no harm now in referring to the actual facts as +they present themselves in Charlotte's letters. Two of these offers of +marriage were made in one year, when she was twenty-three years of age. +Her first proposal came from the brother of her friend Ellen Nussey. +Henry Nussey was a curate at Donnington when he asked Charlotte Bronte to +be his wife. Two letters on the subject, one of which is partly printed +in a mangled form in Mrs. Gaskell's Memoir, speak for themselves. + + TO REV. HENRY NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 5_th_, 1839. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Before answering your letter I might have spent a long + time in consideration of its subject; but as from the first moment of + its reception and perusal I determined on what course to pursue, it + seemed to me that delay was wholly unnecessary. You are aware that I + have many reasons to feel grateful to your family, that I have + peculiar reasons for affection towards one at least of your sisters, + and also that I highly esteem yourself--do not therefore accuse me of + wrong motives when I say that my answer to your proposal must be a + _decided negative_. In forming this decision, I trust I have + listened to the dictates of conscience more than to those of + inclination. I have no personal repugnance to the idea of a union + with you, but I feel convinced that mine is not the sort of + disposition calculated to form the happiness of a man like you. It + has always been my habit to study the characters of those amongst + whom I chance to be thrown, and I think I know yours and can imagine + what description of woman would suit you for a wife. The character + should not be too marked, ardent, and original, her temper should be + mild, her piety undoubted, her spirits even and cheerful, and her + _personal attractions_ sufficient to please your eyes and gratify + your just pride. As for me, you do not know me; I am not the + serious, grave, cool-headed individual you suppose; you would think + me romantic and eccentric; you would say I was satirical and severe. + However, I scorn deceit, and I will never, for the sake of attaining + the distinction of matrimony and escaping the stigma of an old maid, + take a worthy man whom I am conscious I cannot render happy. Before + I conclude, let me thank you warmly for your other proposal regarding + the school near Donnington. It is kind in you to take so much + interest about me; but the fact is, I could not at present enter upon + such a project because I have not the capital necessary to insure + success. It is a pleasure to me to hear that you are so comfortably + settled and that your health is so much improved. I trust God will + continue His kindness towards you. Let me say also that I admire the + good-sense and absence of flattery and cant which your letter + displayed. Farewell. I shall always be glad to hear from you as a + _friend_.--Believe me, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 12_th_, 1839. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--When your letter was put into my hands, I said, + "She is coming at last, I hope," but when I opened it and found what + the contents were, I was vexed to the heart. You need not ask me to + go to Brookroyd any more. Once for all, and at the hazard of being + called the most stupid little wretch that ever existed, I _won't_ go + till you have been to Haworth. I don't blame _you_, I believe you + would come if you might; perhaps I ought not to blame others, but I + am grieved. + + 'Anne goes to Blake Hall on the 8th of April, unless some further + unseen cause of delay should occur. I've heard nothing more from + Mrs. Thos. Brook as yet. Papa wishes me to remain at home a little + longer, but I begin to be anxious to set to work again; and yet it + will be _hard work_ after the indulgence of so many weeks, to return + to that dreary "gin-horse" round. + + 'You ask me, my dear Ellen, whether I have received a letter from + Henry. I have, about a week since. The contents, I confess, did a + little surprise me, but I kept them to myself, and unless you had + questioned me on the subject, I would never have adverted to it. + Henry says he is comfortably settled at Donnington, that his health + is much improved, and that it is his intention to take pupils after + Easter. He then intimates that in due time he should want a wife to + take care of his pupils, and frankly asks me to be that wife. + Altogether the letter is written without cant or flattery, and in a + common-sense style, which does credit to his judgment. + + 'Now, my dear Ellen, there were in this proposal some things which + might have proved a strong temptation. I thought if I were to marry + Henry Nussey, his sister could live with me, and how happy I should + be. But again I asked myself two questions: Do I love him as much as + a woman ought to love the man she marries? Am I the person best + qualified to make him happy? Alas! Ellen, my conscience answered + _no_ to both these questions. I felt that though I esteemed, though + I had a kindly leaning towards him, because he is an amiable and + well-disposed man, yet I had not, and could not have, that intense + attachment which would make me willing to die for him; and, if ever I + marry, it must be in that light of adoration that I will regard my + husband. Ten to one I shall never have the chance again; but + _n'importe_. Moreover, I was aware that Henry knew so little of me + he could hardly be conscious to whom he was writing. Why, it would + startle him to see me in my natural home character; he would think I + was a wild, romantic enthusiast indeed. I could not sit all day long + making a grave face before my husband. I would laugh, and satirise, + and say whatever came into my head first. And if he were a clever + man, and loved me, the whole world weighed in the balance against his + smallest wish should be light as air. Could I, knowing my mind to be + such as that, conscientiously say that I would take a grave, quiet, + young man like Henry? No, it would have been deceiving him, and + deception of that sort is beneath me. So I wrote a long letter back, + in which I expressed my refusal as gently as I could, and also + candidly avowed my reasons for that refusal. I described to him, + too, the sort of character that would suit him for a wife.--Good-bye, + my dear Ellen. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Mr. Nussey was a very good man, with a capacity for making himself +generally esteemed, becoming in turn vicar of Earnley, near Chichester, +and afterwards of Hathersage, in Derbyshire. It was honourable to his +judgment that he had aspired to marry Charlotte Bronte, who, as we know, +had neither money nor much personal attraction, and at the time no +possible prospect of literary fame. Her common-sense letter in reply to +his proposal had the desired effect. He speedily took the proffered +advice, and six months later we find her sending him a letter of +congratulation upon his engagement to be married. + + TO REV. HENRY NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 28_th_, 1839. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have delayed answering your last communication in the + hopes of receiving a letter from Ellen, that I might be able to + transmit to you the latest news from Brookroyd; however, as she does + not write, I think I ought to put off my reply no longer lest you + should begin to think me negligent. As you rightly conjecture, I had + heard a little hint of what you allude to before, and the account + gave me pleasure, coupled as it was with the assurance that the + object of your regard is a worthy and estimable woman. The step no + doubt will by many of your friends be considered scarcely as a + prudent one, _since_ fortune is not amongst the number of the young + lady's advantages. For my own part, I must confess that I esteem you + the more for not hunting after wealth if there be strength of mind, + firmness of principle, and sweetness of temper to compensate for the + absence of that usually all-powerful attraction. The wife who brings + riches to her husband sometimes also brings an idea of her own + importance and a tenacity about what she conceives to be her rights, + little calculated to produce happiness in the married state. Most + probably she will wish to control when nature and affection bind her + to submit--in this case there cannot, I should think, be much + comfort. + + 'On the other hand, it must be considered that when two persons marry + without money, there ought to be moral courage and physical exertion + to atone for the deficiency--there should be spirit to scorn + dependence, patience to endure privation, and energy to labour for a + livelihood. If there be these qualities, I think, with the blessing + of God, those who join heart and hand have a right to expect success + and a moderate share of happiness, even though they may have departed + a step or two from the stern maxims of worldly prudence. The bread + earned by honourable toil is sweeter than the bread of idleness; and + mutual love and domestic calm are treasures far preferable to the + possessions rust can corrupt and moths consume away. + + 'I enjoyed my late excursion with Ellen with the greater zest because + such pleasures have not often chanced to fall in my way. I will not + tell you what I thought of the sea, because I should fall into my + besetting sin of enthusiasm. I may, however, say that its glories, + changes, its ebbs and flow, the sound of its restless waves, formed a + subject for contemplation that never wearied either the eye, the ear, + or the mind. Our visit at Easton was extremely pleasant; I shall + always feel grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Hudson for their kindness. We + saw Agnes Burton, during our stay, and called on two of your former + parishioners--Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Dalton. I was pleased to hear your + name mentioned by them in terms of encomium and sincere regard. + Ellen will have detailed to you all the minutia of our excursion; a + recapitulation from me would therefore be tedious. I am happy to say + that her health appeared to be greatly improved by the change of air + and regular exercise. I am still at home, as I have not yet heard of + any situation which meets with the approbation of my friends. I + begin, however, to grow exceedingly impatient of a prolonged period + of inaction. I feel I ought to be doing something for myself, for my + health is now so perfectly re-established by this long rest that it + affords me no further pretext for indolence. With every wish for + your future welfare, and with the hope that whenever your proposed + union takes place it may contribute in the highest sense to your good + and happiness,--Believe me, your sincere friend, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--Remember me to your sister Mercy, who, I understand, is for + the present your companion and housekeeper.' + +The correspondence did not end here. Indeed, Charlotte was so excellent +a letter-writer, that it must have been hard indeed for any one who had +had any experience of her in that capacity to readily forgo its +continuance. + + TO REV. HENRY NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 26_th_, 1840. + + 'DEAR SIR,--In looking over my papers this morning I found a letter + from you of the date of last February with the mark upon it + unanswered. Your sister Ellen often accuses me of want of + punctuality in answering letters, and I think her accusation is here + justified. However, I give you credit for as much considerateness as + will induce you to excuse a greater fault than this, especially as I + shall hasten directly to repair it. + + 'The fact is, when the letter came Ellen was staying with me, and I + was so fully occupied in talking to her that I had no time to think + of writing to others. This is no great compliment, but it is no + insult either. You know Ellen's worth, you know how seldom I see + her, you partly know my regard for her; and from these premises you + may easily draw the inference that her company, when once obtained, + is too valuable to be wasted for a moment. One woman can appreciate + the value of another better than a man can do. Men very often only + see the outside gloss which dazzles in prosperity, women have + opportunities for closer observation, and they learn to value those + qualities which are useful in adversity. + + 'There is much, too, in that mild even temper and that placid + equanimity which keep the domestic hearth always bright and + peaceful--this is better than the ardent nature that changes twenty + times in a day. I have studied Ellen and I think she would make a + good wife--that is, if she had a good husband. If she married a fool + or a tyrant there is spirit enough in her composition to withstand + the dictates of either insolence or weakness, though even then I + doubt not her sense would teach her to make the best of a bad + bargain. + + 'You will see my letters are all didactic. They contain no news, + because I know of none which I think it would interest you to hear + repeated. I am still at home, in very good health and spirits, and + uneasy only because I cannot yet hear of a situation. + + 'I shall always be glad to have a letter from you, and I promise when + you write again to be less dilatory in answering. I trust your + prospects of happiness still continue fair; and from what you say of + your future partner I doubt not she will be one who will help you to + get cheerfully through the difficulties of this world and to obtain a + permanent rest in the next; at least I hope such may be the case. + You do right to conduct the matter with due deliberation, for on the + step you are about to take depends the happiness of your whole + lifetime. + + 'You must not again ask me to write in a regular literary way to you + on some particular topic. I cannot do it at all. Do you think I am + a blue-stocking? I feel half inclined to laugh at you for the idea, + but perhaps you would be angry. What was the topic to be? + Chemistry? or astronomy? or mechanics? or conchology? or entomology? + or what other ology? I know nothing at all about any of these. I am + not scientific; I am not a linguist. You think me far more learned + than I am. If I told you all my ignorance, I am afraid you would be + shocked; however, as I wish still to retain a little corner in your + good opinion, I will hold my tongue.--Believe me, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. HENRY NUSSEY + + '_January_ 11th, 1841. + + 'DEAR SIR,--It is time I should reply to your last, as I shall fail + in fulfilling my promise of not being so dilatory as on a former + occasion. + + 'I shall be glad to receive the poetry which you offer to send me. + You ask me to return the gift in kind. How do you know that I have + it in my power to comply with that request? Once indeed I was very + poetical, when I was sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen years + old, but I am now twenty-four, approaching twenty-five, and the + intermediate years are those which begin to rob life of some of its + superfluous colouring. At this age it is time that the imagination + should be pruned and trimmed, that the judgment should be cultivated, + and a few, at least, of the countless illusions of early youth should + be cleared away. I have not written poetry for a long while. + + 'You will excuse the dulness, morality, and monotony of this epistle, + and--Believe me, with all good wishes for your welfare here and + hereafter, your sincere friend, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +This letter closes the correspondence; but, as we have seen, Charlotte +spent three pleasant weeks in Mr. Nussey's home with his sister Ellen +when that gentleman became vicar of Hathersage, in Derbyshire. She thus +congratulates her friend when Mr. Nussey is appointed to the latter +living. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_July_ 29_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I am very glad to hear of Henry's good fortune. It + proves to me what an excellent thing perseverance is for getting on + in the world. Calm self-confidence (not impudence, for that is + vulgar and repulsive) is an admirable quality; but how are those not + naturally gifted with it to attain it? We all here get on much as + usual. Papa wishes he could hear of a curate, that Mr. Smith may be + at liberty to go. Good-bye, dear Ellen. I wish to you and yours + happiness, health, and prosperity. + + 'Write again before you go to Burlington. My best love to Mary. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Meanwhile, as I have said, a second lover appeared on the field in this +same year, 1839, and the quickness of his wooing is a remarkable +testimony to the peculiar fascination which Miss Bronte must have +exercised. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 4_th_, 1839. + + 'MY DEAREST ELLEN,--I have an odd circumstance to relate to + you--prepare for a hearty laugh! The other day Mr. Hodgson, papa's + former curate, now a vicar, came over to spend the day with us, + bringing with him his own curate. The latter gentleman, by name Mr. + Price, is a young Irish clergyman, fresh from Dublin University. It + was the first time we had any of us seen him, but, however, after the + manner of his countrymen, he soon made himself at home. His + character quickly appeared in his conversation: witty, lively, + ardent, clever too, but deficient in the dignity and discretion of an + Englishman. At home, you know, Ellen, I talk with ease, and am never + shy, never weighed down and oppressed by that miserable _mauvaise + honte_ which torments and constrains me elsewhere. So I conversed + with this Irishman and laughed at his jests, and though I saw faults + in his character, excused them because of the amusement his + originality afforded. I cooled a little, indeed, and drew in towards + the latter part of the evening, because he began to season his + conversation with something of Hibernian flattery, which I did not + quite relish. However, they went away, and no more was thought about + them. A few days after I got a letter, the direction of which + puzzled me, it being in a hand I was not accustomed to see. + Evidently, it was neither from you nor Mary Taylor, my only + correspondents. Having opened and read it, it proved to be a + declaration of attachment and proposal of matrimony, expressed in the + ardent language of the sapient young Irishman! Well! thought I, I + have heard of love at first sight, but this beats all. I leave you + to guess what my answer would be, convinced that you will not do me + the injustice of guessing wrong. When we meet I'll show you the + letter. I hope you are laughing heartily. This is not like one of + my adventures, is it? It more nearly resembles Martha Taylor's. I + am certainly doomed to be an old maid. Never mind, I made up my mind + to that fate ever since I was twelve years old. Write soon. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +It was not many months after this that we hear the last of poor Mr. +Price. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 24_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--Mr. Price is dead. He had fallen into a state of + delicate health for some time, and the rupture of a blood-vessel + carried him off. He was a strong, athletic-looking man when I saw + him, and that is scarcely six months ago. Though I knew so little of + him, and of course could not be deeply or permanently interested in + what concerned him, I confess, when I suddenly heard he was dead, I + felt both shocked and saddened: it was no shame to feel so, was it? + I scold you, Ellen, for writing illegibly and badly, but I think you + may repay the compliment with cent per cent interest. I am not in + the humour for writing a long letter, so good-bye. God bless you. + + 'C. B.' + +There are many thoughts on marriage scattered through Charlotte's +correspondence. It was a subject upon which she never wearied of asking +questions, and of finding her own answers. 'I believe it is better to +marry _to_ love than to marry _for_ love,' she says on one occasion. And +in reference to the somewhat uncertain attitude of the admirer of one of +her friends, she thus expresses herself to Miss Nussey: + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 20_th_, 1840. + + 'MY DEAREST NELL,--That last letter of thine treated of matters so + high and important I cannot delay answering it for a day. Now I am + about to write thee a discourse, and a piece of advice which thou + must take as if it came from thy grandmother. But in the first + place, before I begin with thee, I have a word to whisper in the ear + of Mr. Vincent, and I wish it could reach him. In the name of St. + Chrysostom, St. Simon, and St. Jude, why does not that amiable young + gentleman come forward like a man and say all that he has to say + personally, instead of trifling with kinsmen and kinswomen. "Mr. + Vincent," I say, "go personally, and say: 'Miss ---, I want to speak + to you.' Miss --- will of course civilly answer: 'I am at your + service, Mr. Vincent.' And then, when the room is cleared of all but + yourself and herself, just take a chair nearer. Insist upon her + laying down that silly . . . work, and listening to you. Then begin, + in a clear, distinct, deferential, but determined voice: 'Miss ---, I + have a question to put to you--a very important question: "Will you + take me as your husband, for better, for worse. I am not a rich man, + but I have sufficient to support us. I am not a great man, but I + love you honestly and truly. Miss ---, if you knew the world better + you would see that this is an offer not to be despised--a kind + attached heart and a moderate competency." Do this, Mr. Vincent, and + you may succeed. Go on writing sentimental and love-sick letters to + ---, and I would not give sixpence for your suit." So much for Mr. + Vincent. Now Miss ---'s turn comes to swallow the black bolus, + called a friend's advice. Say to her: "Is the man a fool? is he a + knave? a humbug, a hypocrite, a ninny, a noodle? If he is any or all + of these, of course there is no sense in trifling with him. Cut him + short at once--blast his hopes with lightning rapidity and keenness. + Is he something better than this? has he at least common sense, a + good disposition, a manageable temper? Then consider the matter." + Say further: "You feel a disgust towards him now--an utter + repugnance. Very likely, but be so good as to remember you don't + know him; you have only had three or four days' acquaintance with + him. Longer and closer intimacy might reconcile you to a wonderful + extent. And now I'll tell you a word of truth, at which you may be + offended or not as you like." Say to her: "From what I know of your + character, and I think I know it pretty well, I should say you will + never love before marriage. After that ceremony is over, and after + you have had some months to settle down, and to get accustomed to the + creature you have taken for your worse half, you will probably make a + most affectionate and happy wife; even if the individual should not + prove all you could wish, you will be indulgent towards his little + follies and foibles, and will not feel much annoyance at them. This + will especially be the case if he should have sense sufficient to + allow you to guide him in important matters." Say also: "I hope you + will not have the romantic folly to wait for what the French call + 'une grande passion.' My good girl, 'une grande passion' is 'une + grande folie.' Mediocrity in all things is wisdom; mediocrity in the + sensations is superlative wisdom." Say to her: "When you are as old + as I am (I am sixty at least, being your grandmother), you will find + that the majority of those worldly precepts, whose seeming coldness + shocks and repels us in youth, are founded in wisdom." + + 'No girl should fall in love till the offer is actually made. This + maxim is just. I will even extend and confirm it: No young lady + should fall in love till the offer has been made, accepted, the + marriage ceremony performed, and the first half-year of wedded life + has passed away. A woman may then begin to love, but with great + precaution, very coolly, very moderately, very rationally. If she + ever loves so much that a harsh word or a cold look cuts her to the + heart she is a fool. If she ever loves so much that her husband's + will is her law, and that she has got into a habit of watching his + looks in order that she may anticipate his wishes, she will soon be a + neglected fool. + + 'I have two studies: you are my study for the success, the credit, + and the respectability of a quiet, tranquil character; Mary is my + study for the contempt, the remorse, the misconstruction which follow + the development of feelings in themselves noble, warm, generous, + devoted, and profound, but which, being too freely revealed, too + frankly bestowed, are not estimated at their real value. I never + hope to see in this world a character more truly noble. She would + die willingly for one she loved. Her intellect and her attainments + are of the very highest standard. Yet I doubt whether Mary will ever + marry. Mr. Weightman expresses himself very strongly on young ladies + saying "No," when they mean "Yes." He assures me he means nothing + personal. I hope not. Assuredly I quite agree with him in his + disapprobation of such a senseless course. It is folly indeed for + the tongue to stammer a negative when the heart is proclaiming an + affirmative. Or rather, it is an act of heroic self-denial, of which + _I_ for one confess myself wholly incapable. _I would not tell such + a lie_ to gain a thousand pounds. Write to me again soon. What made + you say I admired Hippocrates? It is a confounded "fib." I tried to + find something admirable in him, and failed.' + + 'He is perhaps only like the majority of men' (she says of an + acquaintance). 'Certainly those men who lead a gay life in their + youth, and arrive at middle-age with feelings blunted and passions + exhausted, can have but one aim in marriage--the selfish advancement + of their interest. Hard to think that such men take as wives--as + second-selves--women young, modest, sincere, pure in heart and life, + with feelings all fresh and emotions all unworn, and bind such virtue + and vitality to their own withered existence, such sincerity to their + own hollowness, such disinterestedness to their own haggard + avarice--to think this, troubles the soul to its inmost depths. + Nature and justice forbid the banns of such wedlock.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_August_ 9_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR NELL,--Anne and I both thank you for your kind invitation. And + our thanks are not mere words of course--they are very sincere, both + as addressed to yourself and your mother and sisters. But we cannot + accept it; and I _think_ even _you_ will consider our motives for + declining valid this time. + + 'In a fortnight I hope to go with papa to Manchester to have his eyes + couched. Emily and I made a pilgrimage there a week ago to search + out an operator, and we found one in the person of Mr. Wilson. He + could not tell from the description whether the eyes were ready for + an operation. Papa must therefore necessarily take a journey to + Manchester to consult him. If he judges the cataract ripe, we shall + remain; if, on the contrary, he thinks it not yet sufficiently + hardened, we shall have to return--and Papa must remain in darkness a + while longer. + + 'There is a defect in your reasoning about the feelings a wife ought + to experience. Who holds the purse will wish to be master, Ellen, + depend on it, whether man or woman. Who provided the cash will now + and then value himself, or herself, upon it, and, even in the case of + ordinary minds, reproach the less wealthy partner. Besides, no + husband ought to be an object of charity to his wife, as no wife to + her husband. No, dear Ellen; it is doubtless pleasant to marry + _well_, as they say, but with all pleasures are mixed bitters. I do + not wish for my friend a very rich husband. I should not like her to + be regarded by any man ever as "a sweet object of charity." Give my + sincere love to all.--Yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Many years were to elapse before Charlotte Bronte received her third +offer of marriage. These were the years of Brussels life, and the year +during which she lost her sisters. It came in the period of her early +literary fame, and indeed was the outcome of it. Mr. James Taylor was in +the employment of Smith & Elder. He was associated with the literary +department, and next in command to Mr. W. S. Williams as adviser to the +firm. Mr. Williams appears to have written to Miss Bronte suggesting +that Mr. Taylor should come to Haworth in person for the manuscript of +her new novel, _Shirley_, and here is Charlotte's reply. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 24_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I think the best title for the book would be + _Shirley_, without any explanation or addition--the simpler and + briefer, the better. + + 'If Mr. Taylor calls here on his return to town he might take charge + of the Ms.; I would rather intrust it to him than send it by the + ordinary conveyance. Did I see Mr. Taylor when I was in London? I + cannot remember him. + + 'I would with pleasure offer him the homely hospitalities of the + Parsonage for a few days, if I could at the same time offer him the + company of a brother, or if my father were young enough and strong + enough to walk with him on the moors and show him the neighbourhood, + or if the peculiar retirement of papa's habits were not such as to + render it irksome to him to give much of his society to a stranger, + even in the house. Without being in the least misanthropical or + sour-natured, papa habitually prefers solitude to society, and custom + is a tyrant whose fetters it would now be impossible for him to + break. Were it not for difficulties of this sort, I believe I should + ere this have asked you to come down to Yorkshire. Papa, I know, + would receive any friend of Mr. Smith's with perfect kindness and + goodwill, but I likewise know that, unless greatly put out of his + way, he could not give a guest much of his company, and that, + consequently, his entertainment would be but dull. + + 'You will see the force of these considerations, and understand why I + only ask Mr. Taylor to come for a day instead of requesting the + pleasure of his company for a longer period; you will believe me + also, and so will he, when I say I shall be most happy to see him. + He will find Haworth a strange uncivilised little place, such as, I + daresay, he never saw before. It is twenty miles distant from Leeds; + he will have to come by rail to Keighley (there are trains every two + hours I believe). He must remember that at a station called Shipley + the carriages are changed, otherwise they will take him on to Skipton + or Colne, or I know not where. When he reaches Keighley, he will yet + have four miles to travel; a conveyance may be hired at the + Devonshire Arms--there is no coach or other regular communication. + + 'I should like to hear from him before he comes, and to know on what + day to expect him, that I may have the MS. ready; if it is not quite + finished I might send the concluding chapter or two by post. + + 'I advise you to send this letter to Mr. Taylor--it will save you the + trouble of much explanation, and will serve to apprise him of what + lies before him; he can then weigh well with himself whether it would + suit him to take so much trouble for so slight an end.--Believe me, + my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL. + + '_September_ 3_rd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--It will be quite convenient to my father and myself to + secure your visit on Saturday the 8th inst. + + 'The MS. is now complete, and ready for you. + + 'Trusting that you have enjoyed your holiday and derived from your + excursion both pleasure and profit,--I am, dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Mr. Taylor was small and red-haired. There are two portraits of him +before me. They indicate a determined, capable man, thick-set, well +bearded: on the whole a vigorous and interesting personality. In any +case, Mr. Taylor lost his heart to Charlotte, and was much more +persistent than earlier lovers. He had also the advantage of Mr. +Bronte's goodwill. This is all there is to add to the letters +themselves. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_September_ 14_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I found after sealing my last note to you that I had + forgotten after all to inclose Amelia's letter; however, it appears + it does not signify. While I think of it I must refer to an act of + petty larceny committed by me when I was last at Brookroyd. Do you + remember lending me a parasol, which I should have left with you when + we parted at Leeds? I unconsciously carried it away in my hand. You + shall have it when you next come to Haworth. + + 'I wish, dear Ellen, you would tell me what is the "twaddle about my + marrying, etc.," which you hear. If I knew the details I should have + a better chance of guessing the quarter from which such gossip + comes--as it is, I am quite at a loss. Whom am I to marry? I think + I have scarcely seen a single man with whom such a union would be + possible since I left London. Doubtless there are men whom, if I + chose to encourage, I might marry; but no matrimonial lot is even + remotely offered me which seems to me truly desirable. And even if + that were the case, there would be many obstacles. The least + allusion to such a thing is most offensive to papa. + + 'An article entitled _Currer Bell_ has lately appeared in the + _Palladium_, a new periodical published in Edinburgh. It is an + eloquent production, and one of such warm sympathy and high + appreciation as I had never expected to see. It makes mistakes about + authorships, etc., but these I hope one day to set right. Mr. Taylor + (the little man) first informed me of this article. I was somewhat + surprised to receive his letter, having concluded nine months ago + that there would be no more correspondence from that quarter. I + inclose you a note from him received subsequently, in answer to my + acknowledgment. Read it and tell me exactly how it impresses you + regarding the writer's character, etc. His little newspaper + disappeared for some weeks, and I thought it was gone to the tomb of + the Capulets; however, it has reappeared, with an explanation that he + had feared its regular transmission might rather annoy than gratify. + I told him this was a mistake--that I was well enough pleased to + receive it, but hoped he would not make a task of sending it. For + the rest, I cannot consider myself placed under any personal + obligation by accepting this newspaper, for it belongs to the + establishment of Smith & Elder. This little Taylor is deficient + neither in spirit nor sense. + + 'The report about my having published again is, of course, an arrant + lie. + + 'Give my kind regards to all, and--Believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + +Her friend's reference to _Jupiter_ is to another suggested lover, and +the kindly allusion to the 'little man' may be taken to imply that had he +persevered, or not gone off to India, whither he was sent to open a +branch establishment in Bombay for Smith & Elder, Mr. Taylor might +possibly have been successful in the long run. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 30_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I am very sorry to hear that Amelia is again far from + well; but I think both she and I should try and not be too anxious. + Even if matters do not prosper this time, all may go as well some + future day. I think it is not these _early_ mishaps that break the + constitution, but those which occur in a much later stage. She must + take heart--there may yet be a round dozen of little Joe Taylors to + look after--run after--to sort and switch and train up in the way + they should go--that is, with a generous use of pickled birch. From + whom do you think I have received a couple of notes lately? From + Alice. They are returned from the Continent, it seems, and are now + at Torquay. The first note touched me a little by what I thought its + subdued tone; I trusted her character might be greatly improved. + There were, indeed, traces of the "old Adam," but such as I was + willing to overlook. I answered her soon and kindly. In reply I + received to-day a longish letter, full of clap-trap sentiment and + humbugging attempts at fine writing. In each production the old + trading spirit peeps out; she asks for autographs. It seems she had + read in some paper that I was staying with Miss Martineau; thereupon + she applies for specimens of her handwriting, and Wordsworth's, and + Southey's, and my own. The account of her health, if given by any + one else, would grieve and alarm me. She talks of fearing that her + constitution is almost broken by repeated trials, and intimates a + doubt as to whether she shall live long: but, remembering her of old, + I have good hopes that this may be a mistake. Her "beloved papa and + mama" and her "precious sister," she says, are living, and "gradely." + (That last is my word. I don't know whether they use it in Birstall + as they do here--it means in a middling way.) + + 'You are to say no more about "Jupiter" and "Venus"--what do you mean + by such heathen trash? The fact is, no fallacy can be wilder, and I + won't have it hinted at even in jest, because my common sense laughs + it to scorn. The idea of the "little man" shocks me less--it would + be a more likely match if "matches" were at all in question, which + _they are not_. He still sends his little newspaper; and the other + day there came a letter of a bulk, volume, pith, judgment, and + knowledge, worthy to have been the product of a giant. You may laugh + as much and as wickedly as you please; but the fact is, there is a + quiet constancy about this, my diminutive and red-haired friend, + which adds a foot to his stature, turns his sandy locks dark, and + altogether dignifies him a good deal in my estimation. However, I am + not bothered by much vehement ardour--there is the nicest distance + and respect preserved now, which makes matters very comfortable. + + 'This is all nonsense, Nell, and so you will understand it.--Yours + very faithfully, + + 'C. B. + +'The name of Miss Martineau's coadjutor is Atkinson. She often writes to +me with exceeding cordiality.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_March_ 22_nd_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Yesterday I despatched a box of books to Cornhill, + including the number of the _North British Review_ which you kindly + lent me. The article to which you particularly directed my attention + was read with pleasure and interest, and if I do not now discuss it + more at length, it is because I am well aware how completely your + attention must be at present engrossed, since, if I rightly + understood a brief paragraph in Mr. Smith's last note, you are now on + the eve of quitting England for India. + + 'I will limit myself, then, to the expression of a sincere wish for + your welfare and prosperity in this undertaking, and to the hope that + the great change of climate will bring with it no corresponding risk + to health. I should think you will be missed in Cornhill, but + doubtless "business" is a Moloch which demands such sacrifices. + + 'I do not know when you go, nor whether your absence is likely to be + permanent or only for a time; whichever it be, accept my best wishes + for your happiness, and my farewell, if I should not again have the + opportunity of addressing you.--Believe me, sincerely yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_March_ 24_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I had written briefly to you before I received yours, + but I fear the note would not reach you in time. I will now only say + that both my father and myself will have pleasure in seeing you on + your return from Scotland--a pleasure tinged with sadness certainly, + as all partings are, but still a pleasure. + + 'I do most entirely agree with you in what you say about Miss + Martineau's and Mr. Atkinson's book. I deeply regret its publication + for the lady's sake; it gives a death-blow to her future usefulness. + Who can trust the word, or rely on the judgment, of an avowed + atheist? + + 'May your decision in the crisis through which you have gone result + in the best effect on your happiness and welfare; and indeed, guided + as you are by the wish to do right and a high sense of duty, I trust + it cannot be otherwise. The change of climate is all I fear; but + Providence will over-rule this too for the best--in Him you can + believe and on Him rely. You will want, therefore, neither solace + nor support, though your lot be cast as a stranger in a strange + land.--I am, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'When you shall have definitely fixed the time of your return + southward, write me a line to say on what day I may expect you at + Haworth. + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 5_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Mr. Taylor has been and is gone; things are just as + they were. I only know in addition to the slight information I + possessed before, that this Indian undertaking is necessary to the + continued prosperity of the firm of Smith, Elder, & Co., and that he, + Taylor, alone was pronounced to possess the power and means to carry + it out successfully--that mercantile honour, combined with his own + sense of duty, obliged him to accept the post of honour and of danger + to which he has been appointed, that he goes with great personal + reluctance, and that he contemplates an absence of five years. + + 'He looked much thinner and older. I saw him very near, and once + through my glass; the resemblance to Branwell struck me forcibly--it + is marked. He is not ugly, but very peculiar; the lines in his face + show an inflexibility, and, I must add, a hardness of character which + do not attract. As he stood near me, as he looked at me in his keen + way, it was all I could do to stand my ground tranquilly and + steadily, and not to recoil as before. It is no use saying anything + if I am not candid. I avow then, that on this occasion, predisposed + as I was to regard him very favourably, his manners and his personal + presence scarcely pleased me more than at the first interview. He + gave me a book at parting, requesting in his brief way that I would + keep it for his sake, and adding hastily, "I shall hope to hear from + you in India--your letters _have_ been and _will_ be a greater + refreshment than you can think or I can tell." + + 'And so he is gone; and stern and abrupt little man as he is--too + often jarring as are his manners--his absence and the exclusion of + his idea from my mind leave me certainly with less support and in + deeper solitude than before. + + 'You see, dear Nell, though we are still precisely on the same + level--_you_ are not isolated. I feel that there is a certain + mystery about this transaction yet, and whether it will ever be + cleared up to me I do not know; however, my plain duty is to wean my + mind from the subject, and if possible to avoid pondering over it. + In his conversation he seemed studiously to avoid reference to Mr. + Smith individually, speaking always of the "house"--the "firm." He + seemed throughout quite as excited and nervous as when I first saw + him. I feel that in his way he has a regard for me--a regard which I + cannot bring myself entirely to reciprocate in kind, and yet its + withdrawal leaves a painful blank.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 9_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR NELL,--Thank you for your kind note; it was just like you to + write it _though_ it was your school-day. I never knew you to let a + slight impediment stand in the way of a friendly action. + + 'Certainly I shall not soon forget last Friday, and _never_, I think, + the evening and night succeeding that morning and afternoon. Evils + seldom come singly. And soon after Mr. Taylor was gone, papa, who + had been better, grew much worse. He went to bed early, and was very + sick and ill for an hour; and when at last he began to doze, and I + left him, I came down to the dining-room with a sense of weight, + fear, and desolation hard to express and harder to endure. A wish + that you were with me _did_ cross my mind, but I repulsed it as a + most selfish wish; indeed, it was only short-lived: my natural + tendency in moments of this sort is to get through the struggle + alone--to think that one is burdening and racking others makes all + worse. + + 'You speak to me in soft consolating accents, but I hold far sterner + language to myself, dear Nell. + + 'An absence of five years--a dividing expanse of three oceans--the + wide difference between a man's active career and a woman's passive + existence--these things are almost equivalent to an eternal + separation. But there is another thing which forms a barrier more + difficult to pass than any of these. Would Mr. Taylor and I ever + suit? Could I ever feel for him enough love to accept him as a + husband? Friendship--gratitude--esteem I have, but each moment he + came near me, and that I could see his eyes fastened on me, my veins + ran ice. Now that he is away I feel far more gently towards him; it + is only close by that I grow rigid--stiffening with a strange mixture + of apprehension and anger, which nothing softens but his retreat and + a perfect subduing of his manner. I did not want to be proud, nor + intend to be proud, but I was forced to be so. + + 'Most true is it that we are over-ruled by one above us--that in his + hands our very will is as clay in the hands of the potter. + + 'Papa continues very far from well, though yesterday, and I hope this + morning, he is a little better. How is your mother? Give my love to + her and your sister. How are you? Have you suffered from tic since + you returned home? Did they think you improved in looks? + + 'Write again soon.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 23_rd_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I have heard from Mr. Taylor to-day--a quiet little + note. He returned to London a week since on Saturday; he has since + kindly chosen and sent me a parcel of books. He leaves England May + 20th. His note concludes with asking whether he has any chance of + seeing me in London before that time. I must tell him that I have + already fixed June for my visit, and therefore, in all human + probability, we shall see each other no more. + + 'There is still a want of plain mutual understanding in this + business, and there is sadness and pain in more ways than one. My + conscience, I can truly say, does not _now_ accuse me of having + treated Mr. Taylor with injustice or unkindness. What I once did + wrong in this way, I have endeavoured to remedy both to himself and + in speaking of him to others--Mr. Smith to wit, though I more than + doubt whether that last opinion will ever reach him. I am sure he + has estimable and sterling qualities; but with every disposition and + with every wish, with every intention even to look on him in the most + favourable point of view at his last visit, it was impossible to me + in my inward heart to think of him as one that might one day be + acceptable as a husband. It would sound harsh were I to tell even + _you_ of the estimate I felt compelled to form respecting him. Dear + Nell, I looked for something of the gentleman--something I mean of + the _natural_ gentleman; you know I can dispense with acquired + polish, and for looks, I know myself too well to think that I have + any right to be exacting on that point. I could not find one gleam, + I could not see one passing glimpse of true good-breeding. It is + hard to say, but it is true. In mind too, though clever, he is + second-rate--thoroughly second-rate. One does not like to say these + things, but one had better be honest. Were I to marry him my heart + would bleed in pain and humiliation; I could not, _could not_ look up + to him. No; if Mr. Taylor be the only husband fate offers to me, + single I must always remain. But yet, at times I grieve for him, and + perhaps it is superfluous, for I cannot think he will suffer much: a + hard nature, occupation, and change of scene will befriend him. + + 'With kind regards to all,--I am, dear Nell, your middle-aged friend, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Write soon.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 5_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I have had a long kind letter from Miss Martineau + lately. She says she is well and happy. Also, I have had a very + long letter from Mr. Williams. He speaks with much respect of Mr. + Taylor. I discover with some surprise, papa has taken a decided + liking to Mr. Taylor. The marked kindness of his manner when he bid + him good-bye, exhorting him to be "true to himself, his country, and + his God," and wishing him all good wishes, struck me with some + astonishment. Whenever he has alluded to him since, it has been with + significant eulogy. When I alluded that he was no gentleman, he + seemed out of patience with me for the objection. You say papa has + penetration. On this subject I believe he has indeed. I have told + him nothing, yet he seems to be _au fait_ to the whole business. I + could think at some moments his guesses go farther than mine. I + believe he thinks a prospective union, deferred for five years, with + such a decorous reliable personage, would be a very proper and + advisable affair. + + 'How has your tic been lately? I had one fiery night when this same + dragon "tic" held me for some hours with pestilent violence. It + still comes at intervals with abated fury. Owing to this and broken + sleep, I am looking singularly charming, one of my true London + looks--starved out and worn down. Write soon, dear Nell.--Yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '112 GLOUCESTER PLACE, + 'HYDE PARK, _June_ 2_nd_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Mr. Taylor has gone some weeks since. I hear more open + complaints now about his temper. Of Mr. Williams' society I have + enjoyed one evening's allowance, and liked it and him as usual. On + such occasions his good qualities of ease, kindliness, and + intelligence are seen, and his little faults and foibles hidden. Mr. + Smith is somewhat changed in appearance. He looks a little older, + darker, and more careworn; his ordinary manner is graver, but in the + evening his spirits flow back to him. Things and circumstances seem + here to be as usual, but I fancy there has been some crisis in which + his energy and filial affection have sustained them all. This I + judge from the fact that his mother and sisters are more peculiarly + bound to him than ever, and that his slightest wish is an + unquestioned law.--Faithfully yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'November 4_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Papa, Tabby, and Martha are at present all better, yet + none of them well. Martha at present looks feeble. I wish she had a + better constitution. As it is, one is always afraid of giving her + too much to do; and yet there are many things I cannot undertake + myself, and we do not like to change when we have had her so long. + How are you getting on in the matter of servants? The other day I + received a long letter from Mr. Taylor. I told you I did not expect + to hear thence, nor did I. The letter is long, but it is worth your + while to read it. In its way it has merit, that cannot be denied; + abundance of information, talent of a certain kind, alloyed (I think) + here and there with errors of taste. He might have spared many of + the details of the bath scene, which, for the rest, tallies exactly + with Mr. Thackeray's account of the same process. This little man + with all his long letters remains as much a conundrum to me as ever. + Your account of the domestic joys at Hunsworth amused me much. The + good folks seem very happy--long may they continue so! It somewhat + cheers me to know that such happiness _does_ exist on the earth. + Return Mr. Taylor's letter when you have read it. With love to your + mother,--I am, dear Nell, sincerely yours, + + 'C. B.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, BOMBAY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 15_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Both your communications reached me safely--the note + of the 17th September and the letter of the 2nd October. You do + yourself less than justice when you stigmatise the latter as + "ill-written." I found it quite legible, nor did I lose a word, + though the lines and letters were so close. I should have been sorry + if such had not been the case, as it appeared to me throughout highly + interesting. It is observable that the very same information which + we have previously collected, perhaps with rather languid attention, + from printed books, when placed before us in familiar manuscript, and + comprising the actual experience of a person with whom we are + acquainted, acquires a new and vital interest: when we know the + narrator we seem to realise the tale. + + 'The bath scene amused me much. Your account of that operation + tallies in every point with Mr. Thackeray's description in the + _Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo_. The usage seems a little + rough, and I cannot help thinking that equal benefit might be + obtained through less violent means; but I suppose without the + previous fatigue the after-sensation would not be so enjoyable, and + no doubt it is that indolent after-sensation which the self-indulgent + Mahometans chiefly cultivate. I think you did right to disdain it. + + 'It would seem to me a matter of great regret that the society at + Bombay should be so deficient in all intellectual attraction. + Perhaps, however, your occupations will so far absorb your thoughts + as to prevent them from dwelling painfully on this circumstance. No + doubt there will be moments when you will look back to London and + Scotland, and the friends you have left there, with some yearning; + but I suppose business has its own excitement. The new country, the + new scenes too, must have their interest; and as you will not lack + books to fill your leisure, you will probably soon become reconciled + to a change which, for some minds, would too closely resemble exile. + + 'I fear the climate--such as you describe it--must be very trying to + an European constitution. In your first letter, you mentioned + October as the month of danger; it is now over. Whether you have + passed its ordeal safely, must yet for some weeks remain unknown to + your friends in England--they can but _wish_ that such may be the + case. You will not expect me to write a letter that shall form a + parallel with your own either in quantity or quality; what I write + must be brief, and what I communicate must be commonplace and of + trivial interest. + + 'My father, I am thankful to say, continues in pretty good health. I + read portions of your letter to him and he was interested in hearing + them. He charged me when I wrote to convey his very kind + remembrances. + + 'I had myself ceased to expect a letter from you. On taking leave at + Haworth you said something about writing from India, but I doubted at + the time whether it was not one of those forms of speech which + politeness dictates; and as time passed, and I did not hear from you, + I became confirmed in this view of the subject. With every good wish + for your welfare,--I am, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 19_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--All here is much as usual, and I was thinking of + writing to you this morning when I received your note. I am glad to + hear your mother bears this severe weather tolerably, as papa does + also. I had a cold, chiefly in the throat and chest, but I applied + cold water, which relieved me, I think, far better than hot + applications would have done. The only events in my life consist in + that little change occasional letters bring. I have had two from + Miss Wooler since she left Haworth which touched me much. She seems + to think so much of a little congenial company. She says she has not + for many days known such enjoyment as she experienced during the ten + days she stayed here. Yet you know what Haworth is--dull enough. + + 'How could you imagine your last letter offended me? I only + disagreed with you on _one point_. The little man's disdain of the + sensual pleasure of a Turkish bath had, I must own, my approval. + Before answering his epistle I got up my courage to write to Mr. + Williams, through whose hands or those of Mr. Smith I knew the Indian + letter had come, and beg him to give me an impartial judgment of Mr. + Taylor's character and disposition, owning that I was very much in + the dark. I did not like to continue correspondence without further + information. I got the answer, which I inclose. You say nothing + about the Hunsworth Turtle-doves--how are they? and how is the branch + of promise? I hope doing well.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 1_st_, 1852. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am glad of the opportunity of writing to you, for I + have long wished to send you a little note, and was only deterred + from doing so by the conviction that the period preceding Christmas + must be a very busy one to you. + + 'I have wished to thank you for your last, which gave me very genuine + pleasure. You ascribe to Mr. Taylor an excellent character; such a + man's friendship, at any rate, should not be disregarded; and if the + principles and disposition be what you say, faults of manner and even + of temper ought to weigh light in the balance. I always believed in + his judgment and good-sense, but what I doubted was his kindness--he + seemed to me a little too harsh, rigid, and unsympathising. Now, + judgment, sense, principle are invaluable and quite indispensable + points, but one would be thankful for a _little_ feeling, a _little_ + indulgence in addition--without these, poor fallible human nature + shrinks under the domination of the sterner qualities. I answered + Mr. Taylor's letter by the mail of the 19th November, sending it + direct, for, on reflection, I did not see why I should trouble you + with it. + + 'Did your son Frank call on Mrs. Gaskell? and how did he like her? + + 'My health has not been very satisfactory lately, but I think, though + I vary almost daily, I am much better than I was a fortnight ago. + All the winter the fact of my never being able to stoop over a desk + without bringing on pain and oppression in the chest has been a great + affliction to me, and the want of tranquil rest at night has tried me + much, but I hope for the better times. The doctors say that there is + no organic mischief. + + 'Wishing a happy New Year to you, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 7_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I hope both your mother's cold and yours are quite well + ere this. Papa has got something of his spring attack of bronchitis, + but so far it is in a greatly ameliorated form, very different to + what it has been for three years past. I do trust it may pass off + thus mildly. I continue better. + + 'Dear Nell, I told you from the beginning that my going to Sussex was + a most improbable event; I tell you now that unless want of health + should absolutely compel me to give up work and leave home (which I + trust and hope will not be the case) I _certainly shall not think of + going_. It is better to be decided, and decided I must be. You can + never want me less than when in Sussex surrounded by amusement and + friends. I do not know that I shall go to Scarbro', but it might be + possible to spare a fortnight to go there (for the sake of a sad duty + rather than pleasure), when I could not give a month to a longer + excursion. I have not a word of news to tell you. Many mails have + come from India since I was at Brookroyd. Expectation would at times + be on the alert, but disappointment knocked her down. I have not + heard a syllable, and cannot think of making inquiries at Cornhill. + Well, long suspense in any matter usually proves somewhat cankering, + but God orders all things for us, and to His Will we must submit. Be + sure to keep a calm mind; expect nothing.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +When Mr. Taylor returned to England in 1856 Charlotte Bronte was dead. +His after-life was more successful than happy. He did not, it is true, +succeed in Bombay with the firm of Smith, Taylor & Co. That would seem +to have collapsed. But he made friends in Bombay and returned there in +1863 as editor of the _Bombay Gazette_ and the _Bombay Quarterly Review_. +A little later he became editor of the _Bombay Saturday Review_, which +had not, however, a long career. Mr. Taylor's successes were not +journalistic but mercantile. As Secretary of the Bombay Chamber of +Commerce, which appointment he obtained in 1865, he obtained much real +distinction. To this post he added that of Registrar of the University +of Bombay and many other offices. He was elected Sheriff in 1874, in +which year he died. An imposing funeral ceremony took place in the +Cathedral, and he was buried in the Bombay cemetery, where his tomb may +be found to the left of the entrance gates, inscribed-- + + JAMES TAYLOR. DIED APRIL 29, 1874, AGED 57. + +He married during his visit to England, but the marriage was not a happy +one. That does not belong to the present story. Here, however, is a +cutting from the _Times_ marriage record in 1863:-- + + 'On the 23rd inst., at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, St. + Pancras, by the Rev. James Moorhouse, M.A., James Taylor, Esq., of + Furnival's-inn, and Bombay, to Annie, widow of Adolph Ritter, of + Vienna, and stepdaughter of Thos. Harrison, Esq., of Birchanger + Place, Essex.' + + + + +CHAPTER XIII: LITERARY AMBITIONS + + +We have seen how Charlotte Bronte and her sisters wrote from their +earliest years those little books which embodied their vague aspirations +after literary fame. Now and again the effort is admirable, notably in +_The Adventures of Ernest Alembert_, but on the whole it amounts to as +little as did the juvenile productions of Shelley. That poet, it will be +remembered, wrote _Zastrozzi_ at nineteen, and much else that was bad, +some of which he printed. Charlotte Bronte was mercifully restrained by +a well-nigh empty purse from this ill-considered rashness. It was not +till the death of their aunt had added to their slender resources that +the Bronte girls conceived the idea of actually publishing a book at +their own expense. They communicated with the now extinct firm of Aylott +& Jones of Paternoster Row, and Charlotte appears to have written many +letters to the firm, {325} only two or three of which are printed by Mrs. +Gaskell. The correspondence is comparatively insignificant, but as the +practical beginning of Charlotte's literary career, the hitherto +unpublished letters which have been preserved are perhaps worth +reproducing here. + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_January_ 28_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--May I request to be informed whether you would undertake + the publication of a collection of short poems in one volume, 8vo. + + 'If you object to publishing the work at your own risk, would you + undertake it on the author's account?--I am, gentlemen, your obedient + humble servant, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Address--Rev. P. Bronte, Haworth, Bradford, Yorkshire.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_March_ 3_rd_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I send a draft for 31 pounds, 10s., being the amount of + your estimate. + + 'I suppose there is nothing now to prevent your immediately + commencing the printing of the work. + + 'When you acknowledge the receipt of the draft, will you state how + soon it will be completed?--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_March_ 11_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I have received the proof-sheet, and return it + corrected. If there is any doubt at all about the printer's + competency to correct errors, I would prefer submitting each sheet to + the inspection of the authors, because such a mistake, for instance, + as _tumbling_ stars, instead of _trembling_, would suffice to throw + an air of absurdity over a whole poem; but if you know from + experience that he is to be relied on, I would trust to your + assurance on the subject, and leave the task of correction to him, as + I know that a considerable saving both of time and trouble would be + thus effected. + + 'The printing and paper appear to me satisfactory. Of course I wish + to have the work out as soon as possible, but I am still more anxious + that it should be got up in a manner creditable to the publishers and + agreeable to the authors.--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_March_ 13_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I return you the second proof. The authors have finally + decided that they would prefer having all the proofs sent to them in + turn, but you need not inclose the Ms., as they can correct the + errors from memory.--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_March_ 23_rd_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--As the proofs have hitherto come safe to hand under the + direction of C. Bronte, _Esq_., I have not thought it necessary to + request you to change it, but a little mistake having occurred + yesterday, I think it will be better to send them to me in future + under my real address, which is Miss Bronte, Rev. P. Bronte, etc.--I + am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_April_ 6_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--C., E., and A. Bell are now preparing for the press a + work of fiction, consisting of three distinct and unconnected tales, + which may be published either together, as a work of three volumes, + of the ordinary novel size, or separately as single volumes, as shall + be deemed most advisable. + + 'It is not their intention to publish these tales on their own + account. They direct me to ask you whether you would be disposed to + undertake the work, after having, of course, by due inspection of the + Ms., ascertained that its contents are such as to warrant an + expectation of success. + + 'An early answer will oblige, as, in case of your negativing the + proposal, inquiry must be made of other publishers.--I am, gentlemen, + yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_April_ 15_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I have to thank you for your obliging answer to my last. + The information you give is of value to us, and when the MS. is + completed your suggestions shall be acted on. + + 'There will be no preface to the poems. The blank leaf may be filled + up by a table of contents, which I suppose the printer will prepare. + It appears the volume will be a thinner one than was calculated + on.--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_May_ 11_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--The books may be done up in the style of Moxon's + duodecimo edition of Wordsworth. + + 'The price may be fixed at 5s., or if you think that too much for the + size of the volume, say 4s. + + 'I think the periodicals I mentioned in my last will be sufficient + for advertising in at present, and I should not wish you to lay out a + larger sum than 2 pounds, especially as the estimate is increased by + nearly 5 pounds, in consequence, it appears, of a mistake. I should + think the success of a work depends more on the notice it receives + from periodicals, than on the quantity of advertisements. + + 'If you do not object, the additional amount of the estimate can be + remitted when you send in your account at the end of the first six + months. + + 'I should be obliged to you if you could let me know how soon copies + can be sent to the editors of the magazines and newspapers + specified.--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_May_ 25_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I received yours of the 22nd this morning. I now + transmit 5 pounds, being the additional sum necessary to defray the + entire expense of paper and printing. It will leave a small surplus + of 11s. 9d., which you can place to my account. + + 'I am glad you have sent copies to the newspapers you mention, and in + case of a notice favourable or otherwise appearing in them, or in any + of the other periodicals to which copies have been sent, I should be + obliged to you if you would send me down the numbers; otherwise, I + have not the opportunity of seeing these publications regularly. I + might miss it, and should the poems be remarked upon favourably, it + is my intention to appropriate a further sum to advertisements. If, + on the other hand, they should pass unnoticed or be condemned, I + consider it would be quite useless to advertise, as there is nothing, + either in the title of the work or the names of the authors, to + attract attention from a single individual.--I am, gentlemen, yours + truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO AYLOTT & JONES + + '_July_ 10_th_, 1846. + + 'GENTLEMEN,--I am directed by the Messrs. Bell to acknowledge the + receipt of the _Critic_ and the _Athenaeum_ containing notices of the + poems. + + 'They now think that a further sum of 10 pounds may be devoted to + advertisements, leaving it to you to select such channels as you deem + most advisable. + + 'They would wish the following extract from the _Critic_ to be + appended to each advertisement:-- + + '"They in whose hearts are chords strung by Nature to sympathise with + the beautiful and the true, will recognise in these compositions the + presence of more genius than it was supposed this utilitarian age had + devoted to the loftier exercises of the intellect." + + 'They likewise request you to send copies of the poems to _Fraser's + Magazine_, _Chambers' Edinburgh Journal_, the Globe, and + _Examiner_.--I am, gentlemen, yours truly, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +To an appreciative editor Currer Bell wrote as follows:-- + + TO THE EDITOR OF THE 'DUBLIN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE.' + + '_October_ 6_th_, 1846. + + 'SIRS,--I thank you in my own name and that of my brothers, Ellis and + Acton, for the indulgent notice that appeared in your last number of + our first humble efforts in literature; but I thank you far more for + the essay on modern poetry which preceded that notice--an essay in + which seems to me to be condensed the very spirit of truth and + beauty. If all or half your other readers shall have derived from + its perusal the delight it afforded to myself and my brothers, your + labours have produced a rich result. + + 'After such criticism an author may indeed be smitten at first by a + sense of his own insignificance--as we were--but on a second and a + third perusal he finds a power and beauty therein which stirs him to + a desire to do more and better things. It fulfils the right end of + criticism: without absolutely crushing, it corrects and rouses. I + again thank you heartily, and beg to subscribe myself,--Your constant + and grateful reader, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + +The reception which it met with from the public may be gathered from the +following letter which accompanied De Quincey's copy. {330} + + TO THOMAS DE QUINCEY. + + '_June_ 16_th_, 1847. + + 'SIRS,--My relatives, Ellis and Acton Bell, and myself, heedless of + the repeated warnings of various respectable publishers, have + committed the rash act of printing a volume of poems. + + 'The consequences predicted have, of course, overtaken us: our book + is found to be a drug; no man needs it or heeds it. In the space of + a year our publisher has disposed but of two copies, and by what + painful efforts he succeeded in getting rid of these two, himself + only knows. + + 'Before transferring the edition to the trunkmakers, we have decided + on distributing as presents a few copies of what we cannot sell; and + we beg to offer you one in acknowledgment of the pleasure and profit + we have often and long derived from your works.--I am, sir, yours + very respectfully, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + +Charlotte Bronte could not have carried out the project of distribution +to any appreciable extent, as a considerable 'remainder' appear to have +been bound up with a new title-page by Smith & Elder. With this Smith & +Elder title-page, the book is not uncommon, whereas, with the Aylott & +Jones title-page it is exceedingly rare. Perhaps there were a dozen +review copies and a dozen presentation copies, in addition to the two +that were sold, but only three or four seem to have survived for the +pleasure of the latter-day bibliophile. + +Here is the title-page in question: + + POEMS + + BY + + CURRER, ELLIS + AND + ACTON BELL + + LONDON + AYLOTT & JONES, 8 PATERNOSTER ROW + 1846 + +We see by the letter to Aylott & Jones the first announcement of +_Wuthering Heights_, _Agnes Grey_, and _The Professor_. It would not +seem that there was much, or indeed any, difficulty in disposing of +_Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_. They bear the imprint of Newby of +Mortimer Street, and they appeared in three uniform volumes, the two +first being taken up by _Wuthering Heights_, and the third by _Agnes +Grey_, {332a} which is quaintly marked as if it were a three-volumed +novel in itself, having 'Volume III' on title-page and binding. I have +said that there were no travels before the manuscripts of Emily and Anne. +That is not quite certain. Mrs. Gaskell implies that there were; but, at +any rate, there is no definite information on the subject. Newby, it is +clear, did not publish them until all the world was discussing _Jane +Eyre_. _The Professor_, by Currer Bell, had, however, travel enough! It +was offered to six publishers in succession before it came into the hands +of Mr. W. S. Williams, the 'reader' for Smith & Elder. The circumstance +of its courteous refusal by that firm, and the suggestion that a +three-volumed novel would be gladly considered, are within the knowledge +of all Charlotte Bronte's admirers. {332b} + +One cannot but admire the fearless and uncompromising honesty with which +Charlotte Bronte sent the MSS. round with all its previous journeys +frankly indicated. + +It is not easy at this time of day to understand why Mr. Williams refused +_The Professor_. The story is incomparably superior to the average +novel, and, indeed, contains touches which are equal to anything that +Currer Bell ever wrote. It seems to me possible that Charlotte Bronte +rewrote the story after its rejection, but the manuscript does not bear +out that impression. {332c} + +Charlotte Bronte's method of writing was to take a piece of +cardboard--the broken cover of a book, in fact--and a few sheets of +note-paper, and write her first form of a story upon these sheets in a +tiny handwriting in pencil. She would afterwards copy the whole out upon +quarto paper very neatly in ink. None of the original pencilled MSS. of +her greater novels have been preserved. The extant manuscripts of _Jane +Eyre_ and _The Professor_ are in ink. + +_Jane Eyre_ was written, then, under Mr. Williams's kind encouragement, +and immediately accepted. It was published in the first week of October +1847. + +The following letters were received by Mr. Williams while the book was +beginning its course. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 4_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I thank you sincerely for your last letter. It is + valuable to me because it furnishes me with a sound opinion on points + respecting which I desired to be advised; be assured I shall do what + I can to profit by your wise and good counsel. + + 'Permit me, however, sir, to caution you against forming too + favourable an idea of my powers, or too sanguine an expectation of + what they can achieve. I am myself sensible both of deficiencies of + capacity and disadvantages of circumstance which will, I fear, render + it somewhat difficult for me to attain popularity as an author. The + eminent writers you mention--Mr. Thackeray, Mr. Dickens, Mrs. Marsh, + {333} etc., doubtless enjoyed facilities for observation such as I + have not; certainly they possess a knowledge of the world, whether + intuitive or acquired, such as I can lay no claim to, and this gives + their writings an importance and a variety greatly beyond what I can + offer the public. + + 'Still, if health be spared and time vouchsafed me, I mean to do my + best; and should a moderate success crown my efforts, its value will + be greatly enhanced by the proof it will seem to give that your kind + counsel and encouragement have not been bestowed on one quite + unworthy.--Yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 9_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I do not know whether the _Dublin University Magazine_ is + included in the list of periodicals to which Messrs. Smith & Elder + are accustomed to send copies of new publications, but as a former + work, the joint production of myself and my two relatives, Ellis and + Acton Bell, received a somewhat favourable notice in that magazine, + it appears to me that if the editor's attention were drawn to _Jane + Eyre_ he might possibly bestow on it also a few words of remark. + + 'The_ Critic_ and the _Athenaeum_ also gave comments on the work I + allude to. The review in the first-mentioned paper was unexpectedly + and generously eulogistic, that in the _Athenaeum_ more qualified, + but still not discouraging. I mention these circumstances and leave + it to you to judge whether any advantage is derivable from them. + + 'You dispensed me from the duty of answering your last letter, but my + sense of the justness of the views it expresses will not permit me to + neglect this opportunity both of acknowledging it and thanking you + for it.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 13_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--Your advice merits and shall have my most serious + attention. I feel the force of your reasoning. It is my wish to do + my best in the career on which I have entered. So I shall study and + strive; and by dint of time, thought, and effort, I hope yet to + deserve in part the encouragement you and others have so generously + accorded me. But time will be necessary--that I feel more than ever. + In case of _Jane Eyre_ reaching a second edition, I should wish some + few corrections to be made, and will prepare an errata. How would + the accompanying preface do? I thought it better to be brief. + + 'The _Observer_ has just reached me. I always compel myself to read + the analysis in every newspaper-notice. It is a just punishment, a + due though severe humiliation for faults of plan and construction. I + wonder if the analysis of other fictions read as absurdly as that of + _Jane Eyre_ always does.--I am, dear sir, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + +The following letter is interesting because it discusses the rejected +novel, and refers to the project of recasting it, which ended in the +writing of _Villette_. {335} + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 14_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have just received your kind and welcome letter of the + 11th. I shall proceed at once to discuss the principal subject of + it. + + 'Of course a second work has occupied my thoughts much. I think it + would be premature in me to undertake a serial now--I am not yet + qualified for the task: I have neither gained a sufficiently firm + footing with the public, nor do I possess sufficient confidence in + myself, nor can I boast those unflagging animal spirits, that even + command of the faculty of composition, which as you say, and, I am + persuaded, most justly, is an indispensable requisite to success in + serial literature. I decidedly feel that ere I change my ground I + had better make another venture in the three volume novel form. + + 'Respecting the plan of such a work, I have pondered it, but as yet + with very unsatisfactory results. Three commencements have I + essayed, but all three displease me. A few days since I looked over + _The Professor_. I found the beginning very feeble, the whole + narrative deficient in incident and in general attractiveness. Yet + the middle and latter portion of the work, all that relates to + Brussels, the Belgian school, etc., is as good as I can write: it + contains more pith, more substance, more reality, in my judgment, + than much of _Jane Eyre_. It gives, I think, a new view of a grade, + an occupation, and a class of characters--all very commonplace, very + insignificant in themselves, but not more so than the materials + composing that portion of _Jane Eyre_ which seems to please most + generally. + + 'My wish is to recast _The Professor_, add as well as I can what is + deficient, retrench some parts, develop others, and make of it a + three volume work--no easy task, I know, yet I trust not an + impracticable one. + + 'I have not forgotten that _The Professor_ was set aside in my + agreement with Messrs. Smith & Elder; therefore before I take any + step to execute the plan I have sketched, I should wish to have your + judgment on its wisdom. You read or looked over the Ms.--what + impression have you now respecting its worth? and what confidence + have you that I can make it better than it is? + + 'Feeling certain that from business reasons as well as from natural + integrity you will be quite candid with me, I esteem it a privilege + to be able thus to consult you.--Believe me, dear sir, yours + respectfully, + + 'C. BELL. + + '_Wuthering Heights_ is, I suppose, at length published, at least Mr. + Newby has sent the authors their six copies. I wonder how it will be + received. I should say it merits the epithets of "vigorous" and + "original" much more decidedly than _Jane Eyre_ did. _Agnes Grey_ + should please such critics as Mr. Lewes, for it is "true" and + "unexaggerated" enough. The books are not well got up--they abound + in errors of the press. On a former occasion I expressed myself with + perhaps too little reserve regarding Mr. Newby, yet I cannot but + feel, and feel painfully, that Ellis and Acton have not had the + justice at his hands that I have had at those of Messrs. Smith & + Elder.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 31_st_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIRS,--I think, for the reasons you mention, it is better to + substitute _author_ for _editor_. I should not be ashamed to be + considered the author of _Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_, but, + possessing no real claim to that honour, I would rather not have it + attributed to me, thereby depriving the true authors of their just + meed. + + 'You do very rightly and very kindly to tell me the objections made + against _Jane Eyre_--they are more essential than the praises. I + feel a sort of heart-ache when I hear the book called "godless" and + "pernicious" by good and earnest-minded men; but I know that + heart-ache will be salutary--at least I trust so. + + 'What is meant by the charges of _trickery_ and _artifice_ I have yet + to comprehend. It was no art in me to write a tale--it was no trick + in Messrs. Smith & Elder to publish it. Where do the trickery and + artifice lie? + + 'I have received the _Scotsman_, and was greatly amused to see Jane + Eyre likened to Rebecca Sharp--the resemblance would hardly have + occurred to me. + + 'I wish to send this note by to-day's post, and must therefore + conclude in haste.--I am, dear sir, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 4_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--Your letter made me ashamed of myself that I should ever + have uttered a murmur, or expressed by any sign that I was sensible + of pain from the unfavourable opinions of some misjudging but + well-meaning people. But, indeed, let me assure you, I am not + ungrateful for the kindness which has been given me in such abundant + measure. I can discriminate the proportions in which blame and + praise have been awarded to my efforts: I see well that I have had + less of the former and more of the latter than I merit. I am not + therefore crushed, though I may be momentarily saddened by the frown, + even of the good. + + 'It would take a great deal to crush me, because I know, in the first + place, that my own intentions were correct, that I feel in my heart a + deep reverence for religion, that impiety is very abhorrent to me; + and in the second, I place firm reliance on the judgment of some who + have encouraged me. You and Mr. Lewes are quite as good authorities, + in my estimation, as Mr. Dilke or the editor of the _Spectator_, and + I would not under any circumstances, or for any opprobrium, regard + with shame what my friends had approved--none but a coward would let + the detraction of an enemy outweigh the encouragement of a friend. + You must not, therefore, fulfil your threat of being less + communicative in future; you must kindly tell me all. + + 'Miss Kavanagh's view of the maniac coincides with Leigh Hunt's. I + agree with them that the character is shocking, but I know that it is + but too natural. There is a phase of insanity which may be called + moral madness, in which all that is good or even human seems to + disappear from the mind, and a fiend-nature replaces it. The sole + aim and desire of the being thus possessed is to exasperate, to + molest, to destroy, and preternatural ingenuity and energy are often + exercised to that dreadful end. The aspect, in such cases, + assimilates with the disposition--all seem demonized. It is true + that profound pity ought to be the only sentiment elicited by the + view of such degradation, and equally true is it that I have not + sufficiently dwelt on that feeling: I have erred in making _horror_ + too predominant. Mrs. Rochester, indeed, lived a sinful life before + she was insane, but sin is itself a species of insanity--the truly + good behold and compassionate it as such. + + '_Jane Eyre_ has got down into Yorkshire, a copy has even penetrated + into this neighbourhood. I saw an elderly clergyman reading it the + other day, and had the satisfaction of hearing him exclaim, "Why, + they have got --- School, and Mr. --- here, I declare! and Miss ---" + (naming the originals of Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst and Miss Temple). + He had known them all. I wondered whether he would recognise the + portraits, and was gratified to find that he did, and that, moreover, + he pronounced them faithful and just. He said, too, that Mr. --- + (Brocklehurst) "deserved the chastisement he had got." + + 'He did not recognise Currer Bell. What author would be without the + advantage of being able to walk invisible? One is thereby enabled to + keep such a quiet mind. I make this small observation in confidence. + + 'What makes you say that the notice in the _Westminster Review_ is + not by Mr. Lewes? It expresses precisely his opinions, and he said + he would perhaps insert a few lines in that periodical. + + 'I have sometimes thought that I ought to have written to Mr. Lewes + to thank him for his review in _Fraser_; and, indeed, I did write a + note, but then it occurred to me that he did not require the author's + thanks, and I feared it would be superfluous to send it, therefore I + refrained; however, though I have not _expressed_ gratitude I have + _felt_ it. + + 'I wish you, too, _many many_ happy new years, and prosperity and + success to you and yours.--Believe me, etc., + + 'CURRER BELL. + + 'I have received the _Courier_ and the _Oxford Chronicle_.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 22_nd_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have received the _Morning Herald_, and was much + pleased with the notice, chiefly on account of the reference made to + that portion of the preface which concerns Messrs. Smith & Elder. If + my tribute of thanks can benefit my publishers, it is desirable that + it should have as much publicity as possible. + + 'I do not know if the part which relates to Mr. Thackeray is likely + to be as well received; but whether generally approved of and + understood or not, I shall not regret having written it, for I am + convinced of its truth. + + 'I see I was mistaken in my idea that the _Athenaeum_ and others + wished to ascribe the authorship of _Wuthering Heights_ to Currer + Bell; the contrary is the case, _Jane Eyre_ is given to Ellis Bell; + and Mr. Newby, it appears, thinks it expedient so to frame his + advertisements as to favour the misapprehension. If Mr. Newby had + much sagacity he would see that Ellis Bell is strong enough to stand + without being propped by Currer Bell, and would have disdained what + Ellis himself of all things disdains--recourse to trickery. However, + Ellis, Acton, and Currer care nothing for the matter personally; the + public and the critics are welcome to confuse our identities as much + as they choose; my only fear is lest Messrs. Smith & Elder should in + some way be annoyed by it. + + 'I was much interested in your account of Miss Kavanagh. The + character you sketch belongs to a class I peculiarly esteem: one in + which endurance combines with exertion, talent with goodness; where + genius is found unmarred by extravagance, self-reliance unalloyed by + self-complacency. It is a character which is, I believe, rarely + found except where there has been toil to undergo and adversity to + struggle against: it will only grow to perfection in a poor soil and + in the shade; if the soil be too indigent, the shade too dank and + thick, of course it dies where it sprung. But I trust this will not + be the case with Miss Kavanagh. I trust she will struggle ere long + into the sunshine. In you she has a kind friend to direct her, and I + hope her mother will live to see the daughter, who yields to her such + childlike duty, both happy and successful. + + 'You asked me if I should like any copies of the second edition of + _Jane Eyre_, and I said--no. It is true I do not want any for myself + or my acquaintances, but if the request be not unusual, I should much + like one to be given to Miss Kavanagh. If you would have the + goodness, you might write on the fly-leaf that the book is presented + with the author's best wishes for her welfare here and hereafter. My + reason for wishing that she should have a copy is because she said + the book had been to her a _suggestive_ one, and I know that + suggestive books are valuable to authors. + + 'I am truly sorry to hear that Mr. Smith has had an attack of the + prevalent complaint, but I trust his recovery is by this time + complete. I cannot boast entire exemption from its ravages, as I now + write under its depressing influence. Hoping that you have been more + fortunate,--I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 3_rd_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have received the _Christian Remembrancer_, and read + the review. It is written with some ability; but to do justice was + evidently not the critic's main object, therefore he excuses himself + from performing that duty. + + 'I daresay the reviewer imagines that Currer Bell ought to be + extremely afflicted, very much cut up, by some smart things he + says--this however is not the case. C. Bell is on the whole rather + encouraged than dispirited by the review: the hard-wrung praise + extorted reluctantly from a foe is the most precious praise of + all--you are sure that this, at least, has no admixture of flattery. + I fear he has too high an opinion of my abilities and of what I can + do; but that is his own fault. In other respects, he aims his shafts + in the dark, and the success, or, rather, ill-success of his hits + makes me laugh rather than cry. His shafts of sarcasm are nicely + polished, keenly pointed; he should not have wasted them in shooting + at a mark he cannot see. + + 'I hope such reviews will not make much difference with me, and that + if the spirit moves me in future to say anything about priests, etc., + I shall say it with the same freedom as heretofore. I hope also that + their anger will not make _me_ angry. As a body, I had no ill-will + against them to begin with, and I feel it would be an error to let + opposition engender such ill-will. A few individuals may possibly be + called upon to sit for their portraits some time; if their brethren + in general dislike the resemblance and abuse the artist--_tant + pis_!--Believe me, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + +It seems that Mr. Williams had hinted that Charlotte might like to +emulate Thackeray by illustrating her own books. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 11_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have just received the copy of the second edition, and + will look over it, and send the corrections as soon as possible; I + will also, since you think it advisable, avail myself of the + opportunity of a third edition to correct the mistake respecting the + authorship of _Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_. + + 'As to your second suggestion, it is, one can see at a glance, a very + judicious and happy one; but I cannot adopt it, because I have not + the skill you attribute to me. It is not enough to have the artist's + eye, one must also have the artist's hand to turn the first gift to + practical account. I have, in my day, wasted a certain quantity of + Bristol board and drawing-paper, crayons and cakes of colour, but + when I examine the contents of my portfolio now, it seems as if + during the years it has been lying closed some fairy had changed what + I once thought sterling coin into dry leaves, and I feel much + inclined to consign the whole collection of drawings to the fire; I + see they have no value. If, then, _Jane Eyre_ is ever to be + illustrated, it must be by some other hand than that of its author. + But I hope no one will be at the trouble to make portraits of my + characters. Bulwer and Byron heroes and heroines are very well, they + are all of them handsome; but my personages are mostly unattractive + in look, and therefore ill-adapted to figure in ideal portraits. At + the best, I have always thought such representations futile. You + will not easily find a second Thackeray. How he can render, with a + few black lines and dots, shades of expression so fine, so real; + traits of character so minute, so subtle, so difficult to seize and + fix, I cannot tell--I can only wonder and admire. Thackeray may not + be a painter, but he is a wizard of a draughtsman; touched with his + pencil, paper lives. And then his drawing is so refreshing; after + the wooden limbs one is accustomed to see pourtrayed by commonplace + illustrators, his shapes of bone and muscle clothed with flesh, + correct in proportion and anatomy, are a real relief. All is true in + Thackeray. If Truth were again a goddess, Thackeray should be her + high priest. + + 'I read my preface over with some pain--I did not like it. I wrote + it when I was a little enthusiastic, like you, about the French + Revolution. I wish I had written it in a cool moment; I should have + said the same things, but in a different manner. One may be as + enthusiastic as one likes about an author who has been dead a century + or two, but I see it is a fault to bore the public with enthusiasm + about a living author. I promise myself to take better care in + future. _Still_ I will _think_ as I please. + + 'Are the London republicans, and _you_ amongst the number, cooled + down yet? I suppose not, because your French brethren are acting + very nobly. The abolition of slavery and of the punishment of death + for political offences are two glorious deeds, but how will they get + over the question of the organisation of labour! Such theories will + be the sand-bank on which their vessel will run aground if they don't + mind. Lamartine, there is not doubt, would make an excellent + legislator for a nation of Lamartines--but where is that nation? I + hope these observations are sceptical and cool enough.--Believe me, + my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 16_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIRS,--I have already acknowledged in a note to Mr. Smith + the receipt of the parcel of books, and in my thanks for this + well-timed attention I am sure I ought to include you; your taste, I + thought, was recognisable in the choice of some of the volumes, and a + better selection it would have been difficult to make. + + 'To-day I have received the _Spectator_ and the _Revue des deux + Mondes_. The _Spectator_ consistently maintains the tone it first + assumed regarding the Bells. I have little to object to its opinion + as far as Currer Bell's portion of the volume is concerned. It is + true the critic sees only the faults, but for these his perception is + tolerably accurate. Blind is he as any bat, insensate as any stone, + to the merits of Ellis. He cannot feel or will not acknowledge that + the very finish and _labor limae_ which Currer wants, Ellis has; he + is not aware that the "true essence of poetry" pervades his + compositions. Because Ellis's poems are short and abstract, the + critics think them comparatively insignificant and dull. They are + mistaken. + + 'The notice in the _Revue des deux Mondes_ is one of the most able, + the most acceptable to the author, of any that has yet appeared. + Eugene Forcade understood and enjoyed _Jane Eyre_. I cannot say that + of all who have professed to criticise it. The censures are as + well-founded as the commendations. The specimens of the translation + given are on the whole good; now and then the meaning of the original + has been misapprehended, but generally it is well rendered. + + 'Every cup given us to taste in this life is mixed. Once it would + have seemed to me that an evidence of success like that contained in + the _Revue_ would have excited an almost exultant feeling in my mind. + It comes, however, at a time when counteracting circumstances keep + the balance of the emotions even--when my sister's continued illness + darkens the present and dims the future. That will seem to me a + happy day when I can announce to you that Emily is better. Her + symptoms continue to be those of slow inflammation of the lungs, + tight cough, difficulty of breathing, pain in the chest, and fever. + We watch anxiously for a change for the better--may it soon come.--I + am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'As I was about to seal this I received your kind letter. Truly glad + am I to hear that Fanny is taking the path which pleases her parents. + I trust she may persevere in it. She may be sure that a contrary one + will never lead to happiness; and I should think that the reward of + seeing you and her mother pleased must be so sweet that she will be + careful not to run the risk of forfeiting it. + + 'It is somewhat singular that I had already observed to my sisters, I + did not doubt it was Mr. Lewes who had shown you the _Revue_.' + +The many other letters referring to Emily's last illness have already +been printed. When the following letters were written, Emily and Anne +were both in their graves. + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_March_ 1_st_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--The parcel arrived on Saturday evening. Permit me to + express my sense of the judgment and kindness which have dictated the + selection of its contents. They appear to be all good books, and + good books are, we know, the best substitute for good society; if + circumstances debar me from the latter privilege, the kind attentions + of my friends supply me with ample measure of the former. + + 'Thank you for your remarks on _Shirley_. Some of your strictures + tally with some by Mr. Williams. You both complain of the want of + distinctness and impressiveness in my heroes. Probably you are + right. In delineating male character I labour under disadvantages: + intuition and theory will not always adequately supply the place of + observation and experience. When I write about women I am sure of my + ground--in the other case, I am not so sure. + + 'Here, then, each of you has laid the critical finger on a point that + by its shrinking confesses its vulnerability; whether the + disapprobation you intimate respecting the Briarchapel scenes, the + curates, etc., be equally merited, time will show. I am well aware + what will be the author's present meed for these passages: I + anticipate general blame and no praise. And were my motive-principle + in writing a thirst for popularity, or were the chief check on my pen + a dread of censure, I should withdraw these scenes--or rather, I + should never have written them. I will not say whether the + considerations that really govern me are sound, or whether my + convictions are just; but such as they are, to their influence I must + yield submission. They forbid me to sacrifice truth to the fear of + blame. I accept their prohibition. + + 'With the sincere expression of my esteem for the candour by which + your critique is distinguished,--I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 16_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Since I last wrote to you I have been getting on with + my book as well as I can, and I think I may now venture to say that + in a few weeks I hope to have the pleasure of placing the MS. in the + hands of Mr. Smith. + + 'The _North British Review_ duly reached me. I read attentively all + it says about _E. Wyndham_, _Jane Eyre_, and _F. Hervey_. Much of + the article is clever, and yet there are remarks which--for me--rob + it of importance. + + 'To value praise or stand in awe of blame we must respect the source + whence the praise and blame proceed, and I do not respect an + inconsistent critic. He says, "if _Jane Eyre_ be the production of a + woman, she must be a woman unsexed." + + 'In that case the book is an unredeemed error and should be + unreservedly condemned. _Jane Eyre_ is a woman's autobiography, by a + woman it is professedly written. If it is written as no woman would + write, condemn it with spirit and decision--say it is bad, but do not + eulogise and then detract. I am reminded of the _Economist_. The + literary critic of that paper praised the book if written by a man, + and pronounced it "odious" if the work of a woman. + + 'To such critics I would say, "To you I am neither man nor woman--I + come before you as an author only. It is the sole standard by which + you have a right to judge me--the sole ground on which I accept your + judgment." + + 'There is a weak comment, having no pretence either to justice or + discrimination, on the works of Ellis and Acton Bell. The critic did + not know that those writers had passed from time and life. I have + read no review since either of my sisters died which I could have + wished _them_ to read--none even which did not render the thought of + their departure more tolerable to me. To hear myself praised beyond + them was cruel, to hear qualities ascribed to them so strangely the + reverse of their real characteristics was scarce supportable. It is + sad even now; but they are so remote from earth, so safe from its + turmoils, I can bear it better. + + 'But on one point do I now feel vulnerable: I should grieve to see my + father's peace of mind perturbed on my account; for which reason I + keep my author's existence as much as possible out of his way. I + have always given him a carefully diluted and modified account of the + success of _Jane Eyre_--just what would please without startling him. + The book is not mentioned between us once a month. The _Quarterly_ I + kept to myself--it would have worried papa. To that same _Quarterly_ + I must speak in the introduction to my present work--just one little + word. You once, I remember, said that review was written by a + lady--Miss Rigby. Are you sure of this? + + 'Give no hint of my intention of discoursing a little with the + _Quarterly_. It would look too important to speak of it beforehand. + All plans are best conceived and executed without noise.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 21_st_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I can only write very briefly at present--first to + thank you for your interesting letter and the graphic description it + contained of the neighbourhood where you have been staying, and then + to decide about the title of the book. + + 'If I remember rightly, my Cornhill critics objected to _Hollow's + Mill_, nor do I now find it appropriate. It might rather be called + _Fieldhead_, though I think _Shirley_ would perhaps be the best + title. Shirley, I fancy, has turned out the most prominent and + peculiar character in the work. + + 'Cornhill may decide between _Fieldhead_ and _Shirley_.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The famous _Quarterly Review_ article by Miss Rigby, afterwards Lady +Eastlake, {348} appeared in December 1848, under the title of '_Vanity +Fair_, _Jane Eyre_, and Governesses.' It was a review of two novels and +a treatise on schools, and but for one or two offensive passages might +have been pronounced fairly complimentary. To have coupled _Jane Eyre_ +with Thackeray's great book, at a time when Thackeray had already reached +to heroic proportions in the literary world, was in itself a compliment. +It is small wonder that the speculation was hazarded that J. G. Lockhart, +the editor of the _Quarterly_, had himself supplied the venom. He could +display it on occasion. It is quite clear now, however, that that was +not the case. Miss Rigby was the reviewer who thought it within a +critic's province to suggest that the writer might be a woman 'who had +forfeited the society of her sex.' Lockhart must have read the review +hastily, as editors will on occasion. He writes to his contributor on +November 13, 1848, before the article had appeared:-- + + 'About three years ago I received a small volume of 'Poems by Currer, + Acton, and Ellis Bell,' and a queer little note by Currer, who said + the book had been published a year, and just two copies sold, so they + were to burn the rest, but distributed a few copies, mine being one. + I find what seems rather a fair review of that tiny tome in the + _Spectator_ of this week; pray look at it. + + 'I think the poems of Currer much better than those of Acton and + Ellis, and believe his novel is vastly better than those which they + have more recently put forth. + + 'I know nothing of the writers, but the common rumour is that they + are brothers of the weaving order in some Lancashire town. At first + it was generally said Currer was a lady, and Mayfair + circumstantialised by making her the _chere amie_ of Mr. Thackeray. + But your skill in "dress" settles the question of sex. I think, + however, some woman must have assisted in the school scenes of _Jane + Eyre_, which have a striking air of truthfulness to me--an ignoramus, + I allow, on such points. + + 'I should say you might as well glance at the novels by Acton and + Ellis Bell--_Wuthering Heights_ is one of them. If you have any + friend about Manchester, it would, I suppose, be easy to learn + accurately as to the position of these men.' {349} + +This was written in November, and it was not till December that the +article appeared. Apart from the offensive imputations upon the morals +of the author of _Jane Eyre_, which reduces itself to smart impertinence +when it is understood that Miss Rigby fully believed that the author was +a man, the review is not without its compensations for a new writer. The +'equal popularity' of _Jane Eyre_ and _Vanity Fair_ is referred to. 'A +very remarkable book,' the reviewer continues; 'we have no remembrance of +another containing such undoubted power with such horrid taste.' There +is droll irony, when Charlotte Bronte's strong conservative sentiments +and church environment are considered, in the following:-- + + 'We do not hesitate to say that the tone of mind and thought which + has overthrown authority, and violated every code, human and divine, + abroad, and fostered chartism and rebellion at home, is the same + which has also written _Jane Eyre_.' + +In another passage Miss Rigby, musing upon the masculinity of the author, +finally clinches her arguments by proofs of a kind. + + 'No woman _trusses game_, and garnishes dessert dishes with the same + hands, or talks of so doing in the same breath. Above all, no woman + attires another in such fancy dresses as Jane's ladies assume. Miss + Ingram coming down irresistible in a _morning_ robe of sky-blue + crape, a gauze azure scarf twisted in her hair!! No lady, we + understand, when suddenly roused in the night, would think of + hurrying on "a frock." They have garments more convenient for such + occasions, and more becoming too.' + +_Wuthering Heights_ is described as 'too odiously and abominably pagan to +be palatable to the most vitiated class of English readers.' This no +doubt was Miss Rigby's interpolation in the proofs in reply to her +editor's suggestion that she should 'glance at the novels by Acton and +Ellis Bell.' It is a little difficult to understand the _Quarterly_ +editor's method, or, indeed, the letter to Miss Rigby which I have +quoted, as he had formed a very different estimate of the book many +months before. 'I have finished the adventures of Miss Jane Eyre,' he +writes to Mrs. Hope (Dec. 29th, 1847), 'and think her far the cleverest +that has written since Austen and Edgeworth were in their prime, worth +fifty Trollopes and Martineaus rolled into one counterpane, with fifty +Dickenses and Bulwers to keep them company--but rather a brazen Miss.' +{350} + +When the _Quarterly Review_ appeared, Charlotte Bronte, as we have seen, +was in dire domestic distress, and it was not till many months later, +when a new edition of _Jane Eyre_ was projected, that she discussed with +her publishers the desirability of an effective reply, which was not +however to disclose her sex and environment. A first preface called 'A +Word to the _Quarterly_' was cancelled, and after some debate, the +preface which we now have took its place. The 'book' is of course +_Shirley_. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 29_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR SIR,--The book is now finished (thank God) and ready for Mr. + Taylor, but I have not yet heard from him. I thought I should be + able to tell whether it was equal to _Jane Eyre_ or not, but I find I + cannot--it may be better, it may be worse. I shall be curious to + hear your opinion, my own is of no value. I send the Preface or + "Word to the _Quarterly_" for your perusal. + + 'Whatever now becomes of the work, the occupation of writing it has + been a boon to me. It took me out of dark and desolate reality into + an unreal but happier region. The worst of it is, my eyes are grown + somewhat weak and my head somewhat weary and prone to ache with close + work. You can write nothing of value unless you give yourself wholly + to the theme, and when you so give yourself, you lose appetite and + sleep--it cannot be helped. + + 'At what time does Mr. Smith intend to bring the book out? It is his + now. I hand it and all the trouble and care and anxiety over to + him--a good riddance, only I wish he fairly had it.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 31_st_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I cannot change my preface. I can shed no tears + before the public, nor utter any groan in the public ear. The deep, + real tragedy of our domestic experience is yet terribly fresh in my + mind and memory. It is not a time to be talked about to the + indifferent; it is not a topic for allusion to in print. + + 'No righteous indignation can I lavish on the _Quarterly_. I can + condescend but to touch it with the lightest satire. Believe me, my + dear sir, "C. Bronte" must not here appear; what she feels or has + felt is not the question--it is "Currer Bell" who was insulted--he + must reply. Let Mr. Smith fearlessly print the preface I have + sent--let him depend upon me this once; even if I prove a broken + reed, his fall cannot be dangerous: a preface is a short distance, it + is not three volumes. + + 'I have always felt certain that it is a deplorable error in an + author to assume the tragic tone in addressing the public about his + own wrongs or griefs. What does the public care about him as an + individual? His wrongs are its sport; his griefs would be a bore. + What we deeply feel is our own--we must keep it to ourselves. Ellis + and Acton Bell were, for me, Emily and Anne; my sisters--to me + intimately near, tenderly dear--to the public they were + nothing--worse than nothing--beings speculated upon, misunderstood, + misrepresented. If I live, the hour may come when the spirit will + move me to speak of them, but it is not come yet.--I am, my dear sir, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 17, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Your letter gave me great pleasure. An author who has + showed his book to none, held no consultation about plan, subject, + characters, or incidents, asked and had no opinion from one living + being, but fabricated it darkly in the silent workshop of his own + brain--such an author awaits with a singular feeling the report of + the first impression produced by his creation in a quarter where he + places confidence, and truly glad he is when that report proves + favourable. + + 'Do you think this book will tend to strengthen the idea that Currer + Bell is a woman, or will it favour a contrary opinion? + + 'I return the proof-sheets. Will they print all the French phrases + in italics? I hope not, it makes them look somehow obtrusively + conspicuous. + + 'I have no time to add more lest I should be too late for the + post.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 10_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR SIR,--Your advice is very good, and yet I cannot follow it: I + _cannot_ alter now. It sounds absurd, but so it is. + + 'The circumstances of Shirley's being nervous on such a matter may + appear incongruous because I fear it is not well managed; otherwise + it is perfectly natural. In such minds, such odd points, such queer + unexpected inconsistent weaknesses _are_ found--perhaps there never + was an ardent poetic temperament, however healthy, quite without + them; but they never communicate them unless forced, they have a + suspicion that the terror is absurd, and keep it hidden. Still the + thing is badly managed, and I bend my head and expect in resignation + what, _here_, I know I deserve--the lash of criticism. I shall wince + when it falls, but not scream. + + 'You are right about Goth, you are very right--he is clear, deep, but + very cold. I acknowledge him great, but cannot feel him genial. + + 'You mention the literary coteries. To speak the truth, I recoil + from them, though I long to see some of the truly great literary + characters. However, this is not to be yet--I cannot sacrifice my + incognito. And let me be content with seclusion--it has its + advantages. In general, indeed, I am tranquil, it is only now and + then that a struggle disturbs me--that I wish for a wider world than + Haworth. When it is past, Reason tells me how unfit I am for + anything very different. Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 15_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--You observed that the French of _Shirley_ might be + cavilled at. There is a long paragraph written in the French + language in that chapter entitled "_Le coeval damped_." I forget the + number. I fear it will have a pretentious air. If you deem it + advisable, and will return the chapter, I will efface, and substitute + something else in English.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_September_ 20_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--It is time I answered the note which I received from + you last Thursday; I should have replied to it before had I not been + kept more than usually engaged by the presence of a clergyman in the + house, and the indisposition of one of our servants. + + 'As you may conjecture, it cheered and pleased me much to learn that + the opinion of my friends in Cornhill was favourable to + _Shirley_--that, on the whole, it was considered no falling off from + _Jane Eyre_. I am trying, however, not to encourage too sanguine an + expectation of a favourable reception by the public: the seeds of + prejudice have been sown, and I suppose the produce will have to be + reaped--but we shall see. + + 'I read with pleasure _Friends in Council_, and with very great + pleasure _The Thoughts and Opinions of a Statesman_. It is the + record of what may with truth be termed a beautiful mind--serene, + harmonious, elevated, and pure; it bespeaks, too, a heart full of + kindness and sympathy. I like it much. + + 'Papa has been pretty well during the past week, he begs to join me + in kind remembrances to yourself.--Believe me, my dear sir, yours + very sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 29_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have made the alteration; but I have made it to please + Cornhill, not the public nor the critics. + + 'I am sorry to say Newby does know my real name. I wish he did not, + but that cannot be helped. Meantime, though I earnestly wish to + preserve my incognito, I live under no slavish fear of discovery. I + am ashamed of nothing I have written--not a line. + + 'The envelope containing the first proof and your letter had been + received open at the General Post Office and resealed there. Perhaps + it was accident, but I think it better to inform you of the + circumstance.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 1_st_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am chagrined about the envelope being opened: I see + it is the work of prying curiosity, and now it would be useless to + make a stir--what mischief is to be apprehended is already done. It + was not done at Haworth. I know the people of the post-office there, + and am sure they would not venture on such a step; besides, the + Haworth people have long since set me down as bookish and quiet, and + trouble themselves no farther about me. But the gossiping + inquisitiveness of small towns is rife at Keighley; there they are + sadly puzzled to guess why I never visit, encourage no overtures to + acquaintance, and always stay at home. Those packets passing + backwards and forwards by the post have doubtless aggravated their + curiosity. Well, I am sorry, but I shall try to wait patiently and + not vex myself too much, come what will. + + 'I am glad you like the English substitute for the French _devour_. + + 'The parcel of books came on Saturday. I write to Mr. Taylor by this + post to acknowledge its receipt. His opinion of _Shirley_ seems in a + great measure to coincide with yours, only he expresses it rather + differently to you, owing to the difference in your casts of mind. + Are you not different on some points?--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 1_st_, 1849 + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I reached home yesterday, and found your letter and + one from Mr. Lewes, and one from the Peace Congress Committee, + awaiting my arrival. The last document it is now too late to answer, + for it was an invitation to Currer Bell to appear on the platform at + their meeting at Exeter Hall last Tuesday! A wonderful figure Mr. + Currer Bell would have cut under such circumstances! Should the + "Peace Congress" chance to read _Shirley_ they will wash their hands + of its author. + + 'I am glad to hear that Mr. Thackeray is better, but I did not know + he had been seriously ill, I thought it was only a literary + indisposition. You must tell me what he thinks of _Shirley_ if he + gives you any opinion on the subject. + + 'I am also glad to hear that Mr. Smith is pleased with the commercial + prospects of the work. I try not to be anxious about its literary + fate; and if I cannot be quite stoical, I think I am still tolerably + resigned. + + 'Mr. Lewes does not like the opening chapter, wherein he resembles + you. + + 'I have permitted myself the treat of spending the last week with my + friend Ellen. Her residence is in a far more populous and stirring + neighbourhood than this. Whenever I go there I am unavoidably forced + into society--clerical society chiefly. + + 'During my late visit I have too often had reason, sometimes in a + pleasant, sometimes in a painful form, to fear that I no longer walk + invisible. _Jane Eyre_, it appears, has been read all over the + district--a fact of which I never dreamt--a circumstance of which the + possibility never occurred to me. I met sometimes with new + deference, with augmented kindness: old schoolfellows and old + teachers, too, greeted me with generous warmth. And again, + ecclesiastical brows lowered thunder at me. When I confronted one or + two large-made priests, I longed for the battle to come on. I wish + they would speak out plainly. You must not understand that my + schoolfellows and teachers were of the Clergy Daughters School--in + fact, I was never there but for one little year as a very little + girl. I am certain I have long been forgotten; though for myself, I + remember all and everything clearly: early impressions are + ineffaceable. + + 'I have just received the _Daily News_. Let me speak the truth--when + I read it my heart sickened over it. It is not a good review, it is + unutterably false. If _Shirley_ strikes all readers as it has struck + that one, but--I shall not say what follows. + + 'On the whole I am glad a decidedly bad notice has come first--a + notice whose inexpressible ignorance first stuns and then stirs me. + Are there no such men as the Helstones and Yorkes? + + 'Yes, there are. + + 'Is the first chapter disgusting or vulgar? + + '_It is not_, _it is real_. + + 'As for the praise of such a critic, I find it silly and nauseous, + and I scorn it. + + 'Were my sisters now alive they and I would laugh over this notice; + but they sleep, they will wake no more for me, and I am a fool to be + so moved by what is not worth a sigh.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. B. + + 'You must spare me if I seem hasty, I fear I really am not so firm as + I used to be, nor so patient. Whenever any shock comes, I feel that + almost all supports have been withdrawn.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 5_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I did not receive the parcel of copies till Saturday + evening. Everything sent by Bradford is long in reaching me. It is, + I think, better to direct: Keighley. I was very much pleased with + the appearance and getting up of the book; it looks well. + + 'I have got the _Examiner_ and your letter. You are very good not to + be angry with me, for I wrote in indignation and grief. The critic + of the _Daily News_ struck me as to the last degree incompetent, + ignorant, and flippant. A thrill of mutiny went all through me when + I read his small effusion. To be judged by such a one revolted me. + I ought, however, to have controlled myself, and I did not. I am + willing to be judged by the _Examiner_--I like the _Examiner_. + Fonblanque has power, he has discernment--I bend to his censorship, I + am grateful for his praise; his blame deserves consideration; when he + approves, I permit myself a moderate emotion of pride. Am I wrong in + supposing that critique to be written by Mr. Fonblanque? But whether + it is by him or Forster, I am thankful. + + 'In reading the critiques of the other papers--when I get them--I + will try to follow your advice and preserve my equanimity. But I + cannot be sure of doing this, for I had good resolutions and + intentions before, and, you see, I failed. + + 'You ask me if I am related to Nelson. No, I never heard that I was. + The rumour must have originated in our name resembling his title. I + wonder who that former schoolfellow of mine was that told Mr. Lewes, + or how she had been enabled to identify Currer Bell with C. Bronte. + She could not have been a Cowan Bridge girl, none of them can + possibly remember me. They might remember my eldest sister, Maria; + her prematurely-developed and remarkable intellect, as well as the + mildness, wisdom, and fortitude of her character might have left an + indelible impression on some observant mind amongst her companions. + My second sister, Elizabeth, too, may perhaps be remembered, but I + cannot conceive that I left a trace behind me. My career was a very + quiet one. I was plodding and industrious, perhaps I was very grave, + for I suffered to see my sisters perishing, but I think I was + remarkable for nothing.--Believe me, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 15_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have received since I wrote last the Globe, Standard + of Freedom, Britannia, Economist, and Weekly Chronicle. + + 'How is _Shirley_ getting on, and what is now the general feeling + respecting the work? + + 'As far as I can judge from the tone of the newspapers, it seems that + those who were most charmed with _Jane Eyre_ are the least pleased + with _Shirley_; they are disappointed at not finding the same + excitement, interest, stimulus; while those who spoke disparagingly + of _Jane Eyre_ like _Shirley_ a little better than her predecessor. + I suppose its dryer matter suits their dryer minds. But I feel that + the fiat for which I wait does not depend on newspapers, except, + indeed, such newspapers as the _Examiner_. The monthlies and + quarterlies will pronounce it, I suppose. Mere novel-readers, it is + evident, think _Shirley_ something of a failure. Still, the majority + of the notices have on the whole been favourable. That in the + _Standard of Freedom_ was very kindly expressed; and coming from a + dissenter, William Howitt, I wonder thereat. + + 'Are you satisfied at Cornhill, or the contrary? I have read part of + _The Caxtons_, and, when I have finished, will tell you what I think + of it; meantime, I should very much like to hear your opinion. + Perhaps I shall keep mine till I see you, whenever that may be. + + 'I am trying by degrees to inure myself to the thought of some day + stepping over to Keighley, taking the train to Leeds, thence to + London, and once more venturing to set foot in the strange, busy + whirl of the Strand and Cornhill. I want to talk to you a little and + to hear by word of mouth how matters are progressing. Whenever I + come, I must come quietly and but for a short time--I should be + unhappy to leave papa longer than a fortnight.--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 22_nd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--If it is discouraging to an author to see his work + mouthed over by the entirely ignorant and incompetent, it is equally + reviving to hear what you have written discussed and analysed by a + critic who is master of his subject--by one whose heart feels, whose + powers grasp the matter he undertakes to handle. Such refreshment + Eugene Forcade has given me. Were I to see that man, my impulse + would be to say, "Monsieur, you know me, I shall deem it an honour to + know you." + + 'I do not find that Forcade detects any coarseness in the work--it is + for the smaller critics to find that out. The master in the art--the + subtle-thoughted, keen-eyed, quick-feeling Frenchman, knows the true + nature of the ingredients which went to the composition of the + creation he analyses--he knows the true nature of things, and he + gives them their right name. + + 'Yours of yesterday has just reached me. Let me, in the first place, + express my sincere sympathy with your anxiety on Mrs. Williams's + account. I know how sad it is when pain and suffering attack those + we love, when that mournful guest sickness comes and takes a place in + the household circle. That the shadow may soon leave your home is my + earnest hope. + + 'Thank you for Sir J. Herschel's note. I am happy to hear Mr. Taylor + is convalescent. It may, perhaps, be some weeks yet before his hand + is well, but that his general health is in the way of + re-establishment is a matter of thankfulness. + + 'One of the letters you sent to-day addressed "Currer Bell" has + almost startled me. The writer first describes his family, and then + proceeds to give a particular account of himself in colours the most + candid, if not, to my ideas, the most attractive. He runs on in a + strain of wild enthusiasm about _Shirley_, and concludes by + announcing a fixed, deliberate resolution to institute a search after + Currer Bell, and sooner or later to find him out. There is power in + the letter--talent; it is at times eloquently expressed. The writer + somewhat boastfully intimates that he is acknowledged the possessor + of high intellectual attainments, but, if I mistake not, he betrays a + temper to be shunned, habits to be mistrusted. While laying claim to + the character of being affectionate, warm-hearted, and adhesive, + there is but a single member of his own family of whom he speaks with + kindness. He confesses himself indolent and wilful, but asserts that + he is studious and, to some influences, docile. This letter would + have struck me no more than the others rather like it have done, but + for its rash power, and the disagreeable resolve it announces to seek + and find Currer Bell. It almost makes me feel like a wizard who has + raised a spirit he may find it difficult to lay. But I shall not + think about it. This sort of fervour often foams itself away in + words. + + 'Trusting that the serenity of your home is by this time restored + with your wife's health,--I am, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_February_ 16_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR NELL,--Yesterday, just after dinner, I heard a loud bustling + voice in the kitchen demanding to see Mr. Bronte. Somebody was shown + into the parlour. Shortly after, wine was rung for. "Who is it, + Martha?" I asked. "Some mak of a tradesman," said she. "He's not a + gentleman, I'm sure." The personage stayed about an hour, talking in + a loud vulgar key all the time. At tea-time I asked papa who it was. + "Why," said he, "no other than the vicar of B---!" {361} Papa had + invited him to take some refreshment, but the creature had ordered + his dinner at the Black Bull, and was quite urgent with papa to go + down there and join him, offering by way of inducement a bottle, or, + if papa liked, "two or three bottles of the best wine Haworth could + afford!" He said he was come from Bradford just to look at the + place, and reckoned to be in raptures with the wild scenery! He + warmly pressed papa to come and see him, and to bring his daughter + with him!!! Does he know anything about the books, do you think; he + made no allusion to them. I did not see him, not so much as the tail + of his coat. Martha said he looked no more like a parson than she + did. Papa described him as rather shabby-looking, but said he was + wondrous cordial and friendly. Papa, in his usual fashion, put him + through a regular catechism of questions: what his living was worth, + etc., etc. In answer to inquiries respecting his age he affirmed + himself to be thirty-seven--is not this a lie? He must be more. + Papa asked him if he were married. He said no, he had no thoughts of + being married, he did not like the trouble of a wife. He described + himself as "living in style, and keeping a very hospitable house." + + 'Dear Nell, I have written you a long letter; write me a long one in + answer. + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 3_rd_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have received the _Dublin Review_, and your letter + inclosing the Indian Notices. I hope these reviews will do good; + they are all favourable, and one of them (the _Dublin_) is very able. + I have read no critique so discriminating since that in the _Revue + des deux Mondes_. It offers a curious contrast to Lewes's in the + _Edinburgh_, where forced praise, given by jerks, and obviously + without real and cordial liking, and censure, crude, conceited, and + ignorant, were mixed in random lumps--forming a very loose and + inconsistent whole. + + 'Are you aware whether there are any grounds for that conjecture in + the _Bengal Hurkaru_, that the critique in the _Times_ was from the + pen of Mr. Thackeray? I should much like to know this. If such were + the case (and I feel as if it were by no means impossible), the + circumstance would open a most curious and novel glimpse of a very + peculiar disposition. Do you think it likely to be true? + + 'The account you give of Mrs. Williams's health is not cheering, but + I should think her indisposition is partly owing to the variable + weather; at least, if you have had the same keen frost and cold east + winds in London, from which we have lately suffered in Yorkshire. I + trust the milder temperature we are now enjoying may quickly confirm + her convalescence. With kind regards to Mrs. Williams,--Believe me, + my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 25_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I cannot let the post go without thanking Mr. Smith + through you for the kind reply to Greenwood's application; and, I am + sure, both you and he would feel true pleasure could you see the + delight and hope with which these liberal terms have inspired a good + and intelligent though poor man. He thinks he now sees a prospect of + getting his livelihood by a method which will suit him better than + wool-combing work has hitherto done, exercising more of his faculties + and sparing his health. He will do his best, I am sure, to extend + the sale of the cheap edition of _Jane Eyre_; and whatever twinges I + may still feel at the thought of that work being in the possession of + all the worthy folk of Haworth and Keighley, such scruples are more + than counterbalanced by the attendant good;--I mean, by the + assistance it will give a man who deserves assistance. I wish he + could permanently establish a little bookselling business in Haworth: + it would benefit the place as well as himself. + + 'Thank you for the _Leader_, which I read with pleasure. The notice + of Newman's work in a late number was very good.--Believe me, my dear + sir, in haste, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_May_ 6_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have received the copy of _Jane Eyre_. To me the + printing and paper seem very tolerable. Will not the public in + general be of the same opinion? And are you not making yourselves + causelessly uneasy on the subject? + + 'I imagine few will discover the defects of typography unless they + are pointed out. There are, no doubt, technical faults and + perfections in the art of printing to which printers and publishers + ascribe a greater importance than the majority of readers. + + 'I will mention Mr. Smith's proposal respecting the cheap + publications to Greenwood. I believe him to be a man on whom + encouragement is not likely to be thrown away, and who, if fortune + should not prove quite adverse, will contrive to effect something by + dint of intelligence and perseverance. + + 'I am sorry to say my father has been far from well lately--the cold + weather has tried him severely; and, till I see him better, my + intended journey to town must be deferred. With sincere regards to + yourself and other Cornhill friends,--I am, my dear sir, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 5_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I trust your suggestion for Miss Kavanagh's benefit + will have all success. It seems to me truly felicitous and + excellent, and, I doubt not, she will think so too. The last class + of female character will be difficult to manage: there will be nice + points in it--yet, well-managed, both an attractive and instructive + book might result therefrom. One thing may be depended upon in the + execution of this plan. Miss Kavanagh will commit no error, either + of taste, judgment, or principle; and even when she deals with the + feelings, I would rather follow the calm course of her quiet pen than + the flourishes of a more redundant one where there is not strength to + restrain as well as ardour to impel. + + 'I fear I seemed to you to speak coolly of the beauty of the Lake + scenery. The truth is, it was, as scenery, exquisite--far beyond + anything I saw in Scotland; but it did not give me half so much + pleasure, because I saw it under less congenial auspices. Mr. Smith + and Sir J. K. Shuttleworth are two different people with whom to + travel. I need say nothing of the former--you know him. The latter + offers me his friendship, and I do my best to be grateful for the + gift; but his is a nature with which it is difficult to + assimilate--and where there is no assimilation, how can there be real + regard? Nine parts out of ten in him are utilitarian--the tenth is + artistic. This tithe of his nature seems to me at war with all the + rest--it is just enough to incline him restlessly towards the artist + class, and far too little to make him one of them. The consequent + inability to _do_ things which he _admires_, embitters him I + think--it makes him doubt perfections and dwell on faults. Then his + notice or presence scarcely tend to set one at ease or make one + happy: he is worldly and formal. But I must stop--have I already + said too much? I think not, for you will feel it is said in + confidence and will not repeat it. + + 'The article in the _Palladium_ is indeed such as to atone for a + hundred unfavourable or imbecile reviews. I have expressed what I + think of it to Mr. Taylor, who kindly wrote me a letter on the + subject. I thank you also for the newspaper notices, and for some + you sent me a few weeks ago. + + 'I should much like to carry out your suggestions respecting a + reprint of _Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_ in one volume, with a + prefatory and explanatory notice of the authors; but the question + occurs, Would Newby claim it? I could not bear to commit it to any + other hands than those of Mr. Smith. _Wildfell Hall_, it hardly + appears to me desirable to preserve. The choice of subject in that + work is a mistake: it was too little consonant with the character, + tastes, and ideas of the gentle, retiring, inexperienced writer. She + wrote it under a strange, conscientious, half-ascetic notion of + accomplishing a painful penance and a severe duty. Blameless in deed + and almost in thought, there was from her very childhood a tinge of + religious melancholy in her mind. This I ever suspected, and I have + found amongst her papers mournful proofs that such was the case. As + to additional compositions, I think there would be none, as I would + not offer a line to the publication of which my sisters themselves + would have objected. + + 'I must conclude or I shall be too late for the post.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 13_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Mr. Newby undertook first to print 350 copies of + _Wuthering Heights_, but he afterwards declared he had only printed + 250. I doubt whether he could be induced to return the 50 pounds + without a good deal of trouble--much more than I should feel + justified in delegating to Mr. Smith. For my own part, the + conclusion I drew from the whole of Mr. Newby's conduct to my sisters + was that he is a man with whom it is desirable to have little to do. + I think he must be needy as well as tricky--and if he is, one would + not distress him, even for one's rights. + + 'If Mr. Smith thinks right to reprint _Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes + Grey_, I would prepare a preface comprising a brief and simple notice + of the authors, such as might set at rest all erroneous conjectures + respecting their identity--and adding a few poetical remains of each. + + 'In case this arrangement is approved, you will kindly let me know, + and I will commence the task (a sad, but, I believe, a necessary + one), and send it when finished.--I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 16_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--On the whole it is perhaps as well that the last + paragraph of the Preface should be omitted, for I believe it was not + expressed with the best grace in the world. You must not, however, + apologise for your suggestion--it was kindly meant and, believe me, + kindly taken; it was not _you_ I misunderstood--not for a moment, I + never misunderstand you--I was thinking of the critics and the + public, who are always crying for a moral like the Pharisees for a + sign. Does this assurance quite satisfy you? + + 'I forgot to say that I had already heard, first from Miss Martineau, + and subsequently through an intimate friend of Sydney Yendys (whose + real name is Mr. Dobell) that it was to the author of the _Roman_ we + are indebted for that eloquent article in the _Palladium_. I am glad + you are going to send his poem, for I much wished to see it. + + 'May I trouble you to look at a sentence in the Preface which I have + erased, because on reading it over I was not quite sure about the + scientific correctness of the expressions used. Metal, I know, will + burn in vivid-coloured flame, exposed to galvanic action, but whether + it is consumed, I am not sure. Perhaps you or Mr. Taylor can tell me + whether there is any blunder in the term employed--if not, it might + stand.--I am, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Miss Bronte would seem to have corresponded with Mr. George Smith, and +not with Mr. Williams, over her third novel, _Villette_, and that +correspondence is to be found in Mrs. Gaskell's biography. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 1_st_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I cannot lose any time in telling you that your + letter, after all, gave me heart-felt satisfaction, and such a + feeling of relief as it would be difficult to express in words. The + fact is, what goads and tortures me is not any anxiety of my own to + publish another book, to have my name before the public, to get cash, + etc., but a haunting fear that my dilatoriness disappoints others. + Now the "others" whose wish on the subject I really care for, reduces + itself to my father and Cornhill, and since Cornhill ungrudgingly + counsels me to take my own time, I think I can pacify such impatience + as my dear father naturally feels. Indeed, your kind and friendly + letter will greatly help me. + + 'Since writing the above, I have read your letter to papa. Your + arguments had weight with him: he approves, and I am content. I now + only regret the necessity of disappointing the _Palladium_, but that + cannot be helped.--Good-bye, my dear sir, yours very sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_Tuesday Morning_. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--The rather dark view you seem inclined to take of the + general opinion about _Villette_ surprises me the less, dear Nell, as + only the more unfavourable reviews seem to have come in your way. + Some reports reach me of a different tendency; but no matter, time + will shew. As to the character of Lucy Snow, my intention from the + first was that she should not occupy the pedestal to which Jane Eyre + was raised by some injudicious admirers. She is where I meant her to + be, and where no charge of self-laudation can touch her. + + 'I cannot accept your kind invitation. I must be at home at Easter, + on two or three accounts connected with sermons to be preached, + parsons to be entertained, Mechanics' Institute meetings and + tea-drinkings to be solemnised, and ere long I have promised to go + and see Mrs. Gaskell; but till this wintry weather is passed, I would + rather eschew visiting anywhere. I trust that bad cold of yours is + _quite_ well, and that you will take good care of yourself in future. + That night work is always perilous.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS WOOLER + + 'HAWORTH, _April_ 13_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Your last kind letter ought to have been + answered long since, and would have been, did I find it practicable + to proportion the promptitude of the response to the value I place + upon my correspondents and their communications. You will easily + understand, however, that the contrary rule often holds good, and + that the epistle which importunes often takes precedence of that + which interests. + + 'My publishers express entire satisfaction with the reception which + has been accorded to _Villette_, and indeed the majority of the + reviews has been favourable enough; you will be aware, however, that + there is a minority, small in number but influential in character, + which views the work with no favourable eye. Currer Bell's remarks + on Romanism have drawn down on him the condign displeasure of the + High Church party, which displeasure has been unequivocally expressed + through their principal organs--the _Guardian_, the _English + Churchman_, and the _Christian Remembrancer_. I can well understand + that some of the charges launched against me by those publications + will tell heavily to my prejudice in the minds of most readers--but + this must be borne; and for my part, I can suffer no accusation to + oppress me much which is not supported by the inward evidence of + conscience and reason. + + '"Extremes meet," says the proverb; in proof whereof I would mention + that Miss Martineau finds with _Villette_ nearly the same fault as + the Puseyites. She accuses me with attacking popery "with + virulence," of going out of my way to assault it "passionately." In + other respects she has shown with reference to the work a spirit so + strangely and unexpectedly acrimonious, that I have gathered courage + to tell her that the gulf of mutual difference between her and me is + so wide and deep, the bridge of union so slight and uncertain, I have + come to the conclusion that frequent intercourse would be most + perilous and unadvisable, and have begged to adjourn _sine die_ my + long projected visit to her. Of course she is now very angry, and I + know her bitterness will not be short-lived--but it cannot be helped. + + 'Two or three weeks since I received a long and kind letter from Mr. + White, which I answered a short time ago. I believe Mr. White thinks + me a much hotter advocate for _change_ and what is called "political + progress" than I am. However, in my reply, I did not touch on these + subjects. He intimated a wish to publish some of his own MSS. I + fear he would hardly like the somewhat dissuasive tendency of my + answer; but really, in these days of headlong competition, it is a + great risk to publish. If all be well, I purpose going to Manchester + next week to spend a few days with Mrs. Gaskell. Ellen's visit to + Yarmouth seems for the present given up; and really, all things + considered, I think the circumstance is scarcely to be regretted. + + 'Do you not think, my dear Miss Wooler, that you could come to + Haworth before you go to the coast? I am afraid that when you once + get settled at the sea-side your stay will not be brief. I must + repeat that a visit from you would be anticipated with pleasure, not + only by me, but by every inmate of Haworth Parsonage. Papa has given + me a general commission to send his respects to you whenever I + write--accept them, therefore, and--Believe me, yours affectionately + and sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + + + +CHAPTER XIV: WILLIAM SMITH WILLIAMS + + +In picturing the circle which surrounded Charlotte Bronte through her +brief career, it is of the utmost importance that a word of recognition +should be given, and that in no half-hearted manner, to Mr. William Smith +Williams, who, in her later years, was Charlotte Bronte's most intimate +correspondent. The letters to Mr. Williams are far and away the best +that Charlotte wrote, at least of those which have been preserved. They +are full of literary enthusiasm and of intellectual interest. They show +Charlotte Bronte's sound judgment and good heart more effectually than +any other material which has been placed at the disposal of biographers. +They are an honour both to writer and receiver, and, in fact, reflect the +mind of the one as much as the mind of the other. Charlotte has +emphasised the fact that she adapted herself to her correspondents, and +in her letters to Mr. Williams we have her at her very best. Mr. +Williams occupied for many years the post of 'reader' in the firm of +Smith & Elder. That is a position scarcely less honourable and important +than authorship itself. In our own days Mr. George Meredith and Mr. John +Morley have been 'readers,' and Mr. James Payn has held the same post in +the firm which published the Bronte novels. + +Mr. Williams, who was born in 1800, and died in 1875, had an interesting +career even before he became associated with Smith & Elder. In his +younger days he was apprenticed to Taylor & Hessey of Fleet Street; and +he used to relate how his boyish ideals of Coleridge were shattered on +beholding, for the first time, the bulky and ponderous figure of the +great talker. When Keats left England, for an early grave in Rome, it +was Mr. Williams who saw him off. Hazlitt, Leigh Hunt, and many other +well-known men of letters were friendly with Mr. Williams from his +earliest days, and he had for brother-in-law, Wells, the author of +_Joseph and his Brethren_. In his association with Smith & Elder he +secured the friendship of Thackeray, of Mrs. Gaskell, and of many other +writers. He attracted the notice of Ruskin by a keen enthusiasm for the +work of Turner. It was he, in fact, who compiled that most interesting +volume of _Selections from the writings of John Ruskin_, which has long +gone out of print in its first form, but is still greatly sought for by +the curious. In connection with this volume I may print here a letter +written by John Ruskin's father to Mr. Williams, and I do so the more +readily, as Mr. Williams's name was withheld from the title-page of the +_Selections_. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + DENMARK HILL, 25_th November_, 1861. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am requested by Mrs. Ruskin to return her very + sincere and grateful thanks for your kind consideration in presenting + her with so beautifully bound a copy of the _Selections_ from her + son's writings; and which she will have great pleasure in seeing by + the side of the very magnificent volumes which the liberality of the + gentlemen of your house has already enriched our library with. + + 'Mrs. Ruskin joins me in offering congratulations on the great + judgment you have displayed in your _Selections_, and, sending my own + thanks and those of my son for the handsome gift to Mrs. Ruskin,--I + am, my dear sir, yours very truly, + + 'JOHN JAMES RUSKIN.' + +What Charlotte Bronte thought of Mr. Williams is sufficiently revealed by +the multitude of letters which I have the good fortune to print, and that +she had a reason to be grateful to him is obvious when we recollect that +to him, and to him alone, was due her first recognition. The parcel +containing _The Professor_ had wandered from publisher to publisher +before it came into the hands of Mr. Williams. It was he who recognised +what all of us recognise now, that in spite of faults it is really a most +considerable book. I am inclined to think that it was refused by Smith & +Elder rather on account of its insufficient length than for any other +cause. At any rate it was the length which was assigned to her as a +reason for non-acceptance. She was told that another book, which would +make the accredited three volume novel, might receive more favourable +consideration. + +Charlotte Bronte took Mr. Williams's advice. She wrote _Jane Eyre_, and +despatched it quickly to Smith & Elder's house in Cornhill. It was read +by Mr. Williams, and read afterwards by Mr. George Smith; and it was +published with the success that we know. Charlotte awoke to find herself +famous. She became a regular correspondent with Mr. Williams, and not +less than a hundred letters were sent to him, most of them treating of +interesting literary matters. + +One of Mr. Williams's daughters, I may add, married Mr. Lowes Dickenson +the portrait painter; his youngest child, a baby when Miss Bronte was +alive, is famous in the musical world as Miss Anna Williams. The family +has an abundance of literary and artistic association, but the father we +know as the friend and correspondent of Charlotte Bronte. He still lives +also in the memory of a large circle as a kindly and attractive--a +singularly good and upright man. + +Comment upon the following letters is in well-nigh every case +superfluous. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 25_th_ 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I thank you for your note; its contents moved me much, + though not to unmingled feelings of exultation. Louis Philippe + (unhappy and sordid old man!) and M. Guizot doubtless merit the sharp + lesson they are now being taught, because they have both proved + themselves men of dishonest hearts. And every struggle any nation + makes in the cause of Freedom and Truth has something noble in + it--something that makes me wish it success; but I cannot believe + that France--or at least Paris--will ever be the battle-ground of + true Liberty, or the scene of its real triumphs. I fear she does not + know "how genuine glory is put on." Is that strength to be found in + her which will not bend "but in magnanimous meekness"? Have not her + "unceasing changes" as yet always brought "perpetual emptiness"? Has + Paris the materials within her for thorough reform? Mean, dishonest + Guizot being discarded, will any better successor be found for him + than brilliant, unprincipled Thiers? + + 'But I damp your enthusiasm, which I would not wish to do, for true + enthusiasm is a fine feeling whose flash I admire wherever I see it. + + 'The little note inclosed in yours is from a French lady, who asks my + consent to the translation of _Jane Eyre_ into the French language. + I thought it better to consult you before I replied. I suppose she + is competent to produce a decent translation, though one or two + errors of orthography in her note rather afflict the eye; but I know + that it is not unusual for what are considered well-educated French + women to fail in the point of writing their mother tongue correctly. + But whether competent or not, I presume she has a right to translate + the book with or without my consent. She gives her address: Mdlle + B--- {373} W. Cumming, Esq., 23 North Bank, Regent's Park. + + 'Shall I reply to her note in the affirmative? + + 'Waiting your opinion and answer,--I remain, dear sir, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 28_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have done as you advised me respecting Mdlle B---, + thanked her for her courtesy, and explained that I do not wish my + consent to be regarded in the light of a formal sanction of the + translation. + + 'From the papers of Saturday I had learnt the abdication of Louis + Philippe, the flight of the royal family, and the proclamation of a + republic in France. Rapid movements these, and some of them + difficult of comprehension to a remote spectator. What sort of spell + has withered Louis Philippe's strength? Why, after having so long + infatuatedly clung to Guizot, did he at once ignobly relinquish him? + Was it panic that made him so suddenly quit his throne and abandon + his adherents without a struggle to retain one or aid the other? + + 'Perhaps it might have been partly fear, but I daresay it was still + more long-gathering weariness of the dangers and toils of royalty. + Few will pity the old monarch in his flight, yet I own he seems to me + an object of pity. His sister's death shook him; years are heavy on + him; the sword of Damocles has long been hanging over his head. One + cannot forget that monarchs and ministers are only human, and have + only human energies to sustain them; and often they are sore beset. + Party spirit has no mercy; indignant Freedom seldom shows forbearance + in her hour of revolt. I wish you _could_ see the aged gentleman + trudging down Cornhill with his umbrella and carpet-bag, in good + earnest; he would be safe in England: John Bull might laugh at him + but he would do him no harm. + + 'How strange it appears to see literary and scientific names figuring + in the list of members of a Provisional Government! How would it + sound if Carlyle and Sir John Herschel and Tennyson and Mr. Thackeray + and Douglas Jerrold were selected to manufacture a new constitution + for England? Whether do such men sway the public mind most + effectually from their quiet studies or from a council-chamber? + + 'And Thiers is set aside for a time; but won't they be glad of him + by-and-by? Can they set aside entirely anything so clever, so + subtle, so accomplished, so aspiring--in a word, so thoroughly + French, as he is? Is he not the man to bide his time--to watch while + unskilful theorists try their hand at administration and fail; and + then to step out and show them how it should be done? + + 'One would have thought political disturbance the natural element of + a mind like Thiers'; but I know nothing of him except from his + writings, and I always think he writes as if the shade of Bonaparte + were walking to and fro in the room behind him and dictating every + line he pens, sometimes approaching and bending over his shoulder, + _pour voir de ses yeux_ that such an action or event is represented + or misrepresented (as the case may be) exactly as he wishes it. + Thiers seems to have contemplated Napoleon's character till he has + imbibed some of its nature. Surely he must be an ambitious man, and, + if so, surely he will at this juncture struggle to rise. + + 'You should not apologise for what you call your "crudities." You + know I like to hear your opinions and views on whatever subject it + interests you to discuss. + + 'From the little inscription outside your note I conclude you sent me + the _Examiner_. I thank you therefore for your kind intention and am + sorry some unscrupulous person at the Post Office frustrated it, as + no paper has reached my hands. I suppose one ought to be thankful + that letters are respected, as newspapers are by no means sure of + safe conveyance.--I remain, dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_May_ 12_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I take a large sheet of paper, because I foresee that + I am about to write another long letter, and for the same reason as + before, viz., that yours interested me. + + 'I have received the _Morning Chronicle_, and was both surprised and + pleased to see the passage you speak of in one of its leading + articles. An allusion of that sort seems to say more than a regular + notice. I _do_ trust I may have the power so to write in future as + not to disappoint those who have been kind enough to think and speak + well of _Jane Eyre_; at any rate, I will take pains. But still, + whenever I hear my one book praised, the pleasure I feel is chastened + by a mixture of doubt and fear; and, in truth, I hardly wish it to be + otherwise: it is much too early for me to feel safe, or to take as my + due the commendation bestowed. + + 'Some remarks in your last letter on teaching commanded my attention. + I suppose you never were engaged in tuition yourself; but if you had + been, you could not have more exactly hit on the great + qualification--I had almost said the _one_ great + qualification--necessary to the task: the faculty, not merely of + acquiring but of imparting knowledge--the power of influencing young + minds--that natural fondness for, that innate sympathy with, + children, which, you say, Mrs. Williams is so happy as to possess. + He or she who possesses this faculty, this sympathy--though perhaps + not otherwise highly accomplished--need never fear failure in the + career of instruction. Children will be docile with them, will + improve under them; parents will consequently repose in them + confidence. Their task will be comparatively light, their path + comparatively smooth. If the faculty be absent, the life of a + teacher will be a struggle from beginning to end. No matter how + amiable the disposition, how strong the sense of duty, how active the + desire to please; no matter how brilliant and varied the + accomplishments; if the governess has not the power to win her young + charge, the secret to instil gently and surely her own knowledge into + the growing mind intrusted to her, she will have a wearing, wasting + existence of it. To _educate_ a child, as I daresay Mrs. Williams + has educated her children, probably with as much pleasure to herself + as profit to them, will indeed be impossible to the teacher who lacks + this qualification. But, I conceive, should circumstances--as in the + case of your daughters--compel a young girl notwithstanding to adopt + a governess's profession, she may contrive to _instruct_ and even to + instruct well. That is, though she cannot form the child's mind, + mould its character, influence its disposition, and guide its conduct + as she would wish, she may give lessons--even good, clear, clever + lessons in the various branches of knowledge. She may earn and + doubly earn her scanty salary as a daily governess. As a + school-teacher she may succeed; but as a resident governess she will + never (except under peculiar and exceptional circumstances) be happy. + Her deficiency will harass her not so much in school-time as in + play-hours; the moments that would be rest and recreation to the + governess who understood and could adapt herself to children, will be + almost torture to her who has not that power. Many a time, when her + charge turns unruly on her hands, when the responsibility which she + would wish to discharge faithfully and perfectly, becomes + unmanageable to her, she will wish herself a housemaid or kitchen + girl, rather than a baited, trampled, desolate, distracted governess. + + 'The Governesses' Institution may be an excellent thing in some + points of view, but it is both absurd and cruel to attempt to raise + still higher the standard of acquirements. Already governesses are + not half nor a quarter paid for what they teach, nor in most + instances is half or a quarter of their attainments required by their + pupils. The young teacher's chief anxiety, when she sets out in + life, always is to know a great deal; her chief fear that she should + not know enough. Brief experience will, in most instances, show her + that this anxiety has been misdirected. She will rarely be found too + ignorant for her pupils; the demand on her knowledge will not often + be larger than she can answer. But on her patience--on her + self-control, the requirement will be enormous; on her animal spirits + (and woe be to her if these fail!) the pressure will be immense. + + 'I have seen an ignorant nursery-maid who could scarcely read or + write, by dint of an excellent, serviceable, sanguine, phlegmatic + temperament, which made her at once cheerful and unmoveable; of a + robust constitution and steady, unimpassionable nerves, which kept + her firm under shocks and unharassed under annoyances--manage with + comparative ease a large family of spoilt children, while their + governess lived amongst them a life of inexpressible misery: + tyrannised over, finding her efforts to please and teach utterly + vain, chagrined, distressed, worried--so badgered, so trodden on, + that she ceased almost at last to know herself, and wondered in what + despicable, trembling frame her oppressed mind was prisoned, and + could not realise the idea of ever more being treated with respect + and regarded with affection--till she finally resigned her situation + and went away quite broken in spirit and reduced to the verge of + decline in health. + + 'Those who would urge on governesses more acquirements, do not know + the origin of their chief sufferings. It is more physical and mental + strength, denser moral impassibility that they require, rather than + additional skill in arts or sciences. As to the forcing system, + whether applied to teachers or taught, I hold it to be a cruel + system. + + 'It is true the world demands a brilliant list of accomplishments. + For 20 pounds per annum, it expects in one woman the attainments of + several professors--but the demand is insensate, and I think should + rather be resisted than complied with. If I might plead with you in + behalf of your daughters, I should say, "Do not let them waste their + young lives in trying to attain manifold accomplishments. Let them + try rather to possess thoroughly, fully, one or two talents; then let + them endeavour to lay in a stock of health, strength, cheerfulness. + Let them labour to attain self-control, endurance, fortitude, + firmness; if possible, let them learn from their mother something of + the precious art she possesses--these things, together with sound + principles, will be their best supports, their best aids through a + governess's life. + + 'As for that one who, you say, has a nervous horror of exhibition, I + need not beg you to be gentle with her; I am sure you will not be + harsh, but she must be firm with herself, or she will repent it in + after life. She should begin by degrees to endeavour to overcome her + diffidence. Were she destined to enjoy an independent, easy + existence, she might respect her natural disposition to seek + retirement, and even cherish it as a shade-loving virtue; but since + that is not her lot, since she is fated to make her way in the crowd, + and to depend on herself, she should say: I will try and learn the + art of self-possession, not that I may display my accomplishments, + but that I may have the satisfaction of feeling that I am my own + mistress, and can move and speak undaunted by the fear of man. + While, however, I pen this piece of advice, I confess that it is much + easier to give than to follow. What the sensations of the nervous + are under the gaze of publicity none but the nervous know; and how + powerless reason and resolution are to control them would sound + incredible except to the actual sufferers. + + 'The rumours you mention respecting the authorship of _Jane Eyre_ + amused me inexpressibly. The gossips are, on this subject, just + where I should wish them to be, _i.e._, as far from the truth as + possible; and as they have not a grain of fact to found their + fictions upon, they fabricate pure inventions. Judge Erle must, I + think, have made up his story expressly for a hoax; the other _fib_ + is amazing--so circumstantial! called on the author, forsooth! Where + did he live, I wonder? In what purlieu of Cockayne? Here I must + stop, lest if I run on further I should fill another sheet.--Believe + me, yours sincerely, + + 'CURRER BELL. + + '_P.S._--I must, after all, add a morsel of paper, for I find, on + glancing over yours, that I have forgotten to answer a question you + ask respecting my next work. I have not therein so far treated of + governesses, as I do not wish it to resemble its predecessor. I + often wish to say something about the "condition of women" question, + but it is one respecting which so much "cant" has been talked, that + one feels a sort of repugnance to approach it. It is true enough + that the present market for female labour is quite overstocked, but + where or how could another be opened? Many say that the professions + now filled only by men should be open to women also; but are not + their present occupants and candidates more than numerous enough to + answer every demand? Is there any room for female lawyers, female + doctors, female engravers, for more female artists, more authoresses? + One can see where the evil lies, but who can point out the remedy? + When a woman has a little family to rear and educate and a household + to conduct, her hands are full, her vocation is evident; when her + destiny isolates her, I suppose she must do what she can, live as she + can, complain as little, bear as much, work as well as possible. + This is not high theory, but I believe it is sound practice, good to + put into execution while philosophers and legislators ponder over the + better ordering of the social system. At the same time, I conceive + that when patience has done its utmost and industry its best, whether + in the case of women or operatives, and when both are baffled, and + pain and want triumph, the sufferer is free, is entitled, at last to + send up to Heaven any piercing cry for relief, if by that cry he can + hope to obtain succour.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_June_ 2, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I snatch a moment to write a hasty line to you, for it + makes me uneasy to think that your last kind letter should have + remained so long unanswered. A succession of little engagements, + much more importunate than important, have quite engrossed my time + lately, to the exclusion of more momentous and interesting + occupations. Interruption is a sad bore, and I believe there is + hardly a spot on earth, certainly not in England, quite secure from + its intrusion. The fact is, you cannot live in this world entirely + for one aim; you must take along with some single serious purpose a + hundred little minor duties, cares, distractions; in short, you must + take life as it is, and make the best of it. Summer is decidedly a + bad season for application, especially in the country; for the + sunshine seems to set all your acquaintances astir, and, once bent on + amusement, they will come to the ends of the earth in search thereof. + I was obliged to you for your suggestion about writing a letter to + the _Morning Chronicle_, but I did not follow it up. I think I would + rather not venture on such a step at present. Opinions I would not + hesitate to express to you--because you are indulgent--are not mature + or cool enough for the public; Currer Bell is not Carlyle, and must + not imitate him. + + 'Whenever you can write to me without encroaching too much on your + valuable time, remember I shall always be glad to hear from you. + Your last letter interested me fully as much as its two predecessors; + what you said about your family pleased me; I think details of + character always have a charm even when they relate to people we have + never seen, nor expect to see. With eight children you must have a + busy life; but, from the manner in which you allude to your two + eldest daughters, it is evident that they at least are a source of + satisfaction to their parents; I hope this will be the case with the + whole number, and then you will never feel as if you had too many. A + dozen children with sense and good conduct may be less burdensome + than one who lacks these qualities. It seems a long time since I + heard from you. I shall be glad to hear from you again.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _June_ 15_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Thank you for your two last letters. In reading the + first I quite realised your May holiday; I enjoyed it with you. I + saw the pretty south-of-England village, so different from our + northern congregations of smoke-dark houses clustered round their + soot-vomiting mills. I saw in your description, fertile, flowery + Essex--a contrast indeed to the rough and rude, the mute and sombre + yet well-beloved moors over-spreading this corner of Yorkshire. I + saw the white schoolhouse, the venerable school-master--I even + thought I saw you and your daughters; and in your second letter I see + you all distinctly, for, in describing your children, you + unconsciously describe yourself. + + 'I may well say that your letters are of value to me, for I seldom + receive one but I find something in it which makes me reflect, and + reflect on new themes. Your town life is somewhat different from any + I have known, and your allusions to its advantages, troubles, + pleasures, and struggles are often full of significance to me. + + 'I have always been accustomed to think that the necessity of earning + one's subsistence is not in itself an evil, but I feel it may become + a heavy evil if health fails, if employment lacks, if the demand upon + our efforts made by the weakness of others dependent upon us becomes + greater than our strength suffices to answer. In such a case I can + imagine that the married man may wish himself single again, and that + the married woman, when she sees her husband over-exerting himself to + maintain her and her children, may almost wish--out of the very force + of her affection for him--that it had never been her lot to add to + the weight of his responsibilities. Most desirable then is it that + all, both men and women, should have the power and the will to work + for themselves--most advisable that both sons and daughters should + early be inured to habits of independence and industry. Birds teach + their nestlings to fly as soon as their wings are strong enough, they + even oblige them to quit the nest if they seem too unwilling to trust + their pinions of their own accord. Do not the swallow and the + starling thus give a lesson by which man might profit? + + 'It seems to me that your kind heart is pained by the thought of what + your daughter may suffer if transplanted from a free and indulged + home existence to a life of constraint and labour amongst strangers. + Suffer she probably will; but take both comfort and courage, my dear + sir, try to soothe your anxiety by this thought, which is not a + fallacious one. Hers will not be a barren suffering; she will gain + by it largely; she will "sow in tears to reap in joy." A governess's + experience is frequently indeed bitter, but its results are precious: + the mind, feeling, temper are there subjected to a discipline equally + painful and priceless. I have known many who were unhappy as + governesses, but not one who regretted having undergone the ordeal, + and scarcely one whose character was not improved--at once + strengthened and purified, fortified and softened, made more enduring + for her own afflictions, more considerate for the afflictions of + others, by passing through it. + + 'Should your daughter, however, go out as governess, she should first + take a firm resolution not to be too soon daunted by difficulties, + too soon disgusted by disagreeables; and if she has a high spirit, + sensitive feelings, she should tutor the one to submit, the other to + endure, _for the sake of those at home_. That is the governess's + best talisman of patience, it is the best balm for wounded + susceptibility. When tried hard she must say, "I will be patient, + not out of servility, but because I love my parents, and wish through + my perseverance, diligence, and success, to repay their anxieties and + tenderness for me." With this aid the least-deserved insult may + often be swallowed quite calmly, like a bitter pill with a draught of + fair water. + + 'I think you speak excellent sense when you say that girls without + fortune should be brought up and accustomed to support themselves; + and that if they marry poor men, it should be with a prospect of + being able to help their partners. If all parents thought so, girls + would not be reared on speculation with a view to their making + mercenary marriages; and, consequently, women would not be so + piteously degraded as they now too often are. + + 'Fortuneless people may certainly marry, provided they previously + resolve never to let the consequences of their marriage throw them as + burdens on the hands of their relatives. But as life is full of + unforeseen contingencies, and as a woman may be so placed that she + cannot possibly both "guide the house" and earn her livelihood (what + leisure, for instance, could Mrs. Williams have with her eight + children?), young artists and young governesses should think twice + before they unite their destinies. + + 'You speak sense again when you express a wish that Fanny were placed + in a position where active duties would engage her attention, where + her faculties would be exercised and her mind occupied, and where, I + will add, not doubting that my addition merely completes your + half-approved idea, the image of the young artist would for the + present recede into the background and remain for a few years to come + in modest perspective, the finishing point of a vista stretching a + considerable distance into futurity. Fanny may feel sure of this: if + she intends to be an artist's wife she had better try an + apprenticeship with Fortune as a governess first; she cannot undergo + a better preparation for that honourable (honourable if rightly + considered) but certainly not luxurious destiny. + + 'I should say then--judging as well as I can from the materials for + forming an opinion your letter affords, and from what I can thence + conjecture of Fanny's actual and prospective position--that you would + do well and wisely to put your daughter out. The experiment might do + good and could not do harm, because even if she failed at the first + trial (which is not unlikely) she would still be in some measure + benefited by the effort. + + 'I duly received _Mirabeau_ from Mr. Smith. I must repeat, it is + really _too_ kind. When I have read the book, I will tell you what I + think of it--its subject is interesting. One thing a little annoyed + me--as I glanced over the pages I fancied I detected a savour of + Carlyle's peculiarities of style. Now Carlyle is a great man, but I + always wish he would write plain English; and to imitate his + Germanisms is, I think, to imitate his faults. Is the author of this + work a Manchester man? I must not ask his name, I suppose.--Believe + me, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_June_ 22_nd_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--After reading a book which has both interested and + informed you, you like to be able, on laying it down, to speak of it + with unqualified approbation--to praise it cordially; you do not like + to stint your panegyric, to counteract its effect with blame. + + 'For this reason I feel a little difficulty in telling you what I + think of _The Life of Mirabeau_. It has interested me much, and I + have derived from it additional information. In the course of + reading it, I have often felt called upon to approve the ability and + tact of the writer, to admire the skill with which he conducts the + narrative, enchains the reader's attention, and keeps it fixed upon + his hero; but I have also been moved frequently to disapprobation. + It is not the political principles of the writer with which I find + fault, nor is it his talents I feel inclined to disparage; to speak + truth, it is his manner of treating Mirabeau's errors that + offends--then, I think, he is neither wise nor right--there, I think, + he betrays a little of crudeness, a little of presumption, not a + little of indiscretion. + + 'Could you with confidence put this work into the hands of your son, + secure that its perusal would not harm him, that it would not leave + on his mind some vague impression that there is a grandeur in vice + committed on a colossal scale? Whereas, the fact is, that in vice + there is no grandeur, that it is, on whichever side you view it, and + in whatever accumulation, only a foul, sordid, and degrading thing. + The fact is, that this great Mirabeau was a mixture of divinity and + dirt; that there was no divinity whatever in his errors, they were + all sullying dirt; that they ruined him, brought down his genius to + the kennel, deadened his fine nature and generous sentiments, made + all his greatness as nothing; that they cut him off in his prime, + obviated all his aims, and struck him dead in the hour when France + most needed him. + + 'Mirabeau's life and fate teach, to my perception, the most + depressing lesson I have read for years. One would fain have hoped + that so many noble qualities must have made a noble character and + achieved noble ends. No--the mighty genius lived a miserable and + degraded life, and died a dog's death, for want of self-control, for + want of morality, for lack of religion. One's heart is wrung for + Mirabeau after reading his life; and it is not of his greatness we + think, when we close the volume, so much as of his hopeless + recklessness, and of the sufferings, degradation, and untimely end in + which it issued. It appears to me that the biographer errs also in + being too solicitous to present his hero always in a striking point + of view--too negligent of the exact truth. He eulogises him too + much; he subdues all the other characters mentioned and keeps them in + the shade that Mirabeau may stand out more conspicuously. This, no + doubt, is right in art, and admissible in fiction; but in history + (and biography is the history of an individual) it tends to weaken + the force of a narrative by weakening your faith in its accuracy. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + CHAPTER COFFEE-HOUSE, IVY LANE, + '_July_ 8_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Your invitation is too welcome not to be at once + accepted. I should much like to see Mrs. Williams and her children, + and very much like to have a quiet chat with yourself. Would it suit + you if we came to-morrow, after dinner--say about seven o'clock, and + spent Sunday evening with you? + + 'We shall be truly glad to see you whenever it is convenient to you + to call.--I am, my dear sir, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 13_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--We reached home safely yesterday, and in a day or two + I doubt not we shall get the better of the fatigues of our journey. + + 'It was a somewhat hasty step to hurry up to town as we did, but I do + not regret having taken it. In the first place, mystery is irksome, + and I was glad to shake it off with you and Mr. Smith, and to show + myself to you for what I am, neither more nor less--thus removing any + false expectations that may have arisen under the idea that Currer + Bell had a just claim to the masculine cognomen he, perhaps somewhat + presumptuously, adopted--that he was, in short, of the nobler sex. + + 'I was glad also to see you and Mr. Smith, and am very happy now to + have such pleasant recollections of you both, and of your respective + families. My satisfaction would have been complete could I have seen + Mrs. Williams. The appearance of your children tallied on the whole + accurately with the description you had given of them. Fanny was the + one I saw least distinctly; I tried to get a clear view of her + countenance, but her position in the room did not favour my efforts. + + 'I had just read your article in the _John Bull_; it very clearly and + fully explains the cause of the difference obvious between ancient + and modern paintings. I wish you had been with us when we went over + the Exhibition and the National Gallery; a little explanation from a + judge of art would doubtless have enabled us to understand better + what we saw; perhaps, one day, we may have this pleasure. + + 'Accept my own thanks and my sister's for your kind attention to us + while in town, and--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'CHARLOTTE BRONTE. + + 'I trust Mrs. Williams is quite recovered from her indisposition.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 31_st_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have lately been reading _Modern Painters_, and I + have derived from the work much genuine pleasure and, I hope, some + edification; at any rate, it made me feel how ignorant I had + previously been on the subject which it treats. Hitherto I have only + had instinct to guide me in judging of art; I feel more as if I had + been walking blindfold--this book seems to give me eyes. I _do_ wish + I had pictures within reach by which to test the new sense. Who can + read these glowing descriptions of Turner's works without longing to + see them? However eloquent and convincing the language in which + another's opinion is placed before you, you still wish to judge for + yourself. I like this author's style much: there is both energy and + beauty in it; I like himself too, because he is such a hearty + admirer. He does not give Turner half-measure of praise or + veneration, he eulogises, he reverences him (or rather his genius) + with his whole soul. One can sympathise with that sort of devout, + serious admiration (for he is no rhapsodist)--one can respect it; and + yet possibly many people would laugh at it. I am truly obliged to + Mr. Smith for giving me this book, not having often met with one that + has pleased me more. + + 'You will have seen some of the notices of _Wildfell Hall_. I wish + my sister felt the unfavourable ones less keenly. She does not _say_ + much, for she is of a remarkably taciturn, still, thoughtful nature, + reserved even with her nearest of kin, but I cannot avoid seeing that + her spirits are depressed sometimes. The fact is, neither she nor + any of us expected that view to be taken of the book which has been + taken by some critics. That it had faults of execution, faults of + art, was obvious, but faults of intention or feeling could be + suspected by none who knew the writer. For my own part, I consider + the subject unfortunately chosen--it was one the author was not + qualified to handle at once vigorously and truthfully. The simple + and natural--quiet description and simple pathos are, I think, Acton + Bell's forte. I liked _Agnes Grey_ better than the present work. + + 'Permit me to caution you not to speak of my sisters when you write + to me. I mean, do not use the word in the plural. Ellis Bell will + not endure to be alluded to under any other appellation than the _nom + de plume_. I committed a grand error in betraying his identity to + you and Mr. Smith. It was inadvertent--the words, "we are three + sisters" escaped me before I was aware. I regretted the avowal the + moment I had made it; I regret it bitterly now, for I find it is + against every feeling and intention of Ellis Bell. + + 'I was greatly amused to see in the _Examiner_ of this week one of + Newby's little cobwebs neatly swept away by some dexterous brush. If + Newby is not too old to profit by experience, such an exposure ought + to teach him that "Honesty is indeed the best policy." + + 'Your letter has just been brought to me. I must not pause to thank + you, I should say too much. Our life is, and always has been, one of + few pleasures, as you seem in part to guess, and for that reason we + feel what passages of enjoyment come in our way very keenly; and I + think if you knew _how_ pleased I am to get a long letter from you, + you would laugh at me. + + 'In return, however, I smile at you for the earnestness with which + you urge on us the propriety of seeing something of London society. + There would be an advantage in it--a great advantage; yet it is one + that no power on earth could induce Ellis Bell, for instance, to + avail himself of. And even for Acton and Currer, the experiment of + an introduction to society would be more formidable than you, + probably, can well imagine. An existence of absolute seclusion and + unvarying monotony, such as we have long--I may say, indeed, + ever--been habituated to, tends, I fear, to unfit the mind for lively + and exciting scenes, to destroy the capacity for social enjoyment. + + 'The only glimpses of society I have ever had were obtained in my + vocation of governess, and some of the most miserable moments I can + recall were passed in drawing-rooms full of strange faces. At such + times, my animal spirits would ebb gradually till they sank quite + away, and when I could endure the sense of exhaustion and solitude no + longer, I used to steal off, too glad to find any corner where I + could really be alone. Still, I know very well, that though that + experiment of seeing the world might give acute pain for the time, it + would do good afterwards; and as I have never, that I remember, + gained any important good without incurring proportionate suffering, + I mean to try to take your advice some day, in part at least--to put + off, if possible, that troublesome egotism which is always judging + and blaming itself, and to try, country spinster as I am, to get a + view of some sphere where civilised humanity is to be contemplated. + + 'I smile at you again for supposing that I could be annoyed by what + you say respecting your religious and philosophical views; that I + could blame you for not being able, when you look amongst sects and + creeds, to discover any one which you can exclusively and implicitly + adopt as yours. I perceive myself that some light falls on earth + from Heaven--that some rays from the shrine of truth pierce the + darkness of this life and world; but they are few, faint, and + scattered, and who without presumption can assert that he has found + the _only_ true path upwards? + + 'Yet ignorance, weakness, or indiscretion, must have their creeds and + forms; they must have their props--they cannot walk alone. Let them + hold by what is purest in doctrine and simplest in ritual; + _something_, they _must_ have. + + 'I never read Emerson; but the book which has had so healing an + effect on your mind must be a good one. Very enviable is the writer + whose words have fallen like a gentle rain on a soil that so needed + and merited refreshment, whose influence has come like a genial + breeze to lift a spirit which circumstances seem so harshly to have + trampled. Emerson, if he has cheered you, has not written in vain. + + 'May this feeling of self-reconcilement, of inward peace and + strength, continue! May you still be lenient with, be just to, + yourself! I will not praise nor flatter you, I should hate to pay + those enervating compliments which tend to check the exertions of a + mind that aspires after excellence; but I must permit myself to + remark that if you had not something good and superior in you, + something better, whether more _showy_ or not, than is often met + with, the assurance of your friendship would not make one so happy as + it does; nor would the advantage of your correspondence be felt as + such a privilege. + + 'I hope Mrs. Williams's state of health may soon improve and her + anxieties lessen. Blameable indeed are those who sow division where + there ought to be peace, and especially deserving of the ban of + society. + + 'I thank both you and your family for keeping our secret. It will + indeed be a kindness to us to persevere in doing so; and I own I have + a certain confidence in the honourable discretion of a household of + which you are the head.--Believe me, yours very sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 18_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Not feeling competent this evening either for study or + serious composition, I will console myself with writing to you. My + malady, which the doctors call a bilious fever, lingers, or rather it + returns with each sudden change of weather, though I am thankful to + say that the relapses have hitherto been much milder than the first + attack; but they keep me weak and reduced, especially as I am obliged + to observe a very low spare diet. + + 'My book, alas! is laid aside for the present; both head and hand + seem to have lost their cunning; imagination is pale, stagnant, mute. + This incapacity chagrins me; sometimes I have a feeling of cankering + care on the subject, but I combat it as well as I can; it does no + good. + + 'I am afraid I shall not write a cheerful letter to you. A letter, + however, of some kind I am determined to write, for I should be sorry + to appear a neglectful correspondent to one from whose communications + I have derived, and still derive, so much pleasure. Do not talk + about not being on a level with Currer Bell, or regard him as "an + awful person"; if you saw him now, sitting muffled at the fireside, + shrinking before the east wind (which for some days has been blowing + wild and keen over our cold hills), and incapable of lifting a pen + for any less formidable task than that of writing a few lines to an + indulgent friend, you would be sorry not to deem yourself greatly his + superior, for you would feel him to be a poor creature. + + 'You may be sure I read your views on the providence of God and the + nature of man with interest. You are already aware that in much of + what you say my opinions coincide with those you express, and where + they differ I shall not attempt to bias you. Thought and conscience + are, or ought to be, free; and, at any rate, if your views were + universally adopted there would be no persecution, no bigotry. But + never try to proselytise, the world is not yet fit to receive what + you and Emerson say: man, as he now is, can no more do without creeds + and forms in religion than he can do without laws and rules in social + intercourse. You and Emerson judge others by yourselves; all mankind + are not like you, any more than every Israelite was like Nathaniel. + + '"Is there a human being," you ask, "so depraved that an act of + kindness will not touch--nay, a word melt him?" There are hundreds + of human beings who trample on acts of kindness and mock at words of + affection. I know this though I have seen but little of the world. + I suppose I have something harsher in my nature than you have, + something which every now and then tells me dreary secrets about my + race, and I cannot believe the voice of the Optimist, charm he never + so wisely. On the other hand, I feel forced to listen when a + Thackeray speaks. I know truth is delivering her oracles by his + lips. + + 'As to the great, good, magnanimous acts which have been performed by + some men, we trace them up to motives and then estimate their value; + a few, perhaps, would gain and many lose by this test. The study of + motives is a strange one, not to be pursued too far by one fallible + human being in reference to his fellows. + + 'Do not condemn me as uncharitable. I have no wish to urge my + convictions on you, but I know that while there are many good, + sincere, gentle people in the world, with whom kindness is + all-powerful, there are also not a few like that false friend (I had + almost written _fiend_) whom you so well and vividly described in one + of your late letters, and who, in acting out his part of domestic + traitor, must often have turned benefits into weapons wherewith to + wound his benefactors.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 2_nd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--My critics truly deserve and have my genuine thanks + for the friendly candour with which they have declared their opinions + on my book. Both Mr. Williams and Mr. Taylor express and support + their opinions in a manner calculated to command careful + consideration. In my turn I have a word to say. You both of you + dwell too much on what you regard as the _artistic_ treatment of a + subject. Say what you will, gentlemen--say it as ably as you + will--truth is better than art. Burns' Songs are better than + Bulwer's Epics. Thackeray's rude, careless sketches are preferable + to thousands of carefully finished paintings. Ignorant as I am, I + dare to hold and maintain that doctrine. + + 'You must not expect me to give up Malone and Donne too suddenly--the + pair are favourites with me; they shine with a chastened and pleasing + lustre in that first chapter, and it is a pity you do not take + pleasure in their modest twinkle. Neither is that opening scene + irrelevant to the rest of the book, there are other touches in store + which will harmonise with it. + + 'No doubt this handling of the surplice will stir up such + publications as the _Christian Remembrancer_ and the + _Quarterly_--those heavy Goliaths of the periodical press; and if I + alone were concerned, this possibility would not trouble me a second. + Full welcome would the giants be to stand in their greaves of brass, + poising their ponderous spears, cursing their prey by their gods, and + thundering invitations to the intended victim to "come forth" and + have his flesh given to the fowls of the air and the beasts of the + field. Currer Bell, without pretending to be a David, feels no awe + of the unwieldy Anakim; but--comprehend me rightly, gentlemen--it + would grieve him to involve others in blame: any censure that would + really injure and annoy his publishers would wound himself. + Therefore believe that he will not act rashly--trust his discretion. + + 'Mr. Taylor is right about the bad taste of the opening + apostrophe--that I had already condemned in my own mind. Enough said + of a work in embryo. Permit me to request in conclusion that the MS. + may now be returned as soon as convenient. + + 'The letter you inclosed is from Mary Howitt. It contained a + proposal for an engagement as contributor to an American periodical. + Of course I have negatived it. When I _can_ write, the book I have + in hand must claim all my attention. Oh! if Anne were well, if the + void Death has left were a little closed up, if the dreary word + _nevermore_ would cease sounding in my ears, I think I could yet do + something. + + 'It is a long time since you mentioned your own family affairs. I + trust Mrs. Williams continues well, and that Fanny and your other + children prosper.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_July_ 3_rd_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--You do right to address me on subjects which compel + me, in order to give a coherent answer, to quit for a moment my + habitual train of thought. The mention of your healthy-living + daughters reminds me of the world where other people live--where I + lived once. Theirs are cheerful images as you present them--I have + no wish to shut them out. + + 'From all you say of Ellen, the eldest, I am inclined to respect her + much. I like practical sense which works to the good of others. I + esteem a dutiful daughter who makes her parents happy. + + 'Fanny's character I would take on second hand from nobody, least of + all from her kind father, whose estimate of human nature in general + inclines rather to what _ought_ to be than to what _is_. Of Fanny I + would judge for myself, and that not hastily nor on first + impressions. + + 'I am glad to hear that Louisa has a chance of a presentation to + Queen's College. I hope she will succeed. Do not, my dear sir, be + indifferent--be earnest about it. Come what may afterwards, an + education secured is an advantage gained--a priceless advantage. + Come what may, it is a step towards independency, and one great curse + of a single female life is its dependency. It does credit both to + Louisa's heart and head that she herself wishes to get this + presentation. Encourage her in the wish. Your daughters--no more + than your sons--should be a burden on your hands. Your daughters--as + much as your sons--should aim at making their way honourably through + life. Do not wish to keep them at home. Believe me, teachers may be + hard-worked, ill-paid, and despised, but the girl who stays at home + doing nothing is worse off than the hardest-wrought and worst-paid + drudge of a school. Whenever I have seen, not merely in humble, but + in affluent homes, families of daughters sitting waiting to be + married, I have pitied them from my heart. It is doubtless + well--very well--if Fate decrees them a happy marriage; but, if + otherwise, give their existence some object, their time some + occupation, or the peevishness of disappointment and the listlessness + of idleness will infallibly degrade their nature. + + 'Should Louisa eventually go out as a governess, do not be uneasy + respecting her lot. The sketch you give of her character leads me to + think she has a better chance of happiness than one in a hundred of + her sisterhood. Of pleasing exterior (that is always an + advantage--children like it), good sense, obliging disposition, + cheerful, healthy, possessing a good average capacity, but no + prominent master talent to make her miserable by its cravings for + exercise, by its mutiny under restraint--Louisa thus endowed will + find the post of governess comparatively easy. If she be like her + mother--as you say she is--and if, consequently, she is fond of + children, and possesses tact for managing them, their care is her + natural vocation--she ought to be a governess. + + 'Your sketch of Braxborne, as it is and as it was, is sadly pleasing. + I remember your first picture of it in a letter written a year + ago--only a year ago. I was in this room--where I now am--when I + received it. I was not alone then. In those days your letters often + served as a text for comment--a theme for talk; now, I read them, + return them to their covers and put them away. Johnson, I think, + makes mournful mention somewhere of the pleasure that accrues when we + are "solitary and cannot impart it." Thoughts, under such + circumstances, cannot grow to words, impulses fail to ripen to + actions. + + 'Lonely as I am, how should I be if Providence had never given me + courage to adopt a career--perseverance to plead through two long, + weary years with publishers till they admitted me? How should I be + with youth past, sisters lost, a resident in a moorland parish where + there is not a single educated family? In that case I should have no + world at all: the raven, weary of surveying the deluge, and without + an ark to return to, would be my type. As it is, something like a + hope and motive sustains me still. I wish all your daughters--I wish + every woman in England, had also a hope and motive. Alas! there are + many old maids who have neither.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_July_ 26_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I must rouse myself to write a line to you, lest a + more protracted silence should seem strange. + + 'Truly glad was I to hear of your daughter's success. I trust its + results may conduce to the permanent advantage both of herself and + her parents. + + 'Of still more importance than your children's education is your + wife's health, and therefore it is still more gratifying to learn + that your anxiety on that account is likely to be alleviated. For + her own sake, no less than for that of others, it is to be hoped that + she is now secured from a recurrence of her painful and dangerous + attacks. It was pleasing, too, to hear of good qualities being + developed in the daughters by the mother's danger. May your girls + always so act as to justify their father's kind estimate of their + characters; may they never do what might disappoint or grieve him. + + 'Your suggestion relative to myself is a good one in some respects, + but there are two persons whom it would not suit; and not the least + incommoded of these would be the young person whom I might request to + come and bury herself in the hills of Haworth, to take a church and + stony churchyard for her prospect, the dead silence of a village + parsonage--in which the tick of the clock is heard all day long--for + her atmosphere, and a grave, silent spinster for her companion. I + should not like to see youth thus immured. The hush and gloom of our + house would be more oppressive to a buoyant than to a subdued spirit. + The fact is, my work is my best companion; hereafter I look for no + great earthly comfort except what congenial occupation can give. For + society, long seclusion has in a great measure unfitted me, I doubt + whether I should enjoy it if I might have it. Sometimes I think I + should, and I thirst for it; but at other times I doubt my capability + of pleasing or deriving pleasure. The prisoner in solitary + confinement, the toad in the block of marble, all in time shape + themselves to their lot.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_September_ 13_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I want to know your opinion of the subject of this + proof-sheet. Mr. Taylor censured it; he considers as defective all + that portion which relates to Shirley's nervousness--the bite of the + dog, etc. How did it strike you on reading it? + + 'I ask this though I well know it cannot now be altered. I can work + indefatigably at the correction of a work before it leaves my hands, + but when once I have looked on it as completed and submitted to the + inspection of others, it becomes next to impossible to alter or + amend. With the heavy suspicion on my mind that all may not be + right, I yet feel forced to put up with the inevitably wrong. + + 'Reading has, of late, been my great solace and recreation. I have + read J. C. Hare's _Guesses at Truth_, a book containing things that + in depth and far-sought wisdom sometimes recall the _Thoughts_ of + Pascal, only it is as the light of the moon recalls that of the sun. + + 'I have read with pleasure a little book on _English Social Life_ by + the wife of Archbishop Whately. Good and intelligent women write + well on such subjects. This lady speaks of governesses. I was + struck by the contrast offered in her manner of treating the topic to + that of Miss Rigby in the _Quarterly_. How much finer the + feeling--how much truer the feeling--how much more delicate the mind + here revealed! + + 'I have read _David Copperfield_; it seems to me very good--admirable + in some parts. You said it had affinity to _Jane Eyre_. It has, now + and then--only what an advantage has Dickens in his varied knowledge + of men and things! I am beginning to read Eckermann's _Goethe_--it + promises to be a most interesting work. Honest, simple, + single-minded Eckermann! Great, powerful, giant-souled, but also + profoundly egotistical, old Johann Wolfgang von Goethe! He _was_ a + mighty egotist--I see he was: he thought no more of swallowing up + poor Eckermann's existence in his own than the whale thought of + swallowing Jonah. + + 'The worst of reading graphic accounts of such men, of seeing graphic + pictures of the scenes, the society, in which they moved, is that it + excites a too tormenting longing to look on the reality. But does + such reality now exist? Amidst all the troubled waters of European + society does such a vast, strong, selfish, old Leviathan now roll + ponderous! I suppose not.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 19_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--The books came yesterday evening just as I was wishing + for them very much. There is much interest for me in opening the + Cornhill parcel. I wish there was not pain too--but so it is. As I + untie the cords and take out the volumes, I am reminded of those who + once on similar occasions looked on eagerly; I miss familiar voices + commenting mirthfully and pleasantly; the room seems very still, very + empty; but yet there is consolation in remembering that papa will + take pleasure in some of the books. Happiness quite unshared can + scarcely be called happiness--it has no taste. + + 'I hope Mrs. Williams continues well, and that she is beginning to + regain composure after the shock of her recent bereavement. She has + indeed sustained a loss for which there is no substitute. But rich + as she still is in objects for her best affections, I trust the void + will not be long or severely felt. She must think, not of what she + has lost, but of what she possesses. With eight fine children, how + can she ever be poor or solitary!--Believe me, dear sir, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 12_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I own I was glad to receive your assurance that the + Calcutta paper's surmise was unfounded. {398} It is said that when + we _wish_ a thing to be true, we are prone to believe it true; but I + think (judging from myself) we adopt with a still prompter credulity + the rumour which shocks. + + 'It is very kind in Dr. Forbes to give me his book. I hope Mr. Smith + will have the goodness to convey my thanks for the present. You can + keep it to send with the next parcel, or perhaps I may be in London + myself before May is over. That invitation I mentioned in a previous + letter is still urged upon me, and well as I know what penance its + acceptance would entail in some points, I also know the advantage it + would bring in others. My conscience tells me it would be the act of + a moral poltroon to let the fear of suffering stand in the way of + improvement. But suffer I shall. No matter. + + 'The perusal of _Southey's Life_ has lately afforded me much + pleasure. The autobiography with which it commences is deeply + interesting, and the letters which follow are scarcely less so, + disclosing as they do a character most estimable in its integrity and + a nature most amiable in its benevolence, as well as a mind admirable + in its talent. Some people assert that genius is inconsistent with + domestic happiness, and yet Southey was happy at home and made his + home happy; he not only loved his wife and children _though_ he was a + poet, but he loved them the better _because_ he was a poet. He seems + to have been without taint of worldliness. London with its pomps and + vanities, learned coteries with their dry pedantry, rather scared + than attracted him. He found his prime glory in his genius, and his + chief felicity in home affections. I like Southey. + + 'I have likewise read one of Miss Austen's works--_Emma_--read it + with interest and with just the degree of admiration which Miss + Austen herself would have thought sensible and suitable. Anything + like warmth or enthusiasm--anything energetic, poignant, heart-felt + is utterly out of place in commending these works: all such + demonstration the authoress would have met with a well-bred sneer, + would have calmly scorned as _outre_ and extravagant. She does her + business of delineating the surface of the lives of genteel English + people curiously well. There is a Chinese fidelity, a miniature + delicacy in the painting. She ruffles her reader by nothing + vehement, disturbs him by nothing profound. The passions are + perfectly unknown to her; she rejects even a speaking acquaintance + with that stormy sisterhood. Even to the feelings she vouchsafes no + more than an occasional graceful but distant recognition--too + frequent converse with them would ruffle the smooth elegance of her + progress. Her business is not half so much with the human heart as + with the human eyes, mouth, hands, and feet. What sees keenly, + speaks aptly, moves flexibly, it suits her to study; but what throbs + fast and full, though hidden, what the blood rushes through, what is + the unseen seat of life and the sentient target of death--this Miss + Austen ignores. She no more, with her mind's eye, beholds the heart + of her race than each man, with bodily vision, sees the heart in his + heaving breast. Jane Austen was a complete and most sensible lady, + but a very incomplete and rather insensible (_not senseless_) woman. + If this is heresy, I cannot help it. If I said it to some people + (Lewes for instance) they would directly accuse me of advocating + exaggerated heroics, but I am not afraid of your falling into any + such vulgar error.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 9_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have read Lord John Russell's letter with very great + zest and relish, and think him a spirited sensible little man for + writing it. He makes no old-womanish outcry of alarm and expresses + no exaggerated wrath. One of the best paragraphs is that which + refers to the Bishop of London and the Puseyites. Oh! I wish Dr. + Arnold were yet living, or that a second Dr. Arnold could be found! + Were there but ten such men amongst the hierarchs of the Church of + England she might bid defiance to all the scarlet hats and stockings + in the Pope's gift. Her sanctuaries would be purified, her rites + reformed, her withered veins would swell again with vital sap; but it + is not so. + + 'It is well that _truth_ is _indestructible_--that ruin cannot crush + nor fire annihilate her divine essence. While forms change and + institutions perish, "_truth_ is great and shall prevail." + + 'I am truly glad to hear that Miss Kavanagh's health is improved. + You can send her book whenever it is most convenient. I received + from Cornhill the other day a periodical containing a portrait of + Jenny Lind--a sweet, natural, innocent peasant-girl face, curiously + contrasted with an artificial fine-lady dress. I _do_ like and + esteem Jenny's character. Yet not long since I heard her torn to + pieces by the tongue of detraction--scarcely a virtue left--twenty + odious defects imputed. + + 'There was likewise a most faithful portrait of R. H. Home, with his + imaginative forehead and somewhat foolish-looking mouth and chin, + indicating that mixed character which I should think he owns. Mr. + Home writes well. That tragedy on the _Death of Marlowe_ reminds me + of some of the best of Dumas' dramatic pieces.--Yours very sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I sent yesterday the _Leader_ newspaper, which you must + always send to Hunsworth as soon as you have done with it. I will + continue to forward it as long as I get it. + + 'I am trying a little Hydropathic treatment; I like it, and I think + it has done me good. Inclosed is a letter received a few days since. + I wish you to read it because it gives a very fair notion both of the + disposition and mind; read, return, and tell me what you think of it. + + 'Thackeray has given dreadful trouble by his want of punctuality. + Mr. Williams says if he had not been helped out with the vigour, + energy, and method of Mr. Smith, he must have sunk under the day and + night labour of the last few weeks. + + 'Write soon. + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_July_ 21_st_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I delayed answering your very interesting letter until + the box should have reached me; and now that it is come I can only + acknowledge its arrival: I cannot say at all what I felt as I + unpacked its contents. These Cornhill parcels have something of the + magic charm of a fairy gift about them, as well as of the less + poetical but more substantial pleasure of a box from home received at + school. You have sent me this time even more books than usual, and + all good. + + 'What shall I say about the twenty numbers of splendid engravings + laid cozily at the bottom? The whole Vernon Gallery brought to one's + fireside! Indeed, indeed I can say nothing, except that I will take + care, and keep them clean, and send them back uninjured.--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 6_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have true pleasure in inclosing for your son Frank a + letter of introduction to Mrs. Gaskell, and earnestly do I trust the + acquaintance may tend to his good. To make all sure--for I dislike + to go on doubtful grounds--I wrote to ask her if she would permit the + introduction. Her frank, kind answer pleased me greatly. + + 'I have received the books. I hope to write again when I have read + _The Fair Carew_. The very title augurs well--it has no hackneyed + sound.--Believe me, sincerely yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 28_th_, 1853. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--The box of books arrived safely yesterday evening, and + I feel especially obliged for the selection, as it includes several + that will be acceptable and interesting to my father. + + 'I despatch to-day a box of return books. Among them will be found + two or three of those just sent, being such as I had read + before--_i.e._, Moore's _Life and Correspondence_, 1st and 2nd vols.; + Lamartine's _Restoration of the Monarchy_, etc. I have thought of + you more than once during the late bright weather, knowing how genial + you find warmth and sunshine. I trust it has brought this season its + usual cheering and beneficial effect. Remember me kindly to Mrs. + Williams and her daughters, and,--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 6_th_, 1853. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I forwarded last week a box of return books to + Cornhill, which I trust arrived safely. To-day I received the + _Edinburgh Guardian_, {402} for which I thank you. + + 'Do not trouble yourself to select or send any more books. These + courtesies must cease some day, and I would rather give them up than + wear them out.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + + + +CHAPTER XV: WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY + + +The devotion of Charlotte Bronte to Thackeray, or rather to Thackeray's +genius, is a pleasant episode in literary history. In 1848 he sent Miss +Bronte, as we have seen, a copy of _Vanity Fair_. In 1852 he sent her a +copy of _Esmond_, with the more cordial inscription which came of +friendship. + + [Picture: Second Thackeray Inscription] + +The second edition of _Jane Eyre_ was dedicated to him as possessed of +'an intellect profounder and more unique than his contemporaries have yet +recognised,' and as 'the first social regenerator of the day.' And when +Currer Bell was dead, it was Thackeray who wrote by far the most eloquent +tribute to her memory. When a copy of Lawrence's portrait of Thackeray +{403} was sent to Haworth by Mr. George Smith, Charlotte Bronte stood in +front of it and, half playfully, half seriously, shook her fist, +apostrophising its original as 'Thou Titan!' + +With all this hero-worship, it may be imagined that no favourable +criticism gave her more unqualified pleasure than that which came from +her 'master,' as she was not indisposed to consider one who was only +seven years her senior, and whose best books were practically +contemporaneous with her own. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _October_ 28_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--Your last letter was very pleasant to me to read, and is + very cheering to reflect on. I feel honoured in being approved by + Mr. Thackeray, because I approve Mr. Thackeray. This may sound + presumptuous perhaps, but I mean that I have long recognised in his + writings genuine talent, such as I admired, such as I wondered at and + delighted in. No author seems to distinguish so exquisitely as he + does dross from ore, the real from the counterfeit. I believed too + he had deep and true feelings under his seeming sternness. Now I am + sure he has. One good word from such a man is worth pages of praise + from ordinary judges. + + 'You are right in having faith in the reality of Helen Burns's + character; she was real enough. I have exaggerated nothing there. I + abstained from recording much that I remember respecting her, lest + the narrative should sound incredible. Knowing this, I could not but + smile at the quiet self-complacent dogmatism with which one of the + journals lays it down that "such creations as Helen Burns are very + beautiful but very untrue." + + 'The plot of _Jane Eyre_ may be a hackneyed one. Mr. Thackeray + remarks that it is familiar to him. But having read comparatively + few novels, I never chanced to meet with it, and I thought it + original. The work referred to by the critic of the _Athenaeum_, I + had not had the good fortune to hear of. + + 'The _Weekly Chronicle_ seems inclined to identify me with Mrs. + Marsh. I never had the pleasure of perusing a line of Mrs. Marsh's + in my life, but I wish very much to read her works, and shall profit + by the first opportunity of doing so. I hope I shall not find I have + been an unconscious imitator. + + 'I would still endeavour to keep my expectations low respecting the + ultimate success of _Jane Eyre_. But my desire that it should + succeed augments, for you have taken much trouble about the work, and + it would grieve me seriously if your active efforts should be baffled + and your sanguine hopes disappointed. Excuse me if I again remark + that I fear they are rather _too_ sanguine; it would be better to + moderate them. What will the critics of the monthly reviews and + magazines be likely to see in _Jane Eyre_ (if indeed they deign to + read it), which will win from them even a stinted modicum of + approbation? It has no learning, no research, it discusses no + subject of public interest. A mere domestic novel will, I fear, seem + trivial to men of large views and solid attainments. + + 'Still, efforts so energetic and indefatigable as yours ought to + realise a result in some degree favourable, and I trust they will.--I + remain, dear sir, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL. + + '_October_ 28_th_, 1847. + + 'I have just received the _Tablet_ and the _Morning Advertiser_. + Neither paper seems inimical to the book, but I see it produces a + very different effect on different natures. I was amused at the + analysis in the _Tablet_, it is oddly expressed in some parts. I + think the critic did not always seize my meaning; he speaks, for + instance, of "Jane's inconceivable alarm at Mr. Rochester's repelling + manner." I do not remember that.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_December_ 11_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I have delayed writing to you in the hope that the parcel + you sent would reach me; but after making due inquiries at the + Keighley, Bradford, and Leeds Stations and obtaining no news of it, I + must conclude that it has been lost. + + 'However, I have contrived to get a sight of _Fraser's Magazine_ from + another quarter, so that I have only to regret Mr. Home's kind + present. Will you thank that gentleman for me when you see him, and + tell him that the railroad is to blame for my not having acknowledged + his courtesy before? + + 'Mr. Lewes is very lenient: I anticipated a degree of severity which + he has spared me. This notice differs from all the other notices. + He must be a man of no ordinary mind: there is a strange sagacity + evinced in some of his remarks; yet he is not always right. I am + afraid if he knew how much I write from intuition, how little from + actual knowledge, he would think me presumptuous ever to have written + at all. I am sure such would be his opinion if he knew the narrow + bounds of my attainments, the limited scope of my reading. + + 'There are moments when I can hardly credit that anything I have done + should be found worthy to give even transitory pleasure to such men + as Mr. Thackeray, Sir John Herschel, Mr. Fonblanque, Leigh Hunt, and + Mr. Lewes--that my humble efforts should have had such a result is a + noble reward. + + 'I was glad and proud to get the bank bill Mr. Smith sent me + yesterday, but I hardly ever felt delight equal to that which cheered + me when I received your letter containing an extract from a note by + Mr. Thackeray, in which he expressed himself gratified with the + perusal of _Jane Eyre_. Mr. Thackeray is a keen ruthless satirist. + I had never perused his writings but with blended feelings of + admiration and indignation. Critics, it appears to me, do not know + what an intellectual boa-constrictor he is. They call him + "humorous," "brilliant"--his is a most scalping humour, a most deadly + brilliancy: he does not play with his prey, he coils round it and + crushes it in his rings. He seems terribly in earnest in his war + against the falsehood and follies of "the world." I often wonder + what that "world" thinks of him. I should think the faults of such a + man would be distrust of anything good in human nature--galling + suspicion of bad motives lurking behind good actions. Are these his + failings? + + 'They are, at any rate, the failings of his written sentiments, for + he cannot find in his heart to represent either man or woman as at + once good and wise. Does he not too much confound benevolence with + weakness and wisdom with mere craft? + + 'But I must not intrude on your time by too long a letter.--Believe + me, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL. + + 'I have received the _Sheffield Iris_, the _Bradford Observer_, the + _Guardian_, the _Newcastle Guardian_, and the _Sunday Times_ since + you wrote. The contrast between the notices in the two last named + papers made me smile. The _Sunday Times_ almost denounces _Jane + Eyre_ as something very reprehensible and obnoxious, whereas the + _Newcastle Guardian_ seems to think it a mild potion which may be + "safely administered to the most delicate invalid." I suppose the + public must decide when critics disagree.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 23_rd_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I am glad that you and Messrs. Smith & Elder approve the + second preface. + + 'I send an errata of the first volume, and part of the second. I + will send the rest of the corrections as soon as possible. + + 'Will the inclosed dedication suffice? I have made it brief, because + I wished to avoid any appearance of pomposity or pretension. + + 'The notice in the _Church of England Journal_ gratified me much, and + chiefly because it _was_ the _Church of England Journal_. Whatever + such critics as he of the _Mirror_ may say, I love the Church of + England. Her ministers, indeed, I do not regard as infallible + personages, I have seen too much of them for that, but to the + Establishment, with all her faults--the profane Athanasian creed + _ex_cluded--I am sincerely attached. + + 'Is the forthcoming critique on Mr. Thackeray's writings in the + _Edinburgh Review_ written by Mr. Lewes? I hope it is. Mr. Lewes, + with his penetrating sagacity and fine acumen, ought to be able to do + the author of _Vanity Fair_ justice. Only he must not bring him down + to the level of Fielding--he is far, far above Fielding. It appears + to me that Fielding's style is arid, and his views of life and human + nature coarse, compared with Thackeray's. + + 'With many thanks for your kind wishes, and a cordial reciprocation + of them,--I remain, dear sir, yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL. + + 'On glancing over this scrawl, I find it so illegibly written that I + fear you will hardly be able to decipher it; but the cold is partly + to blame for this--my fingers are numb.' + +The dedication here referred to is that to Thackeray. People had been +already suggesting that the book might have been written by Thackeray +under a pseudonym; others had implied, knowing that there was 'something +about a woman' in Thackeray's life, that it was written by a mistress of +the great novelist. Indeed, the _Quarterly_ had half hinted as much. +Currer Bell, knowing nothing of the gossip of London, had dedicated her +book in single-minded enthusiasm. Her distress was keen when it was +revealed to her that the wife of Mr. Thackeray, like the wife of +Rochester in _Jane Eyre_, was of unsound mind. However, a correspondence +with him would seem to have ended amicably enough. {408} + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 28_th_, 1848. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I need not tell you that when I saw Mr. Thackeray's + letter inclosed under your cover, the sight made me very happy. It + was some time before I dared open it, lest my pleasure in receiving + it should be mixed with pain on learning its contents--lest, in + short, the dedication should have been, in some way, unacceptable to + him. + + 'And, to tell you the truth, I fear this must have been the case; he + does not say so, his letter is most friendly in its noble simplicity, + but he apprises me, at the commencement, of a circumstance which both + surprised and dismayed me. + + 'I suppose it is no indiscretion to tell you this circumstance, for + you doubtless know it already. It appears that his private position + is in some points similar to that I have ascribed to Mr. Rochester; + that thence arose a report that _Jane Eyre_ had been written by a + governess in his family, and that the dedication coming now has + confirmed everybody in the surmise. + + 'Well may it be said that fact is often stranger than fiction! The + coincidence struck me as equally unfortunate and extraordinary. Of + course I knew nothing whatever of Mr. Thackeray's domestic concerns, + he existed for me only as an author. Of all regarding his + personality, station, connections, private history, I was, and am + still in a great measure, totally in the dark; but I am _very very_ + sorry that my inadvertent blunder should have made his name and + affairs a subject for common gossip. + + 'The very fact of his not complaining at all and addressing me with + such kindness, notwithstanding the pain and annoyance I must have + caused him, increases my chagrin. I could not half express my regret + to him in my answer, for I was restrained by the consciousness that + that regret was just worth nothing at all--quite valueless for + healing the mischief I had done. + + 'Can you tell me anything more on this subject? or can you guess in + what degree the unlucky coincidence would affect him--whether it + would pain him much and deeply; for he says so little himself on the + topic, I am at a loss to divine the exact truth--but I fear. + + 'Do not think, my dear sir, from my silence respecting the advice you + have, at different times, given me for my future literary guidance, + that I am heedless of, or indifferent to, your kindness. I keep your + letters and not unfrequently refer to them. Circumstances may render + it impracticable for me to act up to the letter of what you counsel, + but I think I comprehend the spirit of your precepts, and trust I + shall be able to profit thereby. Details, situations which I do not + understand and cannot personally inspect, I would not for the world + meddle with, lest I should make even a more ridiculous mess of the + matter than Mrs. Trollope did in her _Factory Boy_. Besides, not one + feeling on any subject, public or private, will I ever affect that I + do not really experience. Yet though I must limit my sympathies; + though my observation cannot penetrate where the very deepest + political and social truths are to be learnt; though many doors of + knowledge which are open for you are for ever shut for me; though I + must guess and calculate and grope my way in the dark, and come to + uncertain conclusions unaided and alone where such writers as Dickens + and Thackeray, having access to the shrine and image of Truth, have + only to go into the temple, lift the veil a moment, and come out and + say what they have seen--yet with every disadvantage, I mean still, + in my own contracted way, to do my best. Imperfect my best will be, + and poor, and compared with the works of the true masters--of that + greatest modern master Thackeray in especial (for it is him I at + heart reverence with all my strength)--it will be trifling, but I + trust not affected or counterfeit.--Believe me, my dear sir, yours + with regard and respect, + + 'CURRER BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 29_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--The notice from the _Church of England Quarterly + Review_ is not on the whole a bad one. True, it condemns the + tendency of _Jane Eyre_, and seems to think Mr. Rochester should have + been represented as going through the mystic process of + "regeneration" before any respectable person could have consented to + believe his contrition for his past errors sincere; true, also, that + it casts a doubt on Jane's creed, and leaves it doubtful whether she + was Hindoo, Mahommedan, or infidel. But notwithstanding these + eccentricities, it is a conscientious notice, very unlike that in the + _Mirror_, for instance, which seemed the result of a feeble sort of + spite, whereas this is the critic's real opinion: some of the ethical + and theological notions are not according to his system, and he + disapproves of them. + + 'I am glad to hear that Mr. Lewes's new work is soon to appear, and + pleased also to learn that Messrs. Smith & Elder are the publishers. + Mr. Lewes mentioned in the last note I received from him that he had + just finished writing his new novel, and I have been on the look out + for the advertisement of its appearance ever since. I shall long to + read it, if it were only to get a further insight into the author's + character. I read _Ranthorpe_ with lively interest--there was much + true talent in its pages. Two thirds of it I thought excellent, the + latter part seemed more hastily and sketchily written. + + 'I trust Miss Kavanagh's work will meet with the success that, from + your account, I am certain she and it deserve. I think I have met + with an outline of the facts on which her tale is founded in some + periodical, _Chambers' Journal_ I believe. No critic, however rigid, + will find fault with "the tendency" of her work, I should think. + + 'I will tell you why you cannot fully sympathise with the French, or + feel any firm confidence in their future movements: because too few + of them are Lamartines, too many Ledru Rollins. That, at least, is + my reason for watching their proceedings with more dread than hope. + With the Germans it is different: to their rational and justifiable + efforts for liberty one can heartily wish well. + + 'It seems, as you say, as if change drew near England too. She is + divided by the sea from the lands where it is making thrones rock, + but earthquakes roll lower than the ocean, and we know neither the + day nor the hour when the tremor and heat, passing beneath our + island, may unsettle and dissolve its foundations. Meantime, one + thing is certain, all will in the end work together for good. + + 'You mention Thackeray and the last number of _Vanity Fair_. The + more I read Thackeray's works the more certain I am that he stands + alone--alone in his sagacity, alone in his truth, alone in his + feeling (his feeling, though he makes no noise about it, is about the + most genuine that ever lived on a printed page), alone in his power, + alone in his simplicity, alone in his self-control. Thackeray is a + Titan, so strong that he can afford to perform with calm the most + herculean feats; there is the charm and majesty of repose in his + greatest efforts; _he_ borrows nothing from fever, his is never the + energy of delirium--his energy is sane energy, deliberate energy, + thoughtful energy. The last number of _Vanity Fair_ proves this + peculiarly. Forcible, exciting in its force, still more impressive + than exciting, carrying on the interest of the narrative in a flow, + deep, full, resistless, it is still quiet--as quiet as reflection, as + quiet as memory; and to me there are parts of it that sound as solemn + as an oracle. Thackeray is never borne away by his own ardour--he + has it under control. His genius obeys him--it is his servant, it + works no fantastic changes at its own wild will, it must still + achieve the task which reason and sense assign it, and none other. + Thackeray is unique. I _can_ say no more, I _will_ say no + less.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 2_nd_, 1849. + + 'Your generous indignation against the _Quarterly_ touched me. But + do not trouble yourself to be angry on Currer Bell's account; except + where the May-Fair gossip and Mr. Thackeray's name were brought in he + was never stung at all, but he certainly thought that passage and one + or two others quite unwarrantable. However, slander without a germ + of truth is seldom injurious: it resembles a rootless plant and must + soon wither away. + + 'The critic would certainly be a little ashamed of herself if she + knew what foolish blunders she had committed, if she were aware how + completely Mr. Thackeray and Currer Bell are strangers to each other, + that _Jane Eyre_ was written before the author had seen one line of + _Vanity Fair_, or that if C. Bell had known that there existed in Mr. + Thackeray's private circumstances the shadow of a reason for fancying + personal allusion, so far from dedicating the book to that gentleman, + he would have regarded such a step as ill-judged, insolent, and + indefensible, and would have shunned it accordingly.--Believe me, my + dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_August_ 14_th_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--My sister Anne thanks you, as well as myself, for your + just critique on _Wildfell Hall_. It appears to me that your + observations exactly hit both the strong and weak points of the book, + and the advice which accompanies them is worthy of, and shall + receive, our most careful attention. + + 'The first duty of an author is, I conceive, a faithful allegiance to + Truth and Nature; his second, such a conscientious study of Art as + shall enable him to interpret eloquently and effectively the oracles + delivered by those two great deities. The Bells are very sincere in + their worship of Truth, and they hope to apply themselves to the + consideration of Art, so as to attain one day the power of speaking + the language of conviction in the accents of persuasion; though they + rather apprehend that whatever pains they take to modify and soften, + an abrupt word or vehement tone will now and then occur to startle + ears polite, whenever the subject shall chance to be such as moves + their spirits within them. + + 'I have already told you, I believe, that I regard Mr. Thackeray as + the first of modern masters, and as the legitimate high priest of + Truth; I study him accordingly with reverence. He, I see, keeps the + mermaid's tail below water, and only hints at the dead men's bones + and noxious slime amidst which it wriggles; _but_, his hint is more + vivid than other men's elaborate explanations, and never is his + satire whetted to so keen an edge as when with quiet mocking irony he + modestly recommends to the approbation of the public his own + exemplary discretion and forbearance. The world begins to know + Thackeray rather better than it did two years or even a year ago, but + as yet it only half knows him. His mind seems to me a fabric as + simple and unpretending as it is deep-founded and enduring--there is + no meretricious ornament to attract or fix a superficial glance; his + great distinction of the genuine is one that can only be fully + appreciated with time. There is something, a sort of "still + profound," revealed in the concluding part of _Vanity Fair_ which the + discernment of one generation will not suffice to fathom. A hundred + years hence, if he only lives to do justice to himself, he will be + better known than he is now. A hundred years hence, some thoughtful + critic, standing and looking down on the deep waters, will see + shining through them the pearl without price of a purely original + mind--such a mind as the Bulwers, etc., his contemporaries have + _not_,--not acquirements gained from study, but the thing that came + into the world with him--his inherent genius: the thing that made + him, I doubt not, different as a child from other children, that + caused him, perhaps, peculiar griefs and struggles in life, and that + now makes him as a writer unlike other writers. Excuse me for + recurring to this theme, I do not wish to bore you. + + 'You say Mr. Huntingdon reminds you of Mr. Rochester. Does he? Yet + there is no likeness between the two; the foundation of each + character is entirely different. Huntingdon is a specimen of the + naturally selfish, sensual, superficial man, whose one merit of a + joyous temperament only avails him while he is young and healthy, + whose best days are his earliest, who never profits by experience, + who is sure to grow worse the older he grows. Mr. Rochester has a + thoughtful nature and a very feeling heart; he is neither selfish nor + self-indulgent; he is ill-educated, misguided; errs, when he does + err, through rashness and inexperience: he lives for a time as too + many other men live, but being radically better than most men, he + does not like that degraded life, and is never happy in it. He is + taught the severe lessons of experience and has sense to learn wisdom + from them. Years improve him; the effervescence of youth foamed + away, what is really good in him still remains. His nature is like + wine of a good vintage: time cannot sour, but only mellows him. Such + at least was the character I meant to pourtray. + + 'Heathcliffe, again, of _Wuthering Heights_ is quite another + creation. He exemplifies the effects which a life of continued + injustice and hard usage may produce on a naturally perverse, + vindictive, and inexorable disposition. Carefully trained and kindly + treated, the black gipsy-cub might possibly have been reared into a + human being, but tyranny and ignorance made of him a mere demon. The + worst of it is, some of his spirit seems breathed through the whole + narrative in which he figures: it haunts every moor and glen, and + beckons in every fir-tree of the Heights. + + 'I must not forget to thank you for the _Examiner_ and _Atlas_ + newspapers. Poor Mr. Newby! It is not enough that the _Examiner_ + nails him by both ears to the pillory, but the _Atlas_ brands a token + of disgrace on his forehead. This is a deplorable plight, and he + makes all matters worse by his foolish little answers to his + assailants. It is a pity that he has no kind friend to suggest to + him that he had better not bandy words with the _Examiner_. His plea + about the "printer" was too ludicrous, and his second note is + pitiable. I only regret that the names of Ellis and Acton Bell + should perforce be mixed up with his proceedings. My sister Anne + wishes me to say that should she ever write another work, Mr. Smith + will certainly have the first offer of the copyright. + + 'I hope Mrs. Williams's health is more satisfactory than when you + last wrote. With every good wish to yourself and your + family,--Believe me, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 19_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am again at home; and after the first sensations + consequent on returning to a place more dumb and vacant than it once + was, I am beginning to feel settled. I think the contrast with + London does not make Haworth more desolate; on the contrary, I have + gleaned ideas, images, pleasant feelings, such as may perhaps cheer + many a long winter evening. + + 'You ask my opinion of your daughters. I wish I could give you one + worth acceptance. A single evening's acquaintance does not suffice + with me to form an _opinion_, it only leaves on my mind an + _impression_. They impressed me, then, as pleasing in manners and + appearance: Ellen's is a character to which I could soon attach + myself, and Fanny and Louisa have each their separate advantages. I + can, however, read more in a face like Mrs. Williams's than in the + smooth young features of her daughters--time, trial, and exertion + write a distinct hand, more legible than smile or dimple. I was told + you had once some thoughts of bringing out Fanny as a professional + singer, and it was added Fanny did not like the project. I thought + to myself, if she does not like it, it can never be successfully + executed. It seems to me that to achieve triumph in a career so + arduous, the artist's own bent to the course must be inborn, decided, + resistless. There should be no urging, no goading; native genius and + vigorous will should lend their wings to the aspirant--nothing less + can lift her to real fame, and who would rise feebly only to fall + ignobly? An inferior artist, I am sure, you would not wish your + daughter to be, and if she is to stand in the foremost rank, only her + own courage and resolve can place her there; so, at least, the case + appears to me. Fanny probably looks on publicity as degrading, and I + believe that for a woman it is degrading if it is not glorious. If I + could not be a Lind, I would not be a singer. + + 'Brief as my visit to London was, it must for me be memorable. I + sometimes fancied myself in a dream--I could scarcely credit the + reality of what passed. For instance, when I walked into the room + and put my hand into Miss Martineau's, the action of saluting her and + the fact of her presence seemed visionary. Again, when Mr. Thackeray + was announced, and I saw him enter, looked up at his tall figure, + heard his voice, the whole incident was truly dream-like, I was only + certain it was true because I became miserably destitute of + self-possession. Amour propre suffers terribly under such + circumstances: woe to him that thinks of himself in the presence of + intellectual greatness! Had I not been obliged to speak, I could + have managed well, but it behoved me to answer when addressed, and + the effort was torture--I spoke stupidly. + + 'As to the band of critics, I cannot say they overawed me much; I + enjoyed the spectacle of them greatly. The two contrasts, Forster + and Chorley, have each a certain edifying carriage and conversation + good to contemplate. I by no means dislike Mr. Forster--quite the + contrary, but the distance from his loud swagger to Thackeray's + simple port is as the distance from Shakespeare's writing to + Macready's acting. + + 'Mr. Chorley tantalised me. He is a peculiar specimen--one whom you + could set yourself to examine, uncertain whether, when you had probed + all the small recesses of his character, the result would be utter + contempt and aversion, or whether for the sake of latent good you + would forgive obvious evil. One could well pardon his unpleasant + features, his strange voice, even his very foppery and grimace, if + one found these disadvantages connected with living talent and any + spark of genuine goodness. If there is nothing more than + acquirement, smartness, and the affectation of philanthropy, Chorley + is a fine creature. + + 'Remember me kindly to your wife and daughters, and--Believe me, + yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 19_th_, 1849. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Here I am at Haworth once more. I feel as if I had + come out of an exciting whirl. Not that the hurry or stimulus would + have seemed much to one accustomed to society and change, but to me + they were very marked. My strength and spirits too often proved + quite insufficient for the demand on their exertions. I used to bear + up as well and as long as I possibly could, for, whenever I flagged, + I could see Mr. Smith became disturbed; he always thought that + something had been said or done to annoy me, which never once + happened, for I met with perfect good breeding even from + antagonists--men who had done their best or worst to write me down. + I explained to him, over and over again, that my occasional silence + was only failure of the power to talk, never of the will, but still + he always seemed to fear there was another cause underneath. + + 'Mrs. Smith is rather stern, but she has sense and discrimination; + she watched me very narrowly. When surrounded by gentlemen she never + took her eye from me. I liked the surveillance, both when it kept + guard over me amongst many, or only with her cherished one. She + soon, I am convinced, saw in what light I received all, Thackeray + included. Her "George" is a very fine specimen of a young English + man of business; so I regard him, and I am proud to be one of his + props. + + 'Thackeray is a Titan of mind. His presence and powers impress me + deeply in an intellectual sense; I do not see him or know him as a + man. All the others are subordinate to these. I have esteem for + some, and, I trust, courtesy for all. I do not, of course, know what + they thought of me, but I believe most of them expected me to come + out in a more marked eccentric, striking light. I believe they + desired more to admire and more to blame. I felt sufficiently at my + ease with all except Thackeray, and with him I was painfully stupid. + + 'Now, dear Nell, when can you come to Haworth? Settle, and let me + know as soon as you can. Give my best love to all.--Yours, + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_January_ 10_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Mrs. Ellis has made her "morning call." I rather + relished her chat about _Shirley_ and _Jane Eyre_. She praises + reluctantly and blames too often affectedly. But whenever a reviewer + betrays that he has been thoroughly influenced and stirred by the + work he criticises, it is easy to forgive the rest--hate and + personality excepted. + + 'I have received and perused the _Edinburgh Review_--it is very + brutal and savage. I am not angry with Lewes, but I wish in future + he would let me alone, and not write again what makes me feel so cold + and sick as I am feeling just now. + + 'Thackeray's Christmas Book at once grieved and pleased me, as most + of his writings do. I have come to the conclusion that whenever he + writes, Mephistopheles stands on his right hand and Raphael on his + left; the great doubter and sneerer usually guides the pen, the + Angel, noble and gentle, interlines letters of light here and there. + Alas! Thackeray, I wish your strong wings would lift you oftener + above the smoke of cities into the pure region nearer heaven! + + 'Good-bye for the present.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 25_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Your indisposition was, I have no doubt, in a great + measure owing to the change in the weather from frost to thaw. I had + one sick-headachy day; but, for me, only a slight attack. You must + be careful of cold. I have just written to Amelia a brief note + thanking her for the cuffs, etc. It was a burning shame I did not + write sooner. Herewith are inclosed three letters for your perusal, + the first from Mary Taylor. There is also one from Lewes and one + from Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, both which peruse and return. I have + also, since you went, had a remarkable epistle from Thackeray, long, + interesting, characteristic, but it unfortunately concludes with the + strict injunction, _show this letter to no one_, adding that if he + thought his letters were seen by others, he should either cease to + write or write only what was conventional; but for this circumstance + I should have sent it with the others. I answered it at length. + Whether my reply will give satisfaction or displeasure remains yet to + be ascertained. Thackeray's feelings are not such as can be gauged + by ordinary calculation: variable weather is what I should ever + expect from that quarter, yet in correspondence as in verbal + intercourse, this would torment me.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '76 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, HYDE PARK, + 'LONDON, _Thursday Morning_. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I write one hasty line just to tell you that I got here + quite safely at ten o'clock last night without any damage or smash in + tunnels or cuttings. Mr. and Mrs. Smith met me at the station and + gave me a kind and cordial welcome. The weather was beautiful the + whole way, and warm; it is the same to-day. I have not yet been out, + but this afternoon, if all be well, I shall go to Mr. Thackeray's + lecture. I don't know when I shall see the Exhibition, but when I + do, I shall write and tell you all about it. I hope you are well, + and will continue well and cheerful. Give my kind regards to Tabby + and Martha, and--Believe me, your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +It cannot be said that Charlotte Bronte and Thackeray gained by personal +contact. 'With him I was painfully stupid,' she says. It was the case +of Heine and Goethe over again. Heine in the presence of the king of +German literature could talk only of the plums in the garden. Charlotte +Bronte in the presence of her hero Thackeray could not express herself +with the vigour and intelligence which belonged to her correspondence +with Mr. Williams. Miss Bronte, again, was hyper-critical of the smaller +vanities of men, and, as has been pointed out, she emphasised in +_Villette_ a trivial piece of not unpleasant egotism on Thackeray's part +after a lecture--his asking her if she had liked it. This question, +which nine men out of ten would be prone to ask of a woman friend, was +'over-eagerness' and '_naivete_' in her eyes. Thackeray, on his side, +found conversation difficult, if we may judge by a reminiscence by his +daughter Mrs. Ritchie:-- + + 'One of the most notable persons who ever came into our bow-windowed + drawing-room in Young Street is a guest never to be forgotten by + me--a tiny, delicate, little person, whose small hand nevertheless + grasped a mighty lever which set all the literary world of that day + vibrating. I can still see the scene quite plainly--the hot summer + evening, the open windows, the carriage driving to the door as we all + sat silent and expectant; my father, who rarely waited, waiting with + us; our governess and my sister and I all in a row, and prepared for + the great event. We saw the carriage stop, and out of it sprang the + active well-knit figure of Mr. George Smith, who was bringing Miss + Bronte to see our father. My father, who had been walking up and + down the room, goes out into the hall to meet his guests, and then, + after a moment's delay, the door opens wide, and the two gentlemen + come in, leading a tiny, delicate, serious, little lady, pale, with + fair straight hair, and steady eyes. She may be a little over + thirty; she is dressed in a little _barege_ dress, with a pattern of + faint green moss. She enters in mittens, in silence, in seriousness; + our hearts are beating with wild excitement. This, then, is the + authoress, the unknown power whose books have set all London talking, + reading, speculating; some people even say our father wrote the + books--the wonderful books. To say that we little girls had been + given _Jane Eyre_ to read scarcely represents the facts of the case; + to say that we had taken it without leave, read bits here and read + bits there, been carried away by an undreamed-of and hitherto + unimagined whirlwind into things, times, places, all utterly + absorbing, and at the same time absolutely unintelligible to us, + would more accurately describe our state of mind on that summer's + evening as we look at Jane Eyre--the great Jane Eyre--the tiny little + lady. The moment is so breathless that dinner comes as a relief to + the solemnity of the occasion, and we all smile as my father stoops + to offer his arm; for, though genius she may be, Miss Bronte can + barely reach his elbow. My own personal impressions are that she is + somewhat grave and stern, especially to forward little girls who wish + to chatter. Mr. George Smith has since told me how she afterwards + remarked upon my father's wonderful forbearance and gentleness with + our uncalled-for incursions into the conversation. She sat gazing at + him with kindling eyes of interest, lighting up with a sort of + illumination every now and then as she answered him. I can see her + bending forward over the table, not eating, but listening to what he + said as he carved the dish before him. + + 'I think it must have been on this very occasion that my father + invited some of his friends in the evening to meet Miss Bronte--for + everybody was interested and anxious to see her. Mrs. Crowe, the + reciter of ghost-stories, was there. Mrs. Brookfield, Mrs. Carlyle, + Mr. Carlyle himself was present, so I am told, railing at the + appearance of cockneys upon Scotch mountain sides; there were also + too many Americans for his taste, "but the Americans were as gods + compared to the cockneys," says the philosopher. Besides the + Carlyles, there were Mrs. Elliott and Miss Perry, Mrs. Procter and + her daughter, most of my father's habitual friends and companions. + In the recent life of Lord Houghton I was amused to see a note quoted + in which Lord Houghton also was convened. Would that he had been + present--perhaps the party would have gone off better. It was a + gloomy and a silent evening. Every one waited for the brilliant + conversation which never began at all. Miss Bronte retired to the + sofa in the study, and murmured a low word now and then to our kind + governess, Miss Truelock. The room looked very dark, the lamp began + to smoke a little, the conversation grew dimmer and more dim, the + ladies sat round still expectant, my father was too much perturbed by + the gloom and the silence to be able to cope with it at all. Mrs. + Brookfield, who was in the doorway by the study, near the corner in + which Miss Bronte was sitting, leant forward with a little + commonplace, since brilliance was not to be the order of the evening. + "Do you like London, Miss Bronte?" she said; another silence, a + pause, then Miss Bronte answers, "Yes and No," very gravely. Mrs. + Brookfield has herself reported the conversation. My sister and I + were much too young to be bored in those days; alarmed, impressed we + might be, but not yet bored. A party was a party, a lioness was a + lioness; and--shall I confess it?--at that time an extra dish of + biscuits was enough to mark the evening. We felt all the importance + of the occasion: tea spread in the dining-room, ladies in the + drawing-room. We roamed about inconveniently, no doubt, and + excitedly, and in one of my incursions crossing the hall, after Miss + Bronte had left, I was surprised to see my father opening the front + door with his hat on. He put his fingers to his lips, walked out + into the darkness, and shut the door quietly behind him. When I went + back to the drawing-room again, the ladies asked me where he was. I + vaguely answered that I thought he was coming back. I was puzzled at + the time, nor was it all made clear to me till long years afterwards, + when one day Mrs. Procter asked me if I knew what had happened once + when my father had invited a party to meet Jane Eyre at his house. + It was one of the dullest evenings she had ever spent in her life, + she said. And then with a good deal of humour she described the + situation--the ladies who had all come expecting so much delightful + conversation, and the gloom and the constraint, and how, finally, + overwhelmed by the situation, my father had quietly left the room, + left the house, and gone off to his club. The ladies waited, + wondered, and finally departed also; and as we were going up to bed + with our candles after everybody was gone, I remember two pretty Miss + L---s, in shiny silk dresses, arriving, full of expectation. . . . We + still said we thought our father would soon be back, but the Miss + L---s declined to wait upon the chance, laughed, and drove away again + almost immediately.' {423} + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '_May_ 28_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I must write another line to you to tell you how I am + getting on. I have seen a great many things since I left home about + which I hope to talk to you at future tea-times at home. I have been + to the theatre and seen Macready in Macbeth. I have seen the + pictures in the National Gallery. I have seen a beautiful exhibition + of Turner's paintings, and yesterday I saw Mr. Thackeray. He dined + here with some other gentlemen. He is a very tall man--above six + feet high, with a peculiar face--not handsome, very ugly indeed, + generally somewhat stern and satirical in expression, but capable + also of a kind look. He was not told who I was, he was not + introduced to me, but I soon saw him looking at me through his + spectacles; and when we all rose to go down to dinner he just stepped + quietly up and said, "Shake hands"; so I shook hands. He spoke very + few words to me, but when he went away he shook hands again in a very + kind way. It is better, I should think, to have him for a friend + than an enemy, for he is a most formidable-looking personage. I + listened to him as he conversed with the other gentlemen. All he + says is most simple, but often cynical, harsh, and contradictory. I + get on quietly. Most people know me I think, but they are far too + well bred to show that they know me, so that there is none of that + bustle or that sense of publicity I dislike. + + 'I hope you continue pretty well; be sure to take care of yourself. + The weather here is exceedingly changeful, and often damp and misty, + so that it is necessary to guard against taking cold. I do not mean + to stay in London above a week longer, but I shall write again two or + three days before I return. You need not give yourself the trouble + of answering this letter unless you have something particular to say. + Remember me to Tabby and Martha.--I remain, dear papa, your + affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '76 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK, LONDON, _May_ 30_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I have now heard one of Mr. Thackeray's lectures and + seen the great Exhibition. On Thursday afternoon I went to hear the + lecture. It was delivered in a large and splendid kind of + saloon--that in which the great balls of Almacks are given. The + walls were all painted and gilded, the benches were sofas stuffed and + cushioned and covered with blue damask. The audience was composed of + the _elite_ of London society. Duchesses were there by the score, + and amongst them the great and beautiful Duchess of Sutherland, the + Queen's Mistress of the Robes. Amidst all this Thackeray just got up + and spoke with as much simplicity and ease as if he had been speaking + to a few friends by his own fireside. The lecture was truly good: he + has taken pains with the composition. It was finished without being + in the least studied; a quiet humour and graphic force enlivened it + throughout. He saw me as I entered the room, and came straight up + and spoke very kindly. He then took me to his mother, a fine, + handsome old lady, and introduced me to her. After the lecture + somebody came behind me, leaned over the bench, and said, "Will you + permit me, as a Yorkshireman, to introduce myself to you?" I turned + round, was puzzled at first by the strange face I met, but in a + minute I recognised the features. "You are the Earl of Carlisle," I + said. He smiled and assented. He went on to talk for some time in a + courteous, kind fashion. He asked after you, recalled the platform + electioneering scene at Haworth, and begged to be remembered to you. + Dr. Forbes came up afterwards, and Mr. Monckton Milnes, a Yorkshire + Member of Parliament, who introduced himself on the same plea as Lord + Carlisle. + + 'Yesterday we went to the Crystal Palace. The exterior has a strange + and elegant but somewhat unsubstantial effect. The interior is like + a mighty Vanity Fair. The brightest colours blaze on all sides; and + ware of all kinds, from diamonds to spinning jennies and printing + presses, are there to be seen. It was very fine, gorgeous, animated, + bewildering, but I liked Thackeray's lecture better. + + 'I hope, dear papa, that you are keeping well. With kind regards to + Tabby and Martha, and hopes that they are well too,--I am, your + affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK, _June_ 7_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I was very glad to hear that you continued in pretty + good health, and that Mr. Cartman came to help you on Sunday. I fear + you will not have had a very comfortable week in the dining-room; but + by this time I suppose the parlour reformation will be nearly + completed, and you will soon be able to return to your old quarters. + The letter you sent me this morning was from Mary Taylor. She + continues well and happy in New Zealand, and her shop seems to answer + well. The French newspaper duly arrived. Yesterday I went for the + second time to the Crystal Palace. We remained in it about three + hours, and I must say I was more struck with it on this occasion than + at my first visit. It is a wonderful place--vast, strange, new, and + impossible to describe. Its grandeur does not consist in _one_ + thing, but in the unique assemblage of _all_ things. Whatever human + industry has created, you find there, from the great compartments + filled with railway engines and boilers, with mill-machinery in full + work, with splendid carriages of all kinds, with harness of every + description--to the glass-covered and velvet-spread stands loaded + with the most gorgeous work of the goldsmith and silversmith, and the + carefully guarded caskets full of real diamonds and pearls worth + hundreds of thousands of pounds. It may be called a bazaar or a + fair, but it is such a bazaar or fair as Eastern genii might have + created. It seems as if magic only could have gathered this mass of + wealth from all the ends of the earth--as if none but supernatural + hands could have arranged it thus, with such a blaze and contrast of + colours and marvellous power of effect. The multitude filling the + great aisles seems ruled and subdued by some invisible influence. + Amongst the thirty thousand souls that peopled it the day I was + there, not one loud noise was to be heard, not one irregular movement + seen--the living tide rolls on quietly, with a deep hum like the sea + heard from the distance. + + 'Mr. Thackeray is in high spirits about the success of his lectures. + It is likely to add largely both to his fame and purse. He has, + however, deferred this week's lecture till next Thursday, at the + earnest petition of the duchesses and marchionesses, who, on the day + it should have been delivered, were necessitated to go down with the + Queen and Court to Ascot Races. I told him I thought he did wrong to + put it off on their account--and I think so still. The amateur + performance of Bulwer's play for the Guild of Literature has likewise + been deferred on account of the races. I hope, dear papa, that you, + Mr. Nicholls, and all at home continue well. Tell Martha to take her + scrubbing and cleaning in moderation and not overwork herself. With + kind regards to her and Tabby,--I am, your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK, _June_ 14_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--If all be well, and if Martha can get the cleaning, + etc., done by that time, I think I shall be coming home about the end + of next week or the beginning of the week after. I have been pretty + well in London, only somewhat troubled with headaches, owing, I + suppose, to the closeness and oppression of the air. The weather has + not been so favourable as when I was last here, and in wet and dark + days this great Babylon is not so cheerful. All the other sights + seem to give way to the great Exhibition, into which thousands and + tens of thousands continue to pour every day. I was in it again + yesterday afternoon, and saw the ex-royal family of France--the old + Queen, the Duchess of Orleans, and her two sons, etc., pass down the + transept. I almost wonder the Londoners don't tire a little of this + vast Vanity Fair--and, indeed, a new toy has somewhat diverted the + attention of the grandees lately, viz., a fancy ball given last night + by the Queen. The great lords and ladies have been quite wrapt up in + preparations for this momentous event. Their pet and darling, Mr. + Thackeray, of course sympathises with them. He was here yesterday to + dinner, and left very early in the evening in order that he might + visit respectively the Duchess of Norfolk, the Marchioness of + Londonderry, Ladies Chesterfield and Clanricarde, and see them all in + their fancy costumes of the reign of Charles II. before they set out + for the Palace! His lectures, it appears, are a triumphant success. + He says they will enable him to make a provision for his daughters; + and Mr. Smith believes he will not get less than four thousand pounds + by them. He is going to give two courses, and then go to Edinburgh + and perhaps America, but _not_ under the auspices of Barnum. Amongst + others, the Lord Chancellor attended his last lecture, and Mr. + Thackeray says he expects a place from him; but in this I think he + was joking. Of course Mr. T. is a good deal spoiled by all this, and + indeed it cannot be otherwise. He has offered two or three times to + introduce me to some of his great friends, and says he knows many + great ladies who would receive me with open arms if I would go to + their houses; but, seriously, I cannot see that this sort of society + produces so good an effect on him as to tempt me in the least to try + the same experiment, so I remain obscure. + + 'Hoping you are well, dear papa, and with kind regards to Mr. + Nicholls, Tabby, and Martha, also poor old Keeper and Flossy,--I am, + your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + '_P.S._--I am glad the parlour is done and that you have got safely + settled, but am quite shocked to hear of the piano being dragged up + into the bedroom--there it must necessarily be absurd, and in the + parlour it looked so well, besides being convenient for your books. + I wonder why you don't like it.' + +There are many pleasant references to Thackeray to be found in Mrs. +Gaskell's book, including a letter to Mr. George Smith, thanking him for +the gift of the novelist's portrait. 'He looks superb in his beautiful, +tasteful, gilded gibbet,' she says. A few years later, and Thackeray was +to write the eloquent tribute to his admirer, which is familiar to his +readers: 'I fancied an austere little Joan of Arc marching in upon us and +rebuking our easy lives, our easy morals.' 'She gave me,' he tells us, +'the impression of being a very pure, and lofty, and high-minded person. +A great and holy reverence of right and truth seemed to be with her +always. Who that has known her books has not admired the artist's noble +English, the burning love of truth, the bravery, the simplicity, the +indignation at wrong, the eager sympathy, the pious love and reverence, +the passionate honour, so to speak, of the woman? What a story is that +of the family of poets in their solitude yonder on the gloomy Yorkshire +moors!' + + + + +CHAPTER XVI: LITERARY FRIENDSHIPS + + +There is a letter, printed by Mrs. Gaskell, from Charlotte Bronte to +Ellen Nussey, in which Miss Bronte, when a girl of seventeen, discusses +the best books to read, and expresses a particular devotion to Sir Walter +Scott. During those early years she was an indefatigable student of +literature. She read all that her father's study and the Keighley +library could provide. When the years brought literary fame and its +accompanying friendships, she was able to hold her own with the many men +and women of letters whom she was destined to meet. Her staunchest +friend was undoubtedly Mr. Williams, who sent her, as we have seen, all +the newest books from London, and who appears to have discussed them with +her as well. Next to Mr. Williams we must place his chief at Cornhill, +Mr. George Smith, and Mr. Smith's mother. Mr. Smith happily still lives +to reign over the famous house which introduced Thackeray, John Ruskin, +and Charlotte Bronte to the world. What Charlotte thought of him may be +gathered from her frank acknowledgment that he was the original of Dr. +John in _Villette_, as his mother was the original of Mrs. +Bretton--perhaps the two most entirely charming characters in Charlotte +Bronte's novels. Mrs. Smith and her son lived, at the beginning of the +friendship, at Westbourne Place, but afterwards removed to Gloucester +Terrace, and Charlotte stayed with them at both houses. It was from the +former that this first letter was addressed. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '4 WESTBOURNE PLACE, + 'BISHOP'S ROAD, LONDON. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have just remembered that as you do not know my + address you cannot write to me till you get it; it is as above. I + came to this big Babylon last Thursday, and have been in what seems + to me a sort of whirl ever since; for changes, scenes, and stimulus + which would be a trifle to others, are much to me. I found when I + mentioned to Mr. Smith my plan of going to Dr. Wheelwright's it would + not do at all--he would have been seriously hurt. He made his mother + write to me, and thus I was persuaded to make my principal stay at + his house. I have found no reason to regret this decision. Mrs. + Smith received me at first like one who had received the strictest + orders to be scrupulously attentive. I had fires in my bed-room + evening and morning, wax candles, etc., etc. Mrs. Smith and her + daughters seemed to look upon me with a mixture of respect and alarm. + But all this is changed--that is to say, the attention and politeness + continues as great as ever, but the alarm and estrangement are quite + gone. She treats me as if she liked me, and I begin to like her + much; kindness is a potent heart-winner. I had not judged too + favourably of her son on a first impression; he pleases me much. I + like him better even as a son and brother than as a man of business. + Mr. Williams, too, is really most gentlemanly and well-informed. His + weak points he certainly has, but these are not seen in society. Mr. + Taylor--the little man--has again shown his parts; in fact, I suspect + he is of the Helstone order of men--rigid, despotic, and self-willed. + He tries to be very kind and even to express sympathy sometimes, but + he does not manage it. He has a determined, dreadful nose in the + middle of his face, which, when poked into my countenance, cuts into + my soul like iron. Still, he is horribly intelligent, quick, + searching, sagacious, and with a memory of relentless tenacity. To + turn to Mr. Williams after him, or to Mr. Smith himself, is to turn + from granite to easy down or warm fur. I have seen Thackeray. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_November_ 6_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am afraid Mr. Williams told you I was sadly "put + out" about the _Daily News_, and I believe it is to that circumstance + I owe your letters. But I have now made good resolutions, which were + tried this morning by another notice in the same style in the + _Observer_. The praise of such critics mortifies more than their + blame; an author who becomes the object of it cannot help momentarily + wishing he had never written. And to speak of the press being still + ignorant of my being a woman! Why can they not be content to take + Currer Bell for a man? + + 'I imagined, mistakenly it now appears, that _Shirley_ bore fewer + traces of a female hand than _Jane Eyre_; that I have misjudged + disappoints me a little, though I cannot exactly see where the error + lies. You keep to your point about the curates. Since you think me + to blame, you do right to tell me so. I rather fancy I shall be left + in a minority of one on that subject. + + 'I was indeed very much interested in the books you sent. + Eckermann's _Conversations with Goethe_, _Guesses at Truth_, _Friends + in Council_, and the little work on English social life pleased me + particularly, and the last not least. We sometimes take a partiality + to books as to characters, not on account of any brilliant intellect + or striking peculiarity they boast, but for the sake of something + good, delicate, and genuine. I thought that small book the + production of a lady, and an amiable, sensible woman, and I like it. + + 'You must not think of selecting any more works for me yet, my stock + is still far from exhausted. + + 'I accept your offer respecting the _Athenaeum_; it is a paper I + should like much to see, providing you can send it without trouble. + It shall be punctually returned. + + 'Papa's health has, I am thankful to say, been very satisfactory of + late. The other day he walked to Keighley and back, and was very + little fatigued. I am myself pretty well. + + 'With thanks for your kind letter and good wishes,--Believe me, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Mrs. Gaskell has much to say of Miss Bronte's relations with George Henry +Lewes. {432} He was a critic with whom she had much correspondence and +not a few differences. It will be remembered that Charlotte describes +him as bearing a resemblance to Emily--a curious circumstance by the +light of the fact that Lewes was always adjudged among his acquaintances +as a peculiarly ugly man. Here is a portion of a letter upon which Mrs. +Gaskell practised considerable excisions, and of which she prints the +remainder:-- + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 12_th_, 1850. + + 'I have seen Lewes. He is a man with both weakness and sins, but + unless I err greatly, the foundation of his nature is not bad; and + were he almost a fiend in character I could not feel otherwise to him + than half-sadly, half-tenderly. A queer word that last, but I use it + because the aspect of Lewes's face almost moves me to tears, it is so + wonderfully like Emily--her eyes, her features, the very nose, the + somewhat prominent mouth, the forehead--even, at moments, the + expression. Whatever Lewes does or says, I believe I cannot hate + him. Another likeness I have seen, too, that touched me sorrowfully. + You remember my speaking of a Miss Kavanagh, a young authoress, who + supported her mother by her writings. Hearing from Mr. Williams that + she had a longing to see me, I called on her yesterday. I found a + little, almost dwarfish figure, to which even I had to look down; not + deformed--that is, not hunch-backed, but long-armed and with a large + head, and (at first sight) a strange face. She met me half-frankly, + half-tremblingly; we sat down together, and when I had talked with + her five minutes, her face was no longer strange, but mournfully + familiar--it was Martha Taylor on every lineament. I shall try to + find a moment to see her again. She lives in a poor but clean and + neat little lodging. Her mother seems a somewhat weak-minded woman, + who can be no companion to her. Her father has quite deserted his + wife and child, and this poor little, feeble, intelligent, cordial + thing wastes her brains to gain a living. She is twenty-five years + old. I do not intend to stay here, at the furthest, more than a week + longer; but at the end of that time I cannot go home, for the house + at Haworth is just now unroofed; repairs were become necessary. + + 'I should like to go for a week or two to the sea-side, in which case + I wonder whether it would be possible for you to join me. Meantime, + with regards to all--Believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + +But her acquaintance with Lewes had apparently begun three years earlier. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_November_ 6_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I should be obliged to you if you will direct the + inclosed to be posted in London as I wish to avoid giving any clue to + my place of residence, publicity not being my ambition. + + 'It is an answer to the letter I received yesterday, favoured by you. + This letter bore the signature G. H. Lewes, and the writer informs me + that it is his intention to write a critique on _Jane Eyre_ for the + December number of _Fraser's Magazine_, and possibly also, he + intimates, a brief notice to the _Westminster Review_. Upon the + whole he seems favourably inclined to the work, though he hints + disapprobation of the melodramatic portions. + + 'Can you give me any information respecting Mr. Lewes? what station + he occupies in the literary world and what works he has written? He + styles himself "a fellow novelist." There is something in the candid + tone of his letter which inclines me to think well of him. + + 'I duly received your letter containing the notices from the + _Critic_, and the two magazines, and also the _Morning Post_. I hope + all these notices will work together for good; they must at any rate + give the book a certain publicity.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Mr. R. H. Horne {434} sent her his _Orion_. + + TO R. H. HORNE + + '_December_ 15_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--You will have thought me strangely tardy in acknowledging + your courteous present, but the fact is it never reached me till + yesterday; the parcel containing it was missent--consequently it + lingered a fortnight on its route. + + 'I have to thank you, not merely for the gift of a little book of 137 + pages, but for that of a _poem_. Very real, very sweet is the poetry + of _Orion_; there are passages I shall recur to again and yet + again--passages instinct both with power and beauty. All through it + is genuine--pure from one flaw of affectation, rich in noble imagery. + How far the applause of critics has rewarded the author of _Orion_ I + do not know, but I think the pleasure he enjoyed in its composition + must have been a bounteous meed in itself. You could not, I imagine, + have written that epic without at times deriving deep happiness from + your work. + + 'With sincere thanks for the pleasure its perusal has afforded me,--I + remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 15_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR SIR,--I write a line in haste to apprise you that I have got + the parcel. It was sent, through the carelessness of the railroad + people, to Bingley, where it lay a fortnight, till a Haworth carrier + happening to pass that way brought it on to me. + + 'I was much pleased to find that you had been kind enough to forward + the _Mirror_ along with _Fraser_. The article on "the last new + novel" is in substance similar to the notice in the _Sunday Times_. + One passage only excited much interest in me; it was that where + allusion is made to some former work which the author of _Jane Eyre_ + is supposed to have published--there, I own, my curiosity was a + little stimulated. The reviewer cannot mean the little book of + rhymes to which Currer Bell contributed a third; but as that, and + _Jane Eyre_, and a brief translation of some French verses sent + anonymously to a magazine, are the sole productions of mine that have + ever appeared in print, I am puzzled to know to what else he can + refer. + + 'The reviewer is mistaken, as he is in perverting my meaning, in + attributing to me designs I know not, principles I disown. + + 'I have been greatly pleased with Mr. R. H. Horne's poem of _Orion_. + Will you have the kindness to forward to him the inclosed note, and + to correct the address if it is not accurate?--Believe me, dear sir, + yours respectfully, + + 'C. BELL.' + +The following elaborate criticism of one of Mr. Lewes's now forgotten +novels is almost pathetic; it may give a modern critic pause in his +serious treatment of the abundant literary ephemera of which we hear so +much from day to day. + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_May_ 1_st_, 1848. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am glad you sent me your letter just as you had + written it--without revisal, without retrenching or softening touch, + because I cannot doubt that I am a gainer by the omission. + + 'It would be useless to attempt opposition to your opinions, since, + in fact, to read them was to recognise, almost point for point, a + clear definition of objections I had already felt, but had found + neither the power nor the will to express. Not the power, because I + find it very difficult to analyse closely, or to criticise in + appropriate words; and not the will, because I was afraid of doing + Mr. Lewes injustice. I preferred overrating to underrating the + merits of his work. + + 'Mr. Lewes's sincerity, energy, and talent assuredly command the + reader's respect, but on what points he depends to win his attachment + I know not. I do not think he cares to excite the pleasant feelings + which incline the taught to the teacher as much in friendship as in + reverence. The display of his acquirements, to which almost every + page bears testimony--citations from Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, + French, and German authors covering as with embroidery the texture of + his English--awes and astonishes the plain reader; but if, in + addition, you permit yourself to require the refining charm of + delicacy, the elevating one of imagination--if you permit yourself to + be as fastidious and exacting in these matters as, by your own + confession, it appears _you_ are, then Mr. Lewes must necessarily + inform you that he does not deal in the article; probably he will add + that _therefore_ it must be non-essential. I should fear he might + even stigmatise imagination as a figment, and delicacy as an + affectation. + + 'An honest rough heartiness Mr. Lewes will give you; yet in case you + have the misfortune to remark that the heartiness might be quite as + honest if it were less rough, would you not run the risk of being + termed a sentimentalist or a dreamer? + + 'Were I privileged to address Mr. Lewes, and were it wise or becoming + to say to him exactly what one thinks, I should utter words to this + effect-- + + '"You have a sound, clear judgment as far as it goes, but I conceive + it to be limited; your standard of talent is high, but I cannot + acknowledge it to be the highest; you are deserving of all attention + when you lay down the law on principles, but you are to be resisted + when you dogmatise on feelings. + + '"To a certain point, Mr. Lewes, you can go, but no farther. Be as + sceptical as you please on whatever lies beyond a certain + intellectual limit; the mystery will never be cleared up to you, for + that limit you will never overpass. Not all your learning, not all + your reading, not all your sagacity, not all your perseverance can + help you over one viewless line--one boundary as impassable as it is + invisible. To enter that sphere a man must be born within it; and + untaught peasants have there drawn their first breath, while learned + philosophers have striven hard till old age to reach it, and have + never succeeded." I should not dare, nor would it be right, to say + this to Mr. Lewes, but I cannot help thinking it both of him and many + others who have a great name in the world. + + 'Hester Mason's character, career, and fate appeared to me so + strange, grovelling, and miserable, that I never for a moment doubted + the whole dreary picture was from the life. I thought in describing + the "rustic poetess," in giving the details of her vulgar provincial + and disreputable metropolitan notoriety, and especially in touching + on the ghastly catastrophe of her fate, he was faithfully recording + facts--thus, however repulsively, yet conscientiously "pointing a + moral," if not "adorning a tale"; but if Hester be the daughter of + Lewes's imagination, and if her experience and her doom be inventions + of his fancy, I wish him better, and higher, and truer taste next + time he writes a novel. + + 'Julius's exploit with the side of bacon is not defensible; he might + certainly, for the fee of a shilling or sixpence, have got a boy to + carry it for him. + + 'Captain Heath, too, must have cut a deplorable figure behind the + post-chaise. + + 'Mrs. Vyner strikes one as a portrait from the life; and it equally + strikes one that the artist hated his original model with a personal + hatred. She is made so bad that one cannot in the least degree + sympathise with any of those who love her; one can only despise them. + She is a fiend, and therefore not like Mr. Thackeray's Rebecca, where + neither vanity, heartlessness, nor falsehood have been spared by the + vigorous and skilful hand which portrays them, but where the human + being has been preserved nevertheless, and where, consequently, the + lesson given is infinitely more impressive. We can learn little from + the strange fantasies of demons--we are not of their kind; but the + vices of the deceitful, selfish man or woman humble and warn us. In + your remarks on the good girls I concur to the letter; and I must add + that I think Blanche, amiable as she is represented, could never have + loved her husband after she had discovered that he was utterly + despicable. Love is stronger than Cruelty, stronger than Death, but + perishes under Meanness; Pity may take its place, but Pity is not + Love. + + 'So far, then, I not only agree with you, but I marvel at the nice + perception with which you have discriminated, and at the accuracy + with which you have marked each coarse, cold, improbable, unseemly + defect. But now I am going to take another side: I am going to + differ from you, and it is about Cecil Chamberlayne. + + 'You say that no man who had intellect enough to paint a picture, or + write a comic opera, could act as he did; you say that men of genius + and talent may have egregious faults, but they cannot descend to + brutality or meanness. Would that the case were so! Would that + intellect could preserve from low vice! But, alas! it cannot. No, + the whole character of Cecil is painted with but too faithful a hand; + it is very masterly, because it is very true. Lewes is nobly right + when he says that intellect is _not_ the highest faculty of man, + though it may be the most brilliant; when he declares that the + _moral_ nature of his kind is more sacred than the _intellectual_ + nature; when he prefers "goodness, lovingness, and quiet + self-sacrifice to all the talents in the world." + + 'There is something divine in the thought that genius preserves from + degradation, were it but true; but Savage tells us it was not true + for him; Sheridan confirms the avowal, and Byron seals it with + terrible proof. + + 'You never probably knew a Cecil Chamberlayne. If you had known such + a one you would feel that Lewes has rather subdued the picture than + overcharged it; you would know that mental gifts without moral + firmness, without a clear sense of right and wrong, without the + honourable principle which makes a man rather proud than ashamed of + honest labour, are no guarantee from even deepest baseness. + + 'I have received the _Dublin University Magazine_. The notice is + more favourable than I had anticipated; indeed, I had for a long time + ceased to anticipate any from that quarter; but the critic does not + strike one as too bright. Poor Mr. James is severely handled; _you_, + likewise, are hard upon him. He always strikes me as a miracle of + productiveness. + + 'I must conclude by thanking you for your last letter, which both + pleased and instructed me. You are quite right in thinking it + exhibits the writer's character. Yes, it exhibits it _unmistakeably_ + (as Lewes would say). And whenever it shall be my lot to submit + another MS. to your inspection, I shall crave the full benefit of + certain points in that character: I shall ever entreat my _first + critic_ to be as impartial as he is friendly; what he feels to be out + of taste in my writings, I hope he will unsparingly condemn. In the + excitement of composition, one is apt to fall into errors that one + regrets afterwards, and we never feel our own faults so keenly as + when we see them exaggerated in others. + + 'I conclude in haste, for I have written too long a letter; but it is + because there was much to answer in yours. It interested me. I + could not help wishing to tell you how nearly I agreed with + you.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BELL.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_April_ 5_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Your note was very welcome. I purposely impose on + myself the restraint of writing to you seldom now, because I know but + too well my letters cannot be cheering. Yet I confess I am glad when + the post brings me a letter: it reminds me that if the sun of action + and life does not shine on us, it yet beams full on other parts of + the world--and I like the recollection. + + 'I am not going to complain. Anne has indeed suffered much at + intervals since I last wrote to you--frost and east wind have had + their effect. She has passed nights of sleeplessness and pain, and + days of depression and languor which nothing could cheer--but still, + with the return of genial weather she revives. I cannot perceive + that she is feebler now than she was a month ago, though that is not + saying much. It proves, however, that no rapid process of + destruction is going on in her frame, and keeps alive a hope that + with the renovating aid of summer she may yet be spared a long time. + + 'What you tell me of Mr. Lewes seems to me highly characteristic. + How sanguine, versatile, and self-confident must that man be who can + with ease exchange the quiet sphere of the author for the bustling + one of the actor! I heartily wish him success; and, in happier + times, there are few things I should have relished more than an + opportunity of seeing him in his new character. + + 'The Cornhill books are still our welcome and congenial resource when + Anne is well enough to enjoy reading. Carlyle's _Miscellanies_ + interest me greatly. We have read _The Emigrant Family_. The + characters in the work are good, full of quiet truth and nature, and + the local colouring is excellent; yet I can hardly call it a good + novel. Reflective, truth-loving, and even elevated as is Alexander + Harris's mind, I should say he scarcely possesses the creative + faculty in sufficient vigour to excel as a writer of fiction. He + _creates_ nothing--he only copies. His characters are + portraits--servilely accurate; whatever is at all ideal is not + original. _The Testimony to the Truth_ is a better book than any + tale he can write will ever be. Am I too dogmatical in saying this? + + 'Anne thanks you sincerely for the kind interest you take in her + welfare, and both she and I beg to express our sense of Mrs. + Williams's good wishes, which you mentioned in a former letter. We + are grateful, too, to Mr. Smith and to all who offer us the sympathy + of friendship. + + 'Whenever you can write with pleasure to yourself, remember Currer + Bell is glad to hear from you, and he will make his letters as little + dreary as he can in reply.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +It was always a great trouble to Miss Wheelwright, whose friendship, it +will be remembered, she had made in Brussels, that Charlotte was +monopolised by the Smiths on her rare visits to London, but she +frequently came to call at Lower Phillimore Place. + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, KEIGHLEY, _December_ 17_th_, 1849. + + 'MY DEAR LAETITIA,--I have just time to save the post by writing a + brief note. I reached home safely on Saturday afternoon, and, I am + thankful to say, found papa quite well. + + 'The evening after I left you passed better than I expected. Thanks + to my substantial lunch and cheering cup of coffee, I was able to + wait the eight o'clock dinner with complete resignation, and to + endure its length quite courageously, nor was I too much exhausted to + converse; and of this I was glad, for otherwise I know my kind host + and hostess would have been much disappointed. There were only seven + gentlemen at dinner besides Mr. Smith, but of these, five were + critics--a formidable band, including the literary Rhadamanthi of the + _Times_, the _Athenaeum_, the _Examiner_, the _Spectator_, and the + _Atlas_: men more dreaded in the world of letters than you can + conceive. I did not know how much their presence and conversation + had excited me till they were gone, and then reaction commenced. + When I had retired for the night I wished to sleep; the effort to do + so was vain--I could not close my eyes. Night passed, morning came, + and I rose without having known a moment's slumber. So utterly worn + out was I when I got to Derby, that I was obliged to stay there all + night. + + 'The post is going. Give my affectionate love to your mamma, Emily, + Fanny, and Sarah Anne. Remember me respectfully to your papa, + and--Believe me, dear Laetitia, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Miss Wheelwright's other sisters well remember certain episodes in +connection with these London visits. They recall Charlotte's anxiety and +trepidation at the prospect of meeting Thackeray. They recollect her +simple, dainty dress, her shy demeanour, her absolutely unspoiled +character. They tell me it was in the _Illustrated London News_, about +the time of the publication of _Shirley_, that they first learnt that +Currer Bell and Charlotte Bronte were one. They would, however, have +known that _Shirley_ was by a Brussels pupil, they declared, from the +absolute resemblance of Hortense Moore to one of their governesses--Mlle. +Hausse. + +At the end of 1849 Miss Bronte and Miss Martineau became acquainted. +Charlotte's admiration for her more strong-minded sister writer was at +first profound. + + TO JAMES TAYLOR + + '_January_ 1_st_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I am sorry there should have occurred an irregularity + in the transmission of the papers; it has been owing to my absence + from home. I trust the interruption has occasioned no inconvenience. + Your last letter evinced such a sincere and discriminating admiration + for Dr. Arnold, that perhaps you will not be wholly uninterested in + hearing that during my late visit to Miss Martineau I saw much more + of Fox How and its inmates, and daily admired, in the widow and + children of one of the greatest and best men of his time, the + possession of qualities the most estimable and endearing. Of my kind + hostess herself I cannot speak in terms too high. Without being able + to share all her opinions, philosophical, political, or religious, + without adopting her theories, I yet find a worth and greatness in + herself, and a consistency, benevolence, perseverance in her practice + such as wins the sincerest esteem and affection. She is not a person + to be judged by her writings alone, but rather by her own deeds and + life--than which nothing can be more exemplary or nobler. She seems + to me the benefactress of Ambleside, yet takes no sort of credit to + herself for her active and indefatigable philanthropy. The + government of her household is admirably administered; all she does + is well done, from the writing of a history down to the quietest + female occupation. No sort of carelessness or neglect is allowed + under her rule, and yet she is not over strict nor too rigidly + exacting; her servants and her poor neighbours love as well as + respect her. + + 'I must not, however, fall into the error of talking too much about + her, merely because my own mind is just now deeply impressed with + what I have seen of her intellectual power and moral worth. Faults + she has, but to me they appear very trivial weighed in the balance + against her excellencies. + + 'With every good wish of the season,--I am, my dear sir, yours very + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Meanwhile the excitement which _Shirley_ was exciting in Currer Bell's +home circle was not confined to the curates. Here is a letter which +Canon Heald (Cyril Hall) wrote at this time:-- + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'BIRSTALL, near LEEDS, + '8_th_ _January_ 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Fame says you are on a visit with the renowned Currer + Bell, the "great unknown" of the present day. The celebrated + _Shirley_ has just found its way hither. And as one always reads a + book with more interest when one has a correct insight into the + writer's designs, I write to ask a favour, which I ought not to be + regarded presumptuous in saying that I think I have a species of + claim to ask, on the ground of a sort of "poetical justice." The + interpretation of this enigma is, that the story goes that either I + or my father, I do not exactly know which, are part of "Currer + Bell's" stock-in-trade, under the title of Mr. Hall, in that Mr. Hall + is represented as black, bilious, and of dismal aspect, stooping a + trifle, and indulging a little now and then in the indigenous + dialect. This seems to sit very well on your humble servant--other + traits do better for my good father than myself. However, though I + had no idea that I should be made a means to amuse the public, Currer + Bell is perfectly welcome to what she can make of so unpromising a + subject. But I think _I have a fair claim in return to be let into + the secret of the company I have got into_. Some of them are good + enough to tell, and need no OEdipus to solve the riddle. I can + tabulate, for instance, the Yorke family for the Taylors, Mr. + Moore--Mr. Cartwright, and Mr. Helstone is clearly meant for Mr. + Robertson, though the authoress has evidently got her idea of his + character through an unfavourable medium, and does not understand the + full value of one of the most admirable characters I ever knew or + expect to know. May thinks she descries Cecilia Crowther and Miss + Johnston (afterwards Mrs. Westerman) in two old maids. + + 'Now pray get us a full light on all other names and localities that + are adumbrated in this said _Shirley_. When some of the prominent + characters will be recognised by every one who knows our quarters, + there can be no harm in letting one know who may be intended by the + rest. And, if necessary, I will bear Currer Bell harmless, and not + let the world know that I have my intelligence from head-quarters. + As I said before, I repeat now, that as I or mine are part of the + stock-in-trade, I think I have an equitable claim to this + intelligence, by way of my dividend. Mary and Harriet wish also to + get at this information; and the latter at all events seems to have + her own peculiar claim, as fame says she is "in the book" too. One + had need "walk . . . warily in these dangerous days," when, as Burns + (is it not he?) says-- + + 'A chield's among you taking notes, + And faith he'll prent it.'-- + + 'Yours sincerely, + + 'W. M. HEALD. + + 'Mary and Harriet unite with me in the best wishes of the season to + you and C--- B---. Pray give my best respects to Mr. Bronte also, + who may have some slight remembrance of me as a child. I just + remember him when at Hartshead.' {444} + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_February_ 2_nd_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have despatched to-day a parcel containing _The + Caxtons_, Macaulay's _Essays_, _Humboldt's Letters_, and such other + of the books as I have read, packed with a picturesque irregularity + well calculated to excite the envy and admiration of your skilful + functionary in Cornhill. By-the-bye, he ought to be careful of the + few pins stuck in here and there, as he might find them useful at a + future day, in case of having more bonnets to pack for the East + Indies. Whenever you send me a new supply of books, may I request + that you will have the goodness to include one or two of Miss + Austen's. I am often asked whether I have read them, and I excite + amazement by replying in the negative. I have read none except + _Pride and Prejudice_. Miss Martineau mentioned _Persuasion_ as the + best. + + 'Thank you for your account of the _First Performance_. It was + cheering and pleasant to read it, for in your animated description I + seemed to realise the scene; your criticism also enables me to form + some idea of the play. Lewes is a strange being. I always regret + that I did not see him when in London. He seems to me clever, sharp, + and coarse; I used to think him sagacious, but I believe now he is no + more than shrewd, for I have observed once or twice that he brings + forward as grand discoveries of his own, information he has casually + received from others--true sagacity disdains little tricks of this + sort. But though Lewes has many smart and some deserving points + about him, he has nothing truly great; and nothing truly great, I + should think, will he ever produce. Yet he merits just such + successes as the one you describe--triumphs public, brief, and noisy. + Notoriety suits Lewes. Fame--were it possible that he could achieve + her--would be a thing uncongenial to him: he could not wait for the + solemn blast of her trumpet, sounding long, and slowly waxing louder. + + 'I always like your way of mentioning Mr. Smith, because my own + opinion of him concurs with yours; and it is as pleasant to have a + favourable impression of character confirmed, as it is painful to see + it dispelled. I am sure he possesses a fine nature, and I trust the + selfishness of the world and the hard habits of business, though they + may and must modify him disposition, will never quite spoil it. + + 'Can you give me any information respecting Sheridan Knowles? A few + lines received from him lately, and a present of his _George Lovel_, + induce me to ask the question. Of course I am aware that he is a + dramatic writer of eminence, but do you know anything about him as a + man? + + 'I believe both _Shirley_ and _Jane Eyre_ are being a good deal read + in the North just now; but I only hear fitful rumours from time to + time. I ask nothing, and my life of anchorite seclusion shuts out + all bearers of tidings. One or two curiosity-hunter have made their + way to Haworth Parsonage, but our rude hill and rugged neighbourhood + will, I doubt not, form a sufficient barrier to the frequent + repetition of such visits.--Believe me, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The most permanent friend among the curiosity-hunters, was Sir James +Kay-Shuttleworth, {446} who came a month later to Haworth. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 1_st_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I scribble you a line in haste to tell you of my + proceedings. Various folks are beginning to come boring to Haworth, + on the wise errand of seeing the scenery described in _Jane Eyre_ and + _Shirley_; amongst others, Sir J. K. Shuttleworth and Lady S. have + persisted in coming; they were here on Friday. The baronet looks in + vigorous health; he scarcely appears more than thirty-five, but he + says he is forty-four. Lady Shuttleworth is rather handsome, and + still young. They were both quite unpretending. When here they + again urged me to visit them. Papa took their side at once--would + not hear of my refusing. I must go--this left me without plea or + defence. I consented to go for three days. They wanted me to return + with them in the carriage, but I pleaded off till to-morrow. I wish + it was well over. + + 'If all be well I shall be able to write more about them when I come + back. Sir J. is very courtly--fine-looking; I wish he may be as + sincere as he is polished.--In haste, yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_March_ 16_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I found your letter with several others awaiting me on + my return home from a brief stay in Lancashire. The mourning border + alarmed me much. I feared that dread visitant, before whose coming + every household trembles, had invaded your hearth and taken from you + perhaps a child, perhaps something dearer still. The loss you have + actually sustained is painful, but so much _less_ painful than what I + had anticipated, that to read your letter was to be greatly relieved. + Still, I know what Mrs. Williams will feel. We can have but one + father, but one mother, and when either is gone, we have lost what + can never be replaced. Offer her, under this affliction, my sincere + sympathy. I can well imagine the cloud these sad tidings would cast + over your young cheerful family. Poor little Dick's exclamation and + burst of grief are most naive and natural; he felt the sorrow of a + child--a keen, but, happily, a transient pang. Time will, I trust, + ere long restore your own and your wife's serenity and your + children's cheerfulness. + + 'I mentioned, I think, that we had one or two visitors at Haworth + lately; amongst them were Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth and his lady. + Before departing they exacted a promise that I would visit them at + Gawthorpe Hall, their residence on the borders of East Lancashire. I + went reluctantly, for it is always a difficult and painful thing to + me to meet the advances of people whose kindness I am in no position + to repay. Sir James is a man of polished manners, with clear + intellect and highly cultivated mind. On the whole, I got on very + well with him. + + 'His health is just now somewhat broken by his severe official + labours; and the quiet drives to old ruins and old halls situate + amongst older hills and woods, the dialogues (perhaps I should rather + say monologues, for I listened far more than I talked) by the + fireside in his antique oak-panelled drawing-room, while they suited + him, did not too much oppress and exhaust me. The house, too, is + very much to my taste, near three centuries old, grey, stately, and + picturesque. On the whole, now that the visit is over, I do not + regret having paid it. The worst of it is that there is now some + menace hanging over my head of an invitation to go to them in London + during the season--this, which would doubtless be a great enjoyment + to some people, is a perfect terror to me. I should highly prize the + advantages to be gained in an extended range of observation, but I + tremble at the thought of the price I must necessarily pay in mental + distress and physical wear and tear. But you shall have no more of + my confessions--to you they will appear folly.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 19_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have got home again, and now that the visit is over, + I am, as usual, glad I have been; not that I could have endured to + prolong it: a few days at once, in an utterly strange place, amongst + utterly strange faces, is quite enough for me. + + 'When the train stopped at Burnley, I found Sir James waiting for me. + A drive of about three miles brought us to the gates of Gawthorpe, + and after passing up a somewhat desolate avenue, there towered the + hall--grey, antique, castellated, and stately--before me. It is 250 + years old, and, within as without, is a model of old English + architecture. The arms and the strange crest of the Shuttleworths + are carved on the oak pannelling of each room. They are not a + parvenue family, but date from the days of Richard III. This part of + Lancashire seems rather remarkable for its houses of ancient race. + The Townleys, who live near, go back to the Conquest. + + 'The people, however, were of still more interest to me than the + house. Lady Shuttleworth is a little woman, thirty-two years old, + with a pretty, smooth, lively face. Of pretension to aristocratic + airs she may be entirely acquitted; of frankness, good-humour, and + activity she has enough; truth obliges me to add, that, as it seems + to me, grace, dignity, fine feeling were not in the inventory of her + qualities. These last are precisely what her husband possesses. In + manner he can be gracious and dignified; his tastes and feelings are + capable of elevation; frank he is not, but, on the contrary, politic; + he calls himself a man of the world and knows the world's ways; + courtly and affable in some points of view, he is strict and rigorous + in others. In him high mental cultivation is combined with an + extended range of observation, and thoroughly practical views and + habits. His nerves are naturally acutely sensitive, and the present + very critical state of his health has exaggerated sensitiveness into + irritability. His wife is of a temperament precisely suited to nurse + him and wait on him; if her sensations were more delicate and acute + she would not do half so well. They get on perfectly together. The + children--there are four of them--are all fine children in their way. + They have a young German lady as governess--a quiet, well-instructed, + interesting girl, whom I took to at once, and, in my heart, liked + better than anything else in the house. She also instinctively took + to me. She is very well treated for a governess, but wore the usual + pale, despondent look of her class. She told me she was home-sick, + and she looked so. + + 'I have received the parcel containing the cushion and all the + etcetera, for which I thank you very much. I suppose I must begin + with the group of flowers; I don't know how I shall manage it, but I + shall try. I have a good number of letters to answer--from Mr. + Smith, from Mr. Williams, from Thornton Hunt, Laetitia Wheelwright, + Harriet Dyson--and so I must bid you good-bye for the present. Write + to me soon. The brief absence from home, though in some respects + trying and painful in itself, has, I think, given me a little better + tone of spirit. All through this month of February I have had a + crushing time of it. I could not escape from or rise above certain + most mournful recollections--the last few days, the sufferings, the + remembered words, most sorrowful to me, of those who, Faith assures + me, are now happy. At evening and bed-time such thoughts would haunt + me, bringing a weary heartache. Good-bye, dear Nell.--Yours + faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 21_st_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--My visit is again postponed. Sir James Shuttleworth, I + am sorry to say, is most seriously ill. Two physicians are in + attendance twice a day, and company and conversation, even with his + own relatives, are prohibited as too exciting. Notwithstanding this, + he has written two notes to me himself, claiming a promise that I + will wait till he is better, and not allow any one else "to introduce + me" as he says, "into the Oceanic life of London." Sincerely sorry + as I was for him, I could not help smiling at this sentence. But I + shall willingly promise. I know something of him, and like part, at + least, of what I do know. I do not feel in the least tempted to + change him for another. His sufferings are very great. I trust and + hope God will be pleased to spare his mind. I have just got a note + informing me that he is something better; but, of course, he will + vary. Lady Shuttleworth is much, much to be pitied too; his nights, + it seems, are most distressing.--Good-bye, dear Nell. Write soon to + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '76 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK GARDENS, _June_ 3_rd_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I came to London last Thursday. I am staying at Mrs. + Smith's, who has changed her residence, as the address will show. A + good deal of writing backwards and forwards, persuasion, etc., took + place before this step was resolved on; but at last I explained to + Sir James that I had some little matters of business to transact, and + that I should stay quietly at my publisher's. He has called twice, + and Lady Shuttleworth once; each of them alone. He is in a fearfully + nervous state. To my great horror he talks of my going with them to + Hampton Court, Windsor, etc. God knows how I shall get on. I + perfectly dread it. + + 'Here I feel very comfortable. Mrs. Smith treats me with a serene, + equable kindness which just suits me. Her son is, as before, genial + and kindly. I have seen very few persons, and am not likely to see + many, as the agreement was that I was to be very quiet. We have been + to the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, to the Opera, and the + Zoological Gardens. The weather is splendid. I shall not stay + longer than a fortnight in London. The feverishness and exhaustion + beset me somewhat, but not quite so badly as before, as indeed I have + not yet been so much tried. I hope you will write soon and tell me + how you are getting on. Give my regards to all.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '76 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK GARDENS, _June_ 4_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I was very glad to get your letter this morning, and + still more glad to learn that your health continues in some degree to + improve. I fear you will feel the present weather somewhat + debilitating, at least if it is as warm in Yorkshire as in London. I + cannot help grudging these fine days on account of the roofing of the + house. It is a great pity the workmen were not prepared to begin a + week ago. + + 'Since I wrote I have been to the Opera; to the Exhibition of the + Royal Academy, where there were some fine paintings, especially a + large one by Landseer of the Duke of Wellington on the field of + Waterloo, and a grand, wonderful picture of Martin's from Campbell's + poem of the "Last Man," showing the red sun fading out of the sky, + and all the soil of the foreground made up of bones and skulls. The + secretary of the Zoological Society also sent me an honorary ticket + of admission to their gardens, which I wish you could see. There are + animals from all parts of the world inclosed in great cages in the + open air amongst trees and shrubs--lions, tigers, leopards, + elephants, numberless monkies, camels, five or six cameleopards, a + young hippopotamus with an Egyptian for its keeper; birds of all + kinds--eagles, ostriches, a pair of great condors from the Andes, + strange ducks and water-fowl which seem very happy and comfortable, + and build their nests amongst the reeds and sedges of the lakes where + they are kept. Some of the American birds make inexpressible noises. + + 'There are also all sorts of living snakes and lizards in cages, some + great Ceylon toads not much smaller than Flossy, some large foreign + rats nearly as large and fierce as little bull-dogs. The most + ferocious and deadly-looking things in the place were these rats, a + laughing hyena (which every now and then uttered a hideous peal of + laughter such as a score of maniacs might produce) and a cobra di + capello snake. I think this snake was the worst of all: it had the + eyes and face of a fiend, and darted out its barbed tongue sharply + and incessantly. + + 'I am glad to hear that Tabby and Martha are pretty well. Remember + me to them, and--Believe me, dear papa, your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I hope you don't care for the notice in _Sharpe's Magazine_; it does + not disturb me in the least. Mr. Smith says it is of no consequence + whatever in a literary sense. Sharpe, the proprietor, was an + apprentice of Mr. Smith's father.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '76 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK GARDENS, _June_ 21_st_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I am leaving London, if all be well, on Tuesday, and + shall be very glad to come to you for a few days, if that arrangement + still remains convenient to you. I intend to start at nine o'clock + A.M. by the express train, which arrives in Leeds thirty-five minutes + past two. I should then be at Batley about four in the afternoon. + Would that suit? + + 'My London visit has much surpassed my expectations this time; I have + suffered less and enjoyed more than before. Rather a trying + termination yet remains to me. Mrs. Smith's youngest son is at + school in Scotland, and George, her eldest, is going to fetch him + home for the vacation. The other evening he announced his intention + of taking one of his sisters with him, and proposed that Miss Bronte + should go down to Edinburgh and join them there, and see that city + and its suburbs. I concluded he was joking, laughed and declined; + however, it seems he was in earnest. The thing appearing to me + perfectly out of the question, I still refused. Mrs. Smith did not + favour it; you may easily fancy how she helped me to sustain my + opposition, but her worthy son only waxed more determined. His + mother is master of the house, but he is master of his mother. This + morning she came and entreated me to go. "George wished it so much"; + he had begged her to use her influence, etc., etc. Now I believe + that George and I understand each other very well, and respect each + other very sincerely. We both know the wide breach time has made + between us; we do not embarrass each other, or very rarely; my six or + eight years of seniority, to say nothing of lack of all pretension to + beauty, etc., are a perfect safeguard. I should not in the least + fear to go with him to China. I like to see him pleased, I greatly + _dis_like to ruffle and disappoint him, so he shall have his mind; + and if all be well, I mean to join him in Edinburgh after I shall + have spent a few days with you. With his buoyant animal spirits and + youthful vigour he will make severe demands on my muscles and nerves, + but I daresay I shall get through somehow, and then perhaps come back + to rest a few days with you before I go home. With kind regards to + all at Brookroyd, your guests included,--I am, dear Ellen, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Write by return of post.' + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 30_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR LAETITIA,--I promised to write to you when I should have + returned home. Returned home I am, but you may conceive that many, + many matters solicit attention and demand arrangement in a house + which has lately been turned topsy-turvy in the operation of + unroofing. Drawers and cupboards must wait a moment, however, while + I fulfil my promise, though it is imperatively necessary that this + fulfilment should be achieved with brevity. + + 'My stay in Scotland was short, and what I saw was chiefly comprised + in Edinburgh and the neighbourhood, in Abbotsford and Melrose, for I + was obliged to relinquish my first intention of going from Glasgow to + Oban and thence through a portion of the Highlands. But though the + time was brief, and the view of objects limited, I found such a charm + of situation, association, and circumstances that I think the + enjoyment experienced in that little space equalled in degree and + excelled in kind all which London yielded during a month's sojourn. + Edinburgh compared to London is like a vivid page of history compared + to a huge dull treatise on political economy; and as to Melrose and + Abbotsford, the very names possess music and magic. + + 'I am thankful to say that on my return home I found papa pretty + well. Full often had I thought of him when I was far away; and + deeply sad as it is on many accounts to come back to this old house, + yet I was glad to be with him once more. + + 'You were proposing, I remember, to go into the country; I trust you + are there now and enjoying this fine day in some scene where the air + will not be tainted, nor the sunshine dimmed, by London smoke. If + your papa, mamma, or any of your sisters are within reach, give them + my kindest remembrances--if not, save such remembrances till you see + them.--Believe me, my dear Laetitia, yours hurriedly but faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + 'AMBLESIDE, _August_ 15_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I think I shall not come home till Thursday. If all be + well I shall leave here on Monday and spend a day or two with Ellen + Nussey. I have enjoyed my visit exceedingly. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth + has called several times and taken me out in his carriage. He seems + very truly friendly; but, I am sorry to say, he looks pale and very + much wasted. I greatly fear he will not live very long unless some + change for the better soon takes place. Lady S. is ill too, and + cannot go out. I have seen a good deal of Dr. Arnold's family, and + like them much. As to Miss Martineau, I admire her and wonder at her + more than I can say. Her powers of labour, of exercise, and social + cheerfulness are beyond my comprehension. In spite of the unceasing + activity of her colossal intellect she enjoys robust health. She is + a taller, larger, and more strongly made woman than I had imagined + from that first interview with her. She is very kind to me, though + she must think I am a very insignificant person compared to herself. + She has just been into the room to show me a chapter of her history + which she is now writing, relating to the Duke of Wellington's + character and his proceedings in the Peninsula. She wanted an + opinion on it, and I was happy to be able to give a very approving + one. She seems to understand and do him justice. + + 'You must not direct any more letters here as they will not reach me + after to-day. Hoping, dear papa, that you are well, and with kind + regards to Tabby and Martha,--I am, your affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO W. S. WILLIAMS + + '_October_ 2_nd_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I have to thank you for the care and kindness with + which you have assisted me throughout in correcting these _Remains_. + + 'Whether, when they are published, they will appear to others as they + do to me, I cannot tell. I hope not. And indeed I suppose what to + me is bitter pain will only be soft pathos to the general public. + + 'Miss Martineau has several times lately asked me to go and see her; + and though this is a dreary season for travelling northward, I think + if papa continues pretty well I shall go in a week or two. I feel to + my deep sorrow, to my humiliation, that it is not in my power to bear + the canker of constant solitude. I had calculated that when shut out + from every enjoyment, from every stimulus but what could be derived + from intellectual exertion, my mind would rouse itself perforce. It + is not so. Even intellect, even imagination, will not dispense with + the ray of domestic cheerfulness, with the gentle spur of family + discussion. Late in the evenings, and all through the nights, I fall + into a condition of mind which turns entirely to the past--to memory; + and memory is both sad and relentless. This will never do, and will + produce no good. I tell you this that you may check false + anticipations. You cannot help me, and must not trouble yourself in + any shape to sympathise with me. It is my cup, and I must drink it, + as others drink theirs.--Yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Among Miss Bronte's papers I find the following letter to Miss Martineau, +written with a not unnatural resentment after the publication of a severe +critique of _Shirley_. + + TO MISS HARRIET MARTINEAU. + + 'MY DEAR MISS MARTINEAU,--I think I best show my sense of the tone + and feeling of your last, by immediate compliance with the wish you + express that I should send your letter. I inclose it, and have + marked with red ink the passage which struck me dumb. All the rest + is fair, right, worthy of you, but I protest against this passage; + and were I brought up before the bar of all the critics in England, + to such a charge I should respond, "Not guilty." + + 'I know what _love_ is as I understand it; and if man or woman should + be ashamed of feeling such love, then is there nothing right, noble, + faithful, truthful, unselfish in this earth, as I comprehend + rectitude, nobleness, fidelity, truth, and disinterestedness.--Yours + sincerely, + + 'C. B. + + 'To differ from you gives me keen pain.' + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL + + '_November_ 6_th_, 1850. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--Mrs. Arnold seemed an amiable, and must once have been + a very pretty, woman; her daughter I liked much. There was present + also a son of Chevalier Bunsen, with his wife, or rather bride. I + had not then read Dr. Arnold's Life--otherwise, the visit would have + interested me even more than it actually did. + + 'Mr. Williams told me (if I mistake not) that you had recently + visited the Lake Country. I trust you enjoyed your excursion, and + that our English Lakes did not suffer too much by comparison in your + memory with the Scottish Lochs.--I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'AMBLESIDE, _December_ 21_st_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have managed to get off going to Sir J. K. + Shuttleworth's by a promise to come some other time. I thought I + really should like to spend two or three days with you before going + home; therefore, if it is not inconvenient for you, I will come on + Monday and stay till Thursday. I shall be at Bradford (D.V.) at ten + minutes past two, Monday afternoon, and can take a cab at the station + forward to Birstall. I have truly enjoyed my visit. I have seen a + good many people, and all have been so marvellously kind; not the + least so the family of Dr. Arnold. Miss Martineau I relish + inexpressibly. Sir James has been almost every day to take me a + drive. I begin to admit in my own mind that he is sincerely + benignant to me. I grieve to say he looks to me as if wasting away. + Lady Shuttleworth is ill. She cannot go out, and I have not seen + her. Till we meet, good-bye. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +It was during this visit to Ambleside that Charlotte Bronte and Matthew +Arnold met. + + 'At seven,' writes Mr. Arnold from Fox How (December 21, 1850), 'came + Miss Martineau and Miss Bronte (Jane Eyre); talked to Miss Martineau + (who blasphemes frightfully) about the prospects of the Church of + England, and, wretched man that I am, promised to go and see her + cow-keeping miracles {457a} to-morrow--I, who hardly know a cow from + a sheep. I talked to Miss Bronte (past thirty and plain, with + expressive grey eyes, though) of her curates, of French novels, and + her education in a school at Brussels, and sent the lions roaring to + their dens at half-past nine, and came to talk to you.' {457b} + +By the light of this 'impression,' it is not a little interesting to see +what Miss Bronte, 'past thirty and plain,' thought of Mr. Matthew Arnold! + + TO JAMES TAYLOR, CORNHILL, + + '_January_ 15_th_, 1851. + + 'MY DEAR SIR,--I fancy the imperfect way in which my last note was + expressed must have led you into an error, and that you must have + applied to Mrs. Arnold the remarks I intended for Miss Martineau. I + remember whilst writing about "my hostess" I was sensible to some + obscurity in the term; permit me now to explain that it referred to + Miss Martineau. + + 'Mrs. Arnold is, indeed, as I judge from my own observations no less + than from the unanimous testimony of all who really know her, a good + and amiable woman, but the intellectual is not her forte, and she has + no pretensions to power or completeness of character. The same + remark, I think, applies to her daughters. You admire in them the + kindliest feeling towards each other and their fellow-creatures, and + they offer in their home circle a beautiful example of family unity, + and of that refinement which is sure to spring thence; but when the + conversation turns on literature or any subject that offers a test + for the intellect, you usually felt that their opinions were rather + imitative than original, rather sentimental than sound. Those who + have only seen Mrs. Arnold once will necessarily, I think, judge of + her unfavourably; her manner on introduction disappointed me + sensibly, as lacking that genuineness and simplicity one seemed to + have a right to expect in the chosen life-companion of Dr. Arnold. + On my remarking as much to Mrs. Gaskell and Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, I + was told for my consolation it was a "conventional manner," but that + it vanished on closer acquaintance; fortunately this last assurance + proved true. It is observable that Matthew Arnold, the eldest son, + and the author of the volume of poems to which you allude, inherits + his mother's defect. Striking and prepossessing in appearance, his + manner displeases from its seeming foppery. I own it caused me at + first to regard him with regretful surprise; the shade of Dr. Arnold + seemed to me to frown on his young representative. I was told, + however, that "Mr. Arnold improved upon acquaintance." So it was: + ere long a real modesty appeared under his assumed conceit, and some + genuine intellectual aspirations, as well as high educational + acquirements, displaced superficial affectations. I was given to + understand that his theological opinions were very vague and + unsettled, and indeed he betrayed as much in the course of + conversation. Most unfortunate for him, doubtless, has been the + untimely loss of his father. + + 'My visit to Westmoreland has certainly done me good. Physically, I + was not ill before I went there, but my mind had undergone some + painful laceration. In the course of looking over my sister's + papers, mementos, and memoranda, that would have been nothing to + others, conveyed for me so keen a sting. Near at hand there was no + means of lightening or effacing the sad impression by refreshing + social intercourse; from my father, of course, my sole care was to + conceal it--age demanding the same forbearance as infancy in the + communication of grief. Continuous solitude grew more than I could + bear, and, to speak truth, I was glad of a change. You will say that + we ought to have power in ourselves either to bear circumstances or + to bend them. True, we should do our best to this end, but sometimes + our best is unavailing. However, I am better now, and most thankful + for the respite. + + 'The interest you so kindly express in my sister's works touches me + home. Thank you for it, especially as I do not believe you would + speak otherwise than sincerely. The only notices that I have seen of + the new edition of _Wuthering Heights_ were those in the _Examiner_, + the _Leader_, and the _Athenaeum_. That in the _Athenaeum_ somehow + gave me pleasure: it is quiet but respectful--so I thought, at least. + + 'You asked whether Miss Martineau made me a convert to mesmerism? + Scarcely; yet I heard miracles of its efficacy and could hardly + discredit the whole of what was told me. I even underwent a personal + experiment; and though the result was not absolutely clear, it was + inferred that in time I should prove an excellent subject. + + 'The question of mesmerism will be discussed with little reserve, I + believe, in a forthcoming work of Miss Martineau's, and I have some + painful anticipations of the manner in which other subjects, offering + less legitimate ground for speculation, will be handled. + + 'You mention the _Leader_; what do you think of it? I have been + asked to contribute; but though I respect the spirit of fairness and + courtesy in which it is on the whole conducted, its principles on + some points are such that I have hitherto shrunk from the thought of + seeing my name in its columns. + + 'Thanking you for your good wishes,--I am, my dear sir, yours + sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 12_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR LAETITIA,--A spare moment must and shall be made for you, no + matter how many letters I have to write (and just now there is an + influx). In reply to your kind inquiries, I have to say that my stay + in London and excursion to Scotland did me good--much good at the + time; but my health was again somewhat sharply tried at the close of + autumn, and I lost in some days of indisposition the additional flesh + and strength I had previously gained. This resulted from the painful + task of looking over letters and papers belonging to my sisters. + Many little mementos and memoranda conspired to make an impression + inexpressibly sad, which solitude deepened and fostered till I grew + ill. A brief trip to Westmoreland has, however, I am thankful to + say, revived me again, and the circumstance of papa being just now in + good health and spirits gives me many causes for gratitude. When we + have but one precious thing left we think much of it. + + 'I have been staying a short time with Miss Martineau. As you may + imagine, the visit proved one of no common interest. She is + certainly a woman of wonderful endowments, both intellectual and + physical, and though I share few of her opinions, and regard her as + fallible on certain points of judgment, I must still accord her my + sincerest esteem. The manner in which she combines the highest + mental culture with the nicest discharge of feminine duties filled me + with admiration, while her affectionate kindness earned my gratitude. + + 'Your description of the magician Paxton's crystal palace is quite + graphic. Whether I shall see it or not I don't know. London will be + so dreadfully crowded and busy this season, I feel a dread of going + there. + + 'Compelled to break off, I have only time to offer my kindest + remembrances to your whole circle, and my love to yourself.--Yours + ever, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE + + '112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, HYDE PARK, + 'LONDON, _June_ 17_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I write a line in haste to tell you that I find they + will not let me leave London till next Tuesday; and as I have + promised to spend a day or two with Mrs. Gaskell on my way home, it + will probably be Friday or Saturday in next week before I return to + Haworth. Martha will thus have a few days more time, and must not + hurry or overwork herself. Yesterday I saw Cardinal Wiseman and + heard him speak. It was at a meeting for the Roman Catholic Society + of St. Vincent de Paul; the Cardinal presided. He is a big portly + man something of the shape of Mr. Morgan; he has not merely a double + but a treble and quadruple chin; he has a very large mouth with oily + lips, and looks as if he would relish a good dinner with a bottle of + wine after it. He came swimming into the room smiling, simpering, + and bowing like a fat old lady, and sat down very demure in his chair + and looked the picture of a sleek hypocrite. He was dressed in black + like a bishop or dean in plain clothes, but wore scarlet gloves and a + brilliant scarlet waistcoat. A bevy of inferior priests surrounded + him, many of them very dark-looking and sinister men. The Cardinal + spoke in a smooth whining manner, just like a canting Methodist + preacher. The audience seemed to look up to him as to a god. A + spirit of the hottest zeal pervaded the whole meeting. I was told + afterwards that except myself and the person who accompanied me there + was not a single Protestant present. All the speeches turned on the + necessity of straining every nerve to make converts to popery. It is + in such a scene that one feels what the Catholics are doing. Most + persevering and enthusiastic are they in their work! Let Protestants + look to it. It cheered me much to hear that you continue pretty + well. Take every care of yourself. Remember me kindly to Tabby and + Martha, also to Mr. Nicholls, and--Believe me, dear papa, your + affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 19_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I shall have to stay in London a few days longer than I + intended. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth has found out that I am here. I + have some trouble in warding off his wish that I should go directly + to his house and take up my quarters there, but Mrs. Smith helped me, + and I got off with promising to spend a day. I am engaged to spend a + day or two with Mrs. Gaskell on my way home, and could not put her + off, as she is going away for a portion of the summer. Lady + Shuttleworth looks very delicate. Papa is now very desirous I should + come home; and when I have as quickly as possible paid my debts of + engagements, home I must go. Next Tuesday I go to Manchester for two + days. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + 'HYDE PARK, _June_ 24_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I cannot now leave London till Friday. To-morrow is + Mr. Smith's only holiday. Mr. Taylor's departure leaves him loaded + with work. More than once since I came he has been kept in the city + till three in the morning. He wants to take us all to Richmond, and + I promised last week I would stay and go with him, his mother, and + sisters. I go to Mrs. Gaskell's on Friday.--Believe me, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE, HAWORTH, YORKS + + '112 GLOUCESTER TERRACE, + '_June_ 26_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--I have not yet been able to get away from London, but if + all be well I shall go to-morrow, stay two days with Mrs. Gaskell at + Manchester, and return home on Monday 30th _without fail_. During + this last week or ten days I have seen many things, some of them very + interesting, and have also been in much better health than I was + during the first fortnight of my stay in London. Sir James and Lady + Shuttleworth have really been very kind, and most scrupulously + attentive. They desire their regards to you, and send all manner of + civil messages. The Marquis of Westminster and the Earl of Ellesmere + each sent me an order to see their private collection of pictures, + which I enjoyed very much. Mr. Rogers, the patriarch-poet, now + eighty-seven years old, invited me to breakfast with him. His + breakfasts, you must understand, are celebrated throughout Europe for + their peculiar refinement and taste. He never admits at that meal + more than four persons to his table: himself and three guests. The + morning I was there I met Lord Glenelg and Mrs. Davenport, a relation + of Lady Shuttleworth's, and a very beautiful and fashionable woman. + The visit was very interesting; I was glad that I had paid it after + it was over. An attention that pleased and surprised me more I think + than any other was the circumstance of Sir David Brewster, who is one + of the first scientific men of his day, coming to take me over the + Crystal Palace and pointing out and explaining the most remarkable + curiosities. You will know, dear papa, that I do not mention those + things to boast of them, but merely because I think they will give + you pleasure. Nobody, I find, thinks the worse of me for avoiding + publicity and declining to go to large parties, and everybody seems + truly courteous and respectful, a mode of behaviour which makes me + grateful, as it ought to do. Good-bye till Monday. Give my best + regards to Mr. Nicholls, Tabby, and Martha, and--Believe me your + affectionate daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + + + +CHAPTER XVII: THE REV. ARTHUR BELL NICHOLLS + + +Without the kindly assistance of Mr. Arthur Bell Nicholls, this book +could not have been written, and I might therefore be supposed to guide +my pen with appalling discretion in treating of the married life of +Charlotte Bronte. There are, however, no painful secrets to reveal, no +skeletons to lay bare. Mr. Nicholls's story is a very simple one; and +that it is entirely creditable to him, there is abundant evidence. Amid +the full discussion to which the lives of the Brontes have necessarily +been subjected through their ever-continuous fame, it was perhaps +inevitable that a contrary opinion should gain ground. Many of Mr. +Nicholls's relatives in his own country have frequently sighed over the +perverted statements which have obtained currency. 'It is cruel that +your uncle Arthur, the best of men, as we know, should be thus treated,' +was the comment of Mr. Nicholls's brother to his daughter after reading +an unfriendly article concerning Charlotte's husband. Yet it was not +unnatural that such an estimate should get abroad; and I may frankly +admit that until I met Mr. Nicholls I believed that Charlotte Bronte's +marriage had been an unhappy one--an opinion gathered partly from Mrs. +Gaskell, partly from current tradition in Yorkshire. Mrs. Gaskell, in +fact, did not like Mr. Nicholls, and there were those with whom she came +in contact while writing Miss Bronte's Life who were eager to fan that +feeling in the usually kindly biographer. Mr. Nicholls himself did not +work in the direction of conciliation. He was, as we shall see, a +Scotchman, and Scottish taciturnity brought to bear upon the genial and +jovial Yorkshire folk did not make for friendliness. Further, he would +not let Mrs. Gaskell 'edit' and change _The Professor_, and here also he +did wisely and well. He hated publicity, and above all things viewed the +attempt to pierce the veil of his married life with almost morbid +detestation. Who shall say that he was not right, and that his +retirement for more than forty years from the whole region of controversy +has not abundantly justified itself? One at least of Miss Bronte's +friends has been known in our day to complain bitterly of all the trouble +to which she has been subjected by the ill-considered zeal of Bronte +enthusiasts. Mr. Nicholls has escaped all this by a judicious silence. +Now that forty years and more have passed since his wife's death, it +cannot be inopportune to tell the public all that they can fairly ask to +know. + +Mr. Nicholls was born in Co. Antrim in 1817, but of Scottish parents on +both sides. He was left at the age of seven to the charge of an +uncle--the Rev. Alan Bell--who was headmaster of the Royal School at +Banagher, in King's Co. Mr. Nicholls afterwards entered Trinity College, +Dublin, and it was thence that he went to Haworth, his first curacy. He +succeeded a fellow countryman, Mr. Peter Augustus Smith, in 1844. The +first impression we have of the new curate in Charlotte's letters is +scarcely more favourable than that of his predecessors. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_October_ 9_th_, 1844. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--We are getting on here the same as usual, only that + Branwell has been more than ordinarily troublesome and annoying of + late; he leads papa a wretched life. Mr. Nicholls is returned just + the same. I cannot for my life see those interesting germs of + goodness in him you discovered; his narrowness of mind always strikes + me chiefly. I fear he is indebted to your imagination for his hidden + treasure.--Yours, + + 'C. B.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_July_ 10_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Who gravely asked you whether Miss Bronte was not going + to be married to her papa's curate? I scarcely need say that never + was rumour more unfounded. A cold faraway sort of civility are the + only terms on which I have ever been with Mr. Nicholls. I could by + no means think of mentioning such a rumour to him even as a joke. It + would make me the laughing-stock of himself and his fellow curates + for half a year to come. They regard me as an old maid, and I regard + them, one and all, as highly uninteresting, narrow, and unattractive + specimens of the coarser sex. + + 'Write to me again soon, whether you have anything particular to say + or not. Give my sincere love to your mother and sisters. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_November_ 17_th_, 1846. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I will just write a brief despatch to say that I + received yours and that I was very glad to get it. I do not know + when you have been so long without writing to me before. I had begun + to imagine you were gone to your brother Joshua's. + + 'Papa continues to do very well. He read prayers twice in the church + last Sunday. Next Sunday he will have to take the whole duty of the + three services himself, as Mr. Nicholls is in Ireland. Remember me + to your mother and sisters. Write as soon as you possibly can after + you get to Oundle. Good luck go with you. + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +That Scotch reticence held sway, and told against Mr. Nicholls for many a +day to come. + + [Picture: THE REV. ARTHUR BELL NICHOLLS] + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_October_ 7_th_, 1847. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I have been expecting you to write to me; but as you + don't do it, and as, moreover, you may possibly think it is my turn, + and not yours, though on that point I am far from clear, I shall just + send you one of my scrubby notes for the express purpose of eliciting + a reply. Anne was very much pleased with your letter; I presume she + has answered it before now. I would fain hope that her health is a + little stronger than it was, and her spirits a little better, but she + leads much too sedentary a life, and is continually sitting stooping + either over a book or over her desk. It is with difficulty we can + prevail upon her to take a walk or induce her to converse. I look + forward to next summer with the confident intention that she shall, + if possible, make at least a brief sojourn at the sea-side. + + 'I am sorry I inoculated you with fears about the east wind; I did + not feel the last blast so severely as I have often done. My + sympathies were much awakened by the touching anecdote. Did you + salute your boy-messenger with a box on the ear the next time he came + across you? I think I should have been strongly tempted to have done + as much. Mr. Nicholls is not yet returned. I am sorry to say that + many of the parishioners express a desire that he should not trouble + himself to recross the Channel. This is not the feeling that ought + to exist between shepherd and flock. It is not such as is prevalent + at Birstall. It is not such as poor Mr. Weightman excited. + + 'Give my best love to all of them, and--Believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +The next glimpse is more kindly. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 28_th_, 1850. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I cannot but be concerned to hear of your mother's + illness; write again soon, if it be but a line, to tell me how she + gets on. This shadow will, I trust and believe, be but a passing + one, but it is a foretaste and warning of what _must come_ one day. + Let it prepare your mind, dear Ellen, for that great trial which, if + you live, it _must_ in the course of a few years be your lot to + undergo. That cutting asunder of the ties of nature is the pain we + most dread and which we are most certain to experience. Lewes's + letter made me laugh; I cannot respect him more for it. Sir J. K. + Shuttleworth's letter did not make me laugh; he has written again + since. I have received to-day a note from Miss Alexander, daughter, + she says, of Dr. Alexander. Do you know anything of her? Mary + Taylor seems in good health and spirits, and in the way of doing + well. I shall feel anxious to hear again soon. + + 'C. B. + + '_P.S._--Mr. Nicholls has finished reading _Shirley_; he is delighted + with it. John Brown's wife seriously thought he had gone wrong in + the head as she heard him giving vent to roars of laughter as he sat + alone, clapping his hands and stamping on the floor. He would read + all the scenes about the curates aloud to Papa. He triumphed in his + own character. {468} What Mr. Grant will say is another thing. No + matter.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _July_ 27_th_, 1851. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I hope you have taken no cold from your wretched journey + home; you see you should have taken my advice and stayed till + Saturday. Didn't I tell you I had a "presentiment" it would be + better for you to do so? + + 'I am glad you found your mother pretty well. Is she disposed to + excuse the wretched petrified condition of the bilberry preserve, in + consideration of the intent of the donor? It seems they had high + company while you were away. You see what you lose by coming to + Haworth. No events here since your departure except a long letter + from Miss Martineau. (She did not write the article on "Woman" in + the _Westminster_; by the way, it is the production of a man, and one + of the first philosophers and political economists and metaphysicians + of the day.) {469} Item, the departure of Mr. Nicholls for Ireland, + and his inviting himself on the eve thereof to come and take a + farewell tea; good, mild, uncontentious. Item, a note from the + stiff-like chap who called about the epitaph for his cousin. I + inclose this--a finer gem in its way it would be difficult to + conceive. You need not, however, be at the trouble of returning it. + How are they at Hunsworth yet? It is no use saying whether I am + solitary or not; I drive on very well, and papa continues pretty + well.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +I print the next letter here because, although it contains no reference +to Mr. Nicholls, it has a bearing upon the letter following it. Dr. +Wheelwright shared Mr. Bronte's infirmity of defective eyesight. + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, _April_ 12_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR LAETITIA,--Your last letter gave me much concern. I had hoped + you were long ere this restored to your usual health, and it both + pained and surprised me to hear that you still suffer so much from + debility. I cannot help thinking your constitution is naturally + sound and healthy. Can it be the air of London which disagrees with + you? For myself, I struggled through the winter and the early part + of spring often with great difficulty. My friend stayed with me a + few days in the early part of January--she could not be spared + longer. I was better during her visit, but had a relapse soon after + she left me, which reduced my strength very much. It cannot be + denied that the solitude of my position fearfully aggravated its + other evils. Some long, stormy days and nights there were when I + felt such a craving for support and companionship as I cannot + express. Sleepless, I lay awake night after night; weak and unable + to occupy myself, I sat in my chair day after day, the saddest + memories my only company. It was a time I shall never forget, but + God sent it and it must have been for the best. + + 'I am better now, and very grateful do I feel for the restoration of + tolerable health; but, as if there was always to be some affliction, + papa, who enjoyed wonderful health during the whole winter, is ailing + with his spring attack of bronchitis. I earnestly trust it may pass + over in the comparatively ameliorated form in which it has hitherto + shown itself. + + 'Let me not forget to answer your question about the cataract. Tell + your papa my father was seventy at the time he underwent an + operation; he was most reluctant to try the experiment--could not + believe that at his age and with his want of robust strength it would + succeed. I was obliged to be very decided in the matter and to act + entirely on my own responsibility. Nearly six years have now elapsed + since the cataract was extracted (it was not merely depressed). He + has never once, during that time, regretted the step, and a day + seldom passes that he does not express gratitude and pleasure at the + restoration of that inestimable privilege of vision whose loss he + once knew. + + 'I hope the next tidings you hear of your brother Charles will be + satisfactory for his parents' and sisters' sake as well as his own. + Your poor mamma has had many successive trials, and her uncomplaining + resignation seems to offer us all an example worthy to be followed. + Remember me kindly to her, to your papa, and all your circle, + and--Believe me, with best wishes to yourself, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO REV. P. BRONTE, HAWORTH, YORKS + + 'CLIFF HOUSE, FILEY, _June_ 2_nd_, 1852. + + 'DEAR PAPA,--Thank you for your letter, which I was so glad to get + that I think I must answer it by return of post. I had expected one + yesterday, and was perhaps a little unreasonably anxious when + disappointed, but the weather has been so very cold that I feared + either you were ill or Martha worse. I hope Martha will take care of + herself. I cannot help feeling a little uneasy about her. + + 'On the whole I get on very well here, but I have not bathed yet as I + am told it is much too cold and too early in the season. The sea is + very grand. Yesterday it was a somewhat unusually high tide, and I + stood about an hour on the cliffs yesterday afternoon watching the + tumbling in of great tawny turbid waves, that made the whole shore + white with foam and filled the air with a sound hollower and deeper + than thunder. There are so very few visitors at Filey yet that I and + a few sea-birds and fishing-boats have often the whole expanse of + sea, shore, and cliff to ourselves. When the tide is out the sands + are wide, long, and smooth, and very pleasant to walk on. When the + high tides are in, not a vestige of sand remains. I saw a great dog + rush into the sea yesterday, and swim and bear up against the waves + like a seal. I wonder what Flossy would say to that. + + 'On Sunday afternoon I went to a church which I should like Mr. + Nicholls to see. It was certainly not more than thrice the length + and breadth of our passage, floored with brick, the walls green with + mould, the pews painted white, but the paint almost all worn off with + time and decay. At one end there is a little gallery for the + singers, and when these personages stood up to perform they all + turned their backs upon the congregation, and the congregation turned + _their_ backs on the pulpit and parson. The effect of this manoeuvre + was so ludicrous, I could hardly help laughing; had Mr. Nicholls been + there he certainly would have laughed out. Looking up at the gallery + and seeing only the broad backs of the singers presented to their + audience was excessively grotesque. There is a well-meaning but + utterly inactive clergyman at Filey, and Methodists flourish. + + 'I cannot help enjoying Mr. Butterfield's defeat; and yet in one + sense this is a bad state of things, calculated to make working + people both discontented and insubordinate. Give my kind regards, + dear papa, to Mr. Nicholls, Tabby, and Martha. Charge Martha to + beware of draughts, and to get such help in her cleaning as she shall + need. I hope you will continue well.--Believe me, your affectionate + daughter, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_December_ 15_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I return the note, which is highly characteristic, and + not, I fear, of good omen for the comfort of your visit. There must + be something wrong in herself as well as in her servants. I inclose + another note which, taken in conjunction with the incident + immediately preceding it, and with a long series of indications whose + meaning I scarce ventured hitherto to interpret to myself, much less + hint to any other, has left on my mind a feeling of deep concern. + This note you will see is from Mr. Nicholls. + + 'I know not whether you have ever observed him specially when staying + here. Your perception is generally quick enough--_too_ quick, I have + sometimes thought; yet as you never said anything, I restrained my + own dim misgivings, which could not claim the sure guide of vision. + What papa has seen or guessed I will not inquire, though I may + conjecture. He has minutely noticed all Mr. Nicholls's low spirits, + all his threats of expatriation, all his symptoms of impaired + health--noticed them with little sympathy and much indirect sarcasm. + On Monday evening Mr. Nicholls was here to tea. I vaguely felt + without clearly seeing, as without seeing I have felt for some time, + the meaning of his constant looks, and strange, feverish restraint. + After tea I withdrew to the dining-room as usual. As usual, Mr. + Nicholls sat with papa till between eight and nine o'clock; I then + heard him open the parlour door as if going. I expected the clash of + the front door. He stopped in the passage; he tapped; like lightning + it flashed on me what was coming. He entered; he stood before me. + What his words were you can guess; his manner you can hardly realise, + nor can I forget it. Shaking from head to foot, looking deadly pale, + speaking low, vehemently, yet with difficulty, he made me for the + first time feel what it costs a man to declare affection where he + doubts response. + + 'The spectacle of one ordinarily so statue-like thus trembling, + stirred, and overcome, gave me a kind of strange shock. He spoke of + sufferings he had borne for months, of sufferings he could endure no + longer, and craved leave for some hope. I could only entreat him to + leave me then and promise a reply on the morrow. I asked him if he + had spoken to papa. He said he dared not. I think I half led, half + put him out of the room. When he was gone I immediately went to + papa, and told him what had taken place. Agitation and anger + disproportionate to the occasion ensued; if I had _loved_ Mr. + Nicholls, and had heard such epithets applied to him as were used, it + would have transported me past my patience; as it was, my blood + boiled with a sense of injustice. But papa worked himself into a + state not to be trifled with: the veins on his temples started up + like whip-cord, and his eyes became suddenly bloodshot. I made haste + to promise that Mr. Nicholls should on the morrow have a distinct + refusal. + + 'I wrote yesterday and got this note. There is no need to add to + this statement any comment. Papa's vehement antipathy to the bare + thought of any one thinking of me as a wife, and Mr. Nicholls's + distress, both give me pain. Attachment to Mr. Nicholls you are + aware I never entertained, but the poignant pity inspired by his + state on Monday evening, by the hurried revelation of his sufferings + for many months, is something galling and irksome. That he cared + something for me, and wanted me to care for him, I have long + suspected, but I did not know the degree or strength of his feelings. + Dear Nell, good-bye.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I have letters from Sir J. K. Shuttleworth and Miss Martineau, but I + cannot talk of them now.' + +With this letter we see the tragedy beginning. Mr. Bronte, with his +daughter's fame ringing in his ears, thought she should do better than +marry a curate with a hundred pounds per annum. For once, and for the +only time in his life there is reason to believe, his passions were +thoroughly aroused. It is to the honour of Mr. Nicholls, and says much +for his magnanimity, that he has always maintained that Mr. Bronte was +perfectly justified in the attitude he adopted. His present feeling for +Mr. Bronte is one of unbounded respect and reverence, and the occasional +unfriendly references to his father-in-law have pained him perhaps even +more than when he has been himself the victim. + +'Attachment to Mr. Nicholls you are aware I never entertained.' A good +deal has been made of this and other casual references of Charlotte +Bronte to her slight affection for her future husband. Martha Brown, the +servant, used in her latter days to say that Charlotte would come into +the kitchen and ask her if it was right to marry a man one did not +entirely love--and Martha Brown's esteem for Mr. Nicholls was very great. +But it is possible to make too much of all this. It is a commonplace of +psychology to say that a woman's love is of slow growth. It is quite +certain that Charlotte Bronte suffered much during this period of +alienation and separation; that she alone secured Mr. Nicholls's return +to Haworth, after his temporary estrangement from Mr. Bronte; and +finally, that the months of her married life, prior to her last illness, +were the happiest she was destined to know. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 18_th_, 1852. + + 'DEAR NELL,--You may well ask, how is it? for I am sure I don't know. + This business would seem to me like a dream, did not my reason tell + me it has long been brewing. It puzzles me to comprehend how and + whence comes this turbulence of feeling. + + 'You ask how papa demeans himself to Mr. Nicholls. I only wish you + were here to see papa in his present mood: you would know something + of him. He just treats him with a hardness not to be bent, and a + contempt not to be propitiated. The two have had no interview as + yet; all has been done by letter. Papa wrote, I must say, a most + cruel note to Mr. Nicholls on Wednesday. In his state of mind and + health (for the poor man is horrifying his landlady, Martha's mother, + by entirely rejecting his meals) I felt that the blow must be + parried, and I thought it right to accompany the pitiless despatch by + a line to the effect that, while Mr. Nicholls must never expect me to + reciprocate the feeling he had expressed, yet, at the same time, I + wished to disclaim participation in sentiments calculated to give him + pain; and I exhorted him to maintain his courage and spirits. On + receiving the two letters, he set off from home. Yesterday came the + inclosed brief epistle. + + 'You must understand that a good share of papa's anger arises from + the idea, not altogether groundless, that Mr. Nicholls has behaved + with disingenuousness in so long concealing his aim. I am afraid + also that papa thinks a little too much about his want of money; he + says the match would be a degradation, that I should be throwing + myself away, that he expects me, if I marry at all, to do very + differently; in short, his manner of viewing the subject is on the + whole far from being one in which I can sympathise. My own + objections arise from a sense of incongruity and uncongeniality in + feelings, tastes, principles. + + 'How are you getting on, dear Nell, and how are all at Brookroyd? + Remember me kindly to everybody.--Yours, wishing devoutly that papa + would resume his tranquillity, and Mr. Nicholls his beef and pudding, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I am glad to say that the incipient inflammation in papa's eye is + disappearing.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_January_ 2_nd_, 1853. + + 'DEAR NELL,--I thought of you on New Year's night, and hope you got + well over your formidable tea-making. I trust that Tuesday and + Wednesday will also pass pleasantly. I am busy too in my little way + preparing to go to London this week, a matter which necessitates some + little application to the needle. I find it is quite necessary I + should go to superintend the press, as Mr. Smith seems quite + determined not to let the printing get on till I come. I have + actually only received three proof-sheets since I was at Brookroyd. + Papa wants me to go too, to be out of the way, I suppose; but I am + sorry for one other person whom nobody pities but me. Martha is + bitter against him; John Brown says "he should like to shoot him." + They don't understand the nature of his feelings, but I see now what + they are. He is one of those who attach themselves to very few, + whose sensations are close and deep, like an underground stream, + running strong, but in a narrow channel. He continues restless and + ill; he carefully performs the occasional duty, but does not come + near the church, procuring a substitute every Sunday. A few days + since he wrote to papa requesting permission to withdraw his + resignation. Papa answered that he should only do so on condition of + giving his written promise never again to broach the obnoxious + subject either to him or to me. This he has evaded doing, so the + matter remains unsettled. I feel persuaded the termination will be + his departure for Australia. Dear Nell, without loving him, I don't + like to think of him suffering in solitude, and wish him anywhere so + that he were happier. He and papa have never met or spoken yet. I + am very glad to learn that your mother is pretty well, and also that + the piece of challenged work is progressing. I hope you will not be + called away to Norfolk before I come home: I should like you to pay a + visit to Haworth first. Write again soon.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 4_th_, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--We had the parsons to supper as well as to tea. Mr. N. + demeaned himself not quite pleasantly. I thought he made no effort + to struggle with his dejection but gave way to it in a manner to draw + notice; the Bishop was obviously puzzled by it. Mr. Nicholls also + showed temper once or twice in speaking to papa. Martha was + beginning to tell me of certain "flaysome" looks also, but I desired + not to hear of them. The fact is, I shall be most thankful when he + is well away. I pity him, but I don't like that dark gloom of his. + He dogged me up the lane after the evening service in no pleasant + manner. He stopped also in the passage after the Bishop and the + other clergy were gone into the room, and it was because I drew away + and went upstairs that he gave that look which filled Martha's soul + with horror. She, it seems, meantime, was making it her business to + watch him from the kitchen door. If Mr. Nicholls be a good man at + bottom, it is a sad thing that nature has not given him the faculty + to put goodness into a more attractive form. Into the bargain of all + the rest he managed to get up a most pertinacious and needless + dispute with the Inspector, in listening to which all my old + unfavourable impressions revived so strongly, I fear my countenance + could not but shew them. + + 'Dear Nell, I consider that on the whole it is a mercy you have been + at home and not at Norfolk during the late cold weather. Love to all + at Brookroyd.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_March_ 9_th_, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I am sure Miss Wooler would enjoy her visit to you, as + much as you her company. Dear Nell, I thank you sincerely for your + discreet and friendly silence on the point alluded to. I had feared + it would be discussed between you two, and had an inexpressible + shrinking at the thought; now less than ever does it seem a matter + open to discussion. I hear nothing, and you must quite understand + that if I feel any uneasiness it is not that of confirmed and fixed + regard, but that anxiety which is inseparable from a state of + absolute uncertainty about a somewhat momentous matter. I do not + know, I am not sure myself, that any other termination would be + better than lasting estrangement and unbroken silence. Yet a good + deal of pain has been and must be gone through in that case. + However, to each his burden. + + 'I have not yet read the papers; D.V. I will send them + to-morrow.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'Understand that in whatever I have said above, it was not for pity + or sympathy. I hardly pity myself. Only I wish that in all matters + in this world there was fair and open dealing, and no underhand + work.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _April_ 6_th_, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--My visit to Manchester is for the present put off by + Mr. Morgan having written to say that since papa will not go to + Buckingham to see him he will come to Yorkshire to see papa; when, I + don't yet know, and I trust in goodness he will not stay long, as + papa really cannot bear putting out of his way. I must wait, + however, till the infliction is over. + + 'You ask about Mr. Nicholls. I hear he has got a curacy, but do not + yet know where. I trust the news is true. He and papa never speak. + He seems to pass a desolate life. He has allowed late circumstances + so to act on him as to freeze up his manner and overcast his + countenance not only to those immediately concerned but to every one. + He sits drearily in his rooms. If Mr. Grant or any other clergyman + calls to see, and as they think, to cheer him, he scarcely speaks. I + find he tells them nothing, seeks no confidant, rebuffs all attempts + to penetrate his mind. I own I respect him for this. He still lets + Flossy go to his rooms, and takes him to walk. He still goes over to + see Mr. Sowden sometimes, and, poor fellow, that is all. He looks + ill and miserable. I think and trust in Heaven that he will be + better as soon as he fairly gets away from Haworth. I pity him + inexpressibly. We never meet nor speak, nor dare I look at him; + silent pity is just all that I can give him, and as he knows nothing + about that, it does not comfort. He is now grown so gloomy and + reserved that nobody seems to like him. His fellow-curates shun + trouble in that shape; the lower orders dislike it. Papa has a + perfect antipathy to him, and he, I fear, to papa. Martha hates him. + I think he might almost be _dying_ and they would not speak a + friendly word to or of him. How much of all this he deserves I can't + tell; certainly he never was agreeable or amiable, and is less so now + than ever, and alas! I do not know him well enough to be sure that + there is truth and true affection, or only rancour and corroding + disappointment at the bottom of his chagrin. In this state of things + I must be, and I am, _entirely passive_. I may be losing the purest + gem, and to me far the most precious, life can give--genuine + attachment--or I may be escaping the yoke of a morose temper. In + this doubt conscience will not suffer me to take one step in + opposition to papa's will, blended as that will is with the most + bitter and unreasonable prejudices. So I just leave the matter where + we must leave all important matters. + + 'Remember me kindly to all at Brookroyd, and--Believe me, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 16th, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--The east winds about which you inquire have spared me + wonderfully till to-day, when I feel somewhat sick physically, and + not very blithe mentally. I am not sure that the east winds are + entirely to blame for this ailment. Yesterday was a strange sort of + a day at church. It seems as if I were to be punished for my doubts + about the nature and truth of poor Mr. Nicholls's regard. Having + ventured on Whit Sunday to stop the sacrament, I got a lesson not to + be repeated. He struggled, faltered, then lost command over + himself--stood before my eyes and in the sight of all the + communicants white, shaking, voiceless. Papa was not there, thank + God! Joseph Redman spoke some words to him. He made a great effort, + but could only with difficulty whisper and falter through the + service. I suppose he thought this would be the last time; he goes + either this week or the next. I heard the women sobbing round, and I + could not quite check my own tears. What had happened was reported + to papa either by Joseph Redman or John Brown; it excited only anger, + and such expressions as "unmanly driveller." Compassion or relenting + is no more to be looked for than sap from firewood. + + 'I never saw a battle more sternly fought with the feelings than Mr. + Nicholls fights with his, and when he yields momentarily, you are + almost sickened by the sense of the strain upon him. However, he is + to go, and I cannot speak to him or look at him or comfort him a + whit, and I must submit. Providence is over all, that is the only + consolation.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 19_th_, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I cannot help feeling a certain satisfaction in finding + that the people here are getting up a subscription to offer a + testimonial of respect to Mr. Nicholls on his leaving the place. + Many are expressing both their commiseration and esteem for him. The + Churchwardens recently put the question to him plainly: Why was he + going? Was it Mr. Bronte's fault or his own? "His own," he + answered. Did he blame Mr. Bronte? "No! he did not: if anybody was + wrong it was himself." Was he willing to go? "No! it gave him great + pain." Yet he is not always right. I must be just. He shows a + curious mixture of honour and obstinacy--feeling and sullenness. + Papa addressed him at the school tea-drinking, with _constrained_ + civility, but still with _civility_. He did not reply civilly; he + cut short further words. This sort of treatment offered in public is + what papa never will forget or forgive, it inspires him with a silent + bitterness not to be expressed. I am afraid both are unchristian in + their mutual feelings. Nor do I know which of them is least + accessible to reason or least likely to forgive. It is a dismal + state of things. + + 'The weather is fine now, dear Nell. We will take these sunny days + as a good omen for your visit to Yarmouth. With kind regards to all + at Brookroyd, and best wishes to yourself,--I am, yours sincerely, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 27_th_, 1853. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--You will want to know about the leave-taking? The + whole matter is but a painful subject, but I must treat it briefly. + The testimonial was presented in a public meeting. Mr. Taylor and + Mr. Grant were there. Papa was not very well and I advised him to + stay away, which he did. As to the last Sunday, it was a cruel + struggle. Mr. Nicholls ought not to have had to take any duty. + + 'He left Haworth this morning at six o'clock. Yesterday evening he + called to render into papa's hands the deeds of the National School, + and to say good-bye. They were busy cleaning--washing the paint, + etc., in the dining-room, so he did not find me there. I would not + go into the parlour to speak to him in papa's presence. He went out, + thinking he was not to see me; and indeed, till the very last moment, + I thought it best not. But perceiving that he stayed long before + going out at the gate, and remembering his long grief, I took courage + and went out, trembling and miserable. I found him leaning against + the garden door in a paroxysm of anguish, sobbing as women never sob. + Of course I went straight to him. Very few words were interchanged, + those few barely articulate. Several things I should have liked to + ask him were swept entirely from my memory. Poor fellow! But he + wanted such hope and such encouragement as I could not give him. + Still, I trust he must know now that I am not cruelly blind and + indifferent to his constancy and grief. For a few weeks he goes to + the south of England, afterwards he takes a curacy somewhere in + Yorkshire, but I don't know where. + + 'Papa has been far from strong lately. I dare not mention Mr. + Nicholls's name to him. He speaks of him quietly and without + opprobrium to others, but to me he is implacable on the matter. + However, he is gone--gone, and there's an end of it. I see no chance + of hearing a word about him in future, unless some stray shred of + intelligence comes through Mr. Sowden or some other second-hand + source. In all this it is not I who am to be pitied at all, and of + course nobody pities me. They all think in Haworth that I have + disdainfully refused him. If pity would do Mr. Nicholls any good, he + ought to have, and I believe has it. They may abuse me if they will; + whether they do or not I can't tell. + + 'Write soon and say how your prospects proceed. I trust they will + daily brighten.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS LAETITIA WHEELWRIGHT + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 18_th_, 1854. + + 'MY DEAR LAETITIA,--I was very glad to see your handwriting again; it + is, I believe, a year since I heard from you. Again and again you + have recurred to my thoughts lately, and I was beginning to have some + sad presages as to the cause of your silence. Your letter happily + does away with all these; it brings, on the whole, good tidings both + of your papa, mamma, your sister, and, last but not least, your dear + respected English self. + + 'My dear father has borne the severe winter very well, a circumstance + for which I feel the more thankful, as he had many weeks of very + precarious health last summer, following an attack from which he + suffered last June, and which for a few hours deprived him totally of + sight, though neither his mind, speech, nor even his powers of motion + were in the least affected. I can hardly tell you how thankful I + was, dear Laetitia, when, after that dreary and almost despairing + interval of utter darkness, some gleam of daylight became visible to + him once more. I had feared that paralysis had seized the optic + nerve. A sort of mist remained for a long time, and indeed his + vision is not yet perfectly clear, but he can read, write, and walk + about, and he preaches _twice_ every Sunday, the curate only reading + the prayers. _You_ can well understand how earnestly I pray that + sight may be spared him to the end; he so dreads the privation of + blindness. His mind is just as strong and active as ever, and + politics interest him as they do _your_ papa. The Czar, the war, the + alliance between France and England--into all these things he throws + himself heart and soul. They seem to carry him back to his + comparatively young days, and to renew the excitement of the last + great European struggle. Of course, my father's sympathies, and mine + too, are all with justice and Europe against tyranny and Russia. + + 'Circumstanced as I have been, you will comprehend that I had neither + the leisure nor inclination to go from home much during the past + year. I spent a week with Mrs. Gaskell in the spring, and a + fortnight with some other friends more recently, and that includes + the whole of my visiting since I saw you last. My life is indeed + very uniform and retired, more so than is quite healthful either for + mind or body; yet I feel reason for often renewed feelings of + gratitude in the sort of support which still comes and cheers me from + time to time. My health, though not unbroken, is, I sometimes fancy, + rather stronger on the whole than it was three years ago; headache + and dyspepsia are my worst ailments. Whether I shall come up to town + this season for a few days I do not yet know; but if I do I shall + hope to call in Phillimore Place. With kindest remembrances to your + papa, mamma, and sisters,--I am, dear Laetitia, affectionately yours, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + +Mr. Nicholls's successor did not prove acceptable to Mr. Bronte. He +complained again and again, and one day Charlotte turned upon her father +and told him pretty frankly that he was alone to blame--that he had only +to let her marry Mr. Nicholls, with whom she corresponded and whom she +really loved, and all would be well. A little arrangement, the transfer +of Mr. Nicholls's successor, Mr. De Renzi, to a Bradford church, and Mr. +Nicholls left his curacy at Kirk-Smeaton and returned once more to +Haworth as an accepted lover. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _March_ 28_th_, 1854. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--The inclosure in yours of yesterday puzzled me at + first, for I did not immediately recognise my own hand-writing; when + I did, the sensation was one of consternation and vexation, as the + letter ought by all means to have gone on Friday. It was intended to + relieve him of great anxiety. However, I trust he will get it + to-day; and on the whole, when I think it over, I can only be + thankful that the mistake was no worse, and did not throw the letter + into the hands of some indifferent and unscrupulous person. I wrote + it after some days of indisposition and uneasiness, and when I felt + weak and unfit to write. While writing to him, I was at the same + time intending to answer your note, which I suppose accounts for the + confusion of ideas, shown in the mixed and blundering address. + + 'I wish you could come about Easter rather than at another time, for + this reason: Mr. Nicholls, if not prevented, proposes coming over + then. I suppose he will stay at Mr. Grant's, as he has done two or + three times before, but he will be frequently coming here, which + would enliven your visit a little. Perhaps, too, he might take a + walk with us occasionally. Altogether it would be a little change, + such as, you know, I could not always offer. + + 'If all be well he will come under different circumstances to any + that have attended his visits before; were it otherwise, I should not + ask you to meet him, for when aspects are gloomy and unpropitious, + the fewer there are to suffer from the cloud the better. + + 'He was here in January and was then received, but not pleasantly. I + trust it will be a little different now. + + 'Papa breakfasts in bed and has not yet risen; his bronchitis is + still troublesome. I had a bad week last week, but am greatly better + now, for my mind is a little relieved, though very sedate, and rising + only to expectations the most moderate. + + 'Sometime, perhaps in May, I may hope to come to Brookroyd, but, as + you will understand from what I have now stated, I could not come + before. + + 'Think it over, dear Nell, and come to Haworth if you can. Write as + soon as you can decide.--Yours affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 1_st_, 1854. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--You certainly were right in your second + interpretation of my note. I am too well aware of the dulness of + Haworth for any visitor, not to be glad to avail myself of the chance + of offering even a slight change. But this morning my little plans + have been disarranged by an intimation that Mr. Nicholls is coming on + Monday. I thought to put him off, but have not succeeded. As Easter + now consequently seems an unfavourable period both from your point of + view and mine, we will adjourn it till a better opportunity offers. + Meantime, I thank you, dear Ellen, for your kind offer to come in + case I wanted you. Papa is still very far from well: his cough very + troublesome, and a good deal of inflammatory action in the chest. + To-day he seems somewhat better than yesterday, and I earnestly hope + the improvement may continue. + + 'With kind regards to your mother and all at Brookroyd,--I am, dear + Ellen, yours affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _April_ 11_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Thank you for the collar; it is very pretty, and I will + wear it for the sake of her who made and gave it. + + 'Mr. Nicholls came on Monday, and was here all last week. Matters + have progressed thus since July. He renewed his visit in September, + but then matters so fell out that I saw little of him. He continued + to write. The correspondence pressed on my mind. I grew very + miserable in keeping it from papa. At last sheer pain made me gather + courage to break it. I told all. It was very hard and rough work at + the time, but the issue after a few days was that I obtained leave to + continue the communication. Mr. Nicholls came in January; he was ten + days in the neighbourhood. I saw much of him. I had stipulated with + papa for opportunity to become better acquainted. I had it, and all + I learnt inclined me to esteem and affection. Still papa was very, + very hostile, bitterly unjust. + + 'I told Mr. Nicholls the great obstacle that lay in his way. He has + persevered. The result of this, his last visit, is, that papa's + consent is gained, that his respect, I believe, is won, for Mr. + Nicholls has in all things proved himself disinterested and + forbearing. Certainly, I must respect him, nor can I withhold from + him more than mere cool respect. In fact, dear Ellen, I am engaged. + + 'Mr. Nicholls, in the course of a few months, will return to the + curacy of Haworth. I stipulated that I would not leave papa; and to + papa himself I proposed a plan of residence which should maintain his + seclusion and convenience uninvaded, and in a pecuniary sense bring + him gain instead of loss. What seemed at one time impossible is now + arranged, and papa begins really to take a pleasure in the prospect. + + 'For myself, dear Ellen, while thankful to One who seems to have + guided me through much difficulty, much and deep distress and + perplexity of mind, I am still very calm, very inexpectant. What I + taste of happiness is of the soberest order. I trust to love my + husband. I am grateful for his tender love to me. I believe him to + be an affectionate, a conscientious, a high-principled man; and if, + with all this, I should yield to regrets that fine talents, congenial + tastes and thoughts are not added, it seems to me I should be most + presumptuous and thankless. + + 'Providence offers me this destiny. Doubtless, then, it is the best + for me. Nor do I shrink from wishing those dear to me one not less + happy. + + 'It is possible that our marriage may take place in the course of the + summer. Mr. Nicholls wishes it to be in July. He spoke of you with + great kindness, and said he hoped you would be at our wedding. I + said I thought of having no other bridesmaid. Did I say rightly? I + mean the marriage to be literally as quiet as possible. + + 'Do not mention these things just yet. I mean to write to Miss + Wooler shortly. Good-bye. There is a strange half-sad feeling in + making these announcements. The whole thing is something other than + imagination paints it beforehand; cares, fears, come mixed + inextricably with hopes. I trust yet to talk the matter over with + you. Often last week I wished for your presence and said so to Mr. + Nicholls--Arthur, as I now call him, but he said it was the only time + and place when he could not have wished to see you. Good-bye.--Yours + affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 15_th_, 1854. + + 'MY OWN DEAR NELL,--I hope to see you somewhere about the second week + in May. + + 'The Manchester visit is still hanging over my head. I have deferred + it, and deferred it, but have finally promised to go about the + beginning of next month. I shall only stay three days, then I spend + two or three days at Hunsworth, then come to Brookroyd. The three + visits must be compressed into the space of a fortnight, if possible. + + 'I suppose I shall have to go to Leeds. My purchases cannot be + either expensive or extensive. You must just resolve in your head + the bonnets and dresses; something that can be turned to decent use + and worn after the wedding-day will be best, I think. + + 'I wrote immediately to Miss Wooler and received a truly kind letter + from her this morning. If you think she would like to come to the + marriage I will not fail to ask her. + + 'Papa's mind seems wholly changed about the matter, and he has said + both to me and when I was not there, how much happier he feels since + he allowed all to be settled. It is a wonderful relief for me to + hear him treat the thing rationally, to talk over with him themes on + which once I dared not touch. He is rather anxious things should get + forward now, and takes quite an interest in the arrangement of + preliminaries. His health improves daily, though this east wind + still keeps up a slight irritation in the throat and chest. + + 'The feeling which had been disappointed in papa was ambition, + paternal pride--ever a restless feeling, as we all know. Now that + this unquiet spirit is exorcised, justice, which was once quite + forgotten, is once more listened to, and affection, I hope, resumes + some power. + + 'My hope is that in the end this arrangement will turn out more truly + to papa's advantage than any other it was in my power to achieve. + Mr. Nicholls in his last letter refers touchingly to his earnest + desire to prove his gratitude to papa, by offering support and + consolation to his declining age. This will not be mere talk with + him--he is no talker, no dealer in professions.--Yours + affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_April_ 28_th_, 1854. + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--I have delayed writing till I could give you some + clear notion of my movements. If all be well, I go to Manchester on + the 1st of May. Thence, on Thursday, to Hunsworth till Monday, when + (D.V.) I come to Brookroyd. I must be at home by the close of the + week. Papa, thank God! continues to improve much. He preached twice + on Sunday and again on Wednesday, and was not tired; his mind and + mood are different to what they were, so much more cheerful and + quiet. I trust the illusions of ambition are quite dissipated, and + that he really sees it is better to relieve a suffering and faithful + heart, to secure its fidelity, a solid good, than unfeelingly to + abandon one who is truly attached to his interest as well as mine, + and pursue some vain empty shadow. + + 'I thank you, dear Ellen, for your kind invitation to Mr. Nicholls. + He was asked likewise to Manchester and Hunsworth. I would not have + opposed his coming had there been no real obstacle to the + arrangement--certain little awkwardnesses of feeling I would have + tried to get over for the sake of introducing him to old friends; but + it so happens that he cannot leave on account of his rector's + absence. Mr. C. will be in town with his family till June, and he + always stipulates that his curate shall remain at Kirk-Smeaton while + he is away. + + 'How did you get on at the Oratorio? And what did Miss Wooler say to + the proposal of being at the wedding? I have many points to discuss + when I see you. I hope your mother and all are well. With kind + remembrances to them, and true love to you,--I am, dear Nell, + faithfully yours, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'When you write, address me at Mrs. Gaskell's, Plymouth Grove, + Manchester.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_May_ 22_nd_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I wonder how you are, and whether that harassing cough + is better. Be scrupulously cautious about undue exposure. Just now, + dear Ellen, an hour's inadvertence might cause you to be really ill. + So once again, take care. Since I came home I have been very busy + stitching. The little new room is got into order, and the green and + white curtains are up; they exactly suit the papering, and look neat + and clean enough. I had a letter a day or two since announcing that + Mr. Nicholls comes to-morrow. I feel anxious about him, more anxious + on one point than I dare quite express to myself. It seems he has + again been suffering sharply from his rheumatic affection. I hear + this not from himself, but from another quarter. He was ill while I + was at Manchester and Brookroyd. He uttered no complaint to me, + dropped no hint on the subject. Alas! he was hoping he had got the + better of it, and I know how this contradiction of his hopes will + sadden him. For unselfish reasons he did so earnestly wish this + complaint might not become chronic. I fear, I fear. But, however, I + mean to stand by him now, whether in weal or woe. This liability to + rheumatic pain was one of the strong arguments used against the + marriage. It did not weigh somehow. If he is doomed to suffer, it + seems that so much the more will he need care and help. And yet the + ultimate possibilities of such a case are appalling. You remember + your aunt. Well, come what may, God help and strengthen both him and + me. I look forward to to-morrow with a mixture of impatience and + anxiety. Poor fellow! I want to see with my own eyes how he is. + + 'It is getting late and dark. Write soon, dear Ellen. Goodnight and + God bless you.--Yours affectionately, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _May_ 27_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Your letter was very welcome, and I am glad and + thankful to learn you are better. Still, beware of presuming on the + improvement--don't let it make you careless. Mr. Nicholls has just + left me. Your hopes were not ill-founded about his illness. At + first I was thoroughly frightened. However, inquiring gradually + relieved me. In short, I soon discovered that my business was, + instead of sympathy, to rate soundly. The patient had wholesome + treatment while he was at Haworth, and went away singularly better; + perfectly unreasonable, however, on some points, as his fallible sex + are not ashamed to be. + + 'Man is, indeed, an amazing piece of mechanism when you see, so to + speak, the full weakness of what he calls his strength. There is not + a female child above the age of eight but might rebuke him for spoilt + petulance of his wilful nonsense. I bought a border for the + table-cloth and have put it on. + + 'Good-bye, dear Ellen. Write again soon, and mind and give a + bulletin.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_June_ 12_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Papa preached twice to-day as well and as strongly as + ever. It is strange how he varies, how soon he is depressed and how + soon revived. It makes me feel so thankful when he is better. I am + thankful too that you are stronger, dear Nell. My worthy + acquaintance at Kirk-Smeaton refuses to acknowledge himself better + yet. I am uneasy about not writing to Miss Wooler. I fear she will + think me negligent, while I am only busy and bothered. I want to + clear up my needlework a little, and have been sewing against time + since I was at Brookroyd. Mr. Nicholls hindered me for a full week. + + 'I like the card very well, but not the envelope. I should like a + perfectly plain envelope with a silver initial. + + 'I got my dresses from Halifax a day or two since, but have not had + time to have them unpacked, so I don't know what they are like. + + 'Next time I write, I hope to be able to give you clear information, + and to beg you to come here without further delay. Good-bye, dear + Nell.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. BRONTE. + + 'I had almost forgotten to mention about the envelopes. Mr. Nicholls + says I have ordered far too few; he thinks sixty will be wanted. Is + it too late to remedy this error? There is no end to his string of + parson friends. My own list I have not made out.' + +Charlotte Bronte's list of friends, to whom wedding-cards were to be +sent, is in her own handwriting, and is not without interest:-- + + SEND CARDS TO + + The Rev. W. Morgan, Rectory, Hulcott, Aylesbury, Bucks. Joseph + Branwell, Esq., Thamar Terrace, Launceston. Cornwall. + + Dr. Wheelwright, 29 Phillimore Place, Kensington, London. + + George Smith, Esq., 65 Cornhill, London. + + Mrs. and Misses Smith, 65 Cornhill, London. + + W. S. Williams, Esq., 65 Cornhill, London. + + R. Monckton Milnes, Esq. + + Mrs. Gaskell, Plymouth Grove, Manchester. + + Francis Bennoch, Esq., Park, Blackheath, London. + + George Taylor, Esq., Stanbury. + + Mrs. and Miss Taylor. + + H. Merrall, Esq., Lea Sykes, Haworth. + + E. Merrall, Esq., Ebor House, Haworth. + + R. Butterfield, Esq., Woodlands, Haworth. + + R. Thomas, Esq., Haworth. + + J. Pickles, Esq., Brow Top, Haworth. + + Wooler Family. + + Brookroyd. {491} + +The following was written on her wedding day, June 29th, 1854. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + '_Thursday Evening_. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I scribble one hasty line just to say that after a + pleasant enough journey we have got safely to Conway; the evening is + wet and wild, though the day was fair chiefly, with some gleams of + sunshine. However, we are sheltered in a comfortable inn. My cold + is not worse. If you get this scrawl to-morrow and write by return, + direct to me at the post-office, Bangor, and I may get it on Monday. + Say how you and Miss Wooler got home. Give my kindest and most + grateful love to Miss Wooler whenever you write. On Monday, I think, + we cross the Channel. No more at present.--Yours faithfully and + lovingly, + + 'C. B. N.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _August_ 9_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I earnestly hope you are by yourself now, and relieved + from the fag of entertaining guests. You do not complain, but I am + afraid you have had too much of it. + + 'Since I came home I have not had an unemployed moment. My life is + changed indeed: to be wanted continually, to be constantly called for + and occupied seems so strange; yet it is a marvellously good thing. + As yet I don't quite understand how some wives grow so selfish. As + far as my experience of matrimony goes, I think it tends to draw you + out of, and away from yourself. + + 'We have had sundry callers this week. Yesterday Mr. Sowden and + another gentleman dined here, and Mr. and Mrs. Grant joined them at + tea. + + 'I do not think we shall go to Brookroyd soon, on papa's account. I + do not wish again to leave home for a time, but I trust you will ere + long come here. + + 'I really like Mr. Sowden very well. He asked after you. Mr. + Nicholls told him we expected you would be coming to stay with us in + the course of three or four weeks, and that he should then invite him + over again as he wished us to take sundry rather long walks, and as + he should have his wife to look after, and she was trouble enough, it + would be quite necessary to have a guardian for the other lady. Mr. + Sowden seemed perfectly acquiescent. + + 'Dear Nell, during the last six weeks, the colour of my thoughts is a + good deal changed: I know more of the realities of life than I once + did. I think many false ideas are propagated, perhaps + unintentionally. I think those married women who indiscriminately + urge their acquaintance to marry, much to blame. For my part, I can + only say with deeper sincerity and fuller significance what I always + said in theory, "Wait God's will." Indeed, indeed, Nell, it is a + solemn and strange and perilous thing for a woman to become a wife. + Man's lot is far, far different. Tell me when you think you can + come. Papa is better, but not well. How is your mother? give my + love to her.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS. + + 'Have I told you how much better Mr. Nicholls is? He looks quite + strong and hale; he gained 12 lbs. during the four weeks we were in + Ireland. To see this improvement in him has been a main source of + happiness to me, and to speak truth, a subject of wonder too.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _August_ 29_th_. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Can you come here on Wednesday week (Sept. 6th)? Try + to arrange matters to do so if possible, for it will be better than + to delay your visit till the days grow cold and short. I want to see + you again, dear Nell, and my husband too will receive you with + pleasure; and he is not diffuse of his courtesies or partialities, I + can assure you. One friendly word from him means as much as twenty + from most people. + + 'We have been busy lately giving a supper and tea-drinking to the + singers, ringers, Sunday-school teachers, and all the scholars of the + Sunday and National Schools, amounting in all to some 500 souls. It + gave satisfaction and went off well. + + 'Papa, I am thankful to say, is much better; he preached last Sunday. + How does your mother bear this hot weather? Write soon, dear Nell, + and say you will come.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. N.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _September_ 7_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I send a French paper to-day. You would almost think I + had given them up, it is so long since one was despatched. The fact + is, they had accumulated to quite a pile during my absence. I wished + to look them over before sending them off, and as yet I have scarcely + found time. That same Time is an article of which I once had a large + stock always on hand; where it is all gone now it would be difficult + to say, but my moments are very fully occupied. Take warning, Ellen, + the married woman can call but a very small portion of each day her + own. Not that I complain of this sort of monopoly as yet, and I hope + I never shall incline to regard it as a misfortune, but it certainly + exists. We were both disappointed that you could not come on the day + I mentioned. I have grudged this splendid weather very much. The + moors are in glory, I never saw them fuller of purple bloom. I + wanted you to see them at their best; they are just turning now, and + in another week, I fear, will be faded and sere. As soon as ever you + can leave home, be sure to write and let me know. + + 'Papa continues greatly better. My husband flourishes; he begins + indeed to express some slight alarm at the growing improvement in his + condition. I think I am decent, better certainly than I was two + months ago, but people don't compliment me as they do Arthur--excuse + the name, it has grown natural to use it now. I trust, dear Nell, + that you are all well at Brookroyd, and that your visiting stirs are + pretty nearly over. I compassionate you from my heart for all the + trouble to which you must be put, and I am rather ashamed of people + coming sponging in that fashion one after another; get away from them + and come here.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 7_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Arthur wishes you would burn my letters. He was out + when I commenced this letter, but he has just come in. It is not + "old friends" he mistrusts, he says, but the chances of war--the + accidental passing of letters into hands and under eyes for which + they were never written. + + 'All this seems mighty amusing to me; it is a man's mode of viewing + correspondence. Men's letters are proverbially uninteresting and + uncommunicative. I never quite knew before why they made them so. + They may be right in a sense: strange chances do fall out certainly. + As to my own notes, I never thought of attaching importance to them + or considering their fate, till Arthur seemed to reflect on both so + seriously. + + 'I will write again next week if all be well to name a day for coming + to see you. I am sure you want, or at least ought to have, a little + rest before you are bothered with more company; but whenever I come, + I suppose, dear Nell, under present circumstances, it will be a quiet + visit, and that I shall not need to bring more than a plain dress or + two. Tell me this when you write.--Believe me faithfully yours, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 14_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I am only just at liberty to write to you; guests have + kept me very busy during the last two or three days. Sir J. + Kay-Shuttleworth and a friend of his came here on Saturday afternoon + and stayed till after dinner on Monday. + + 'When I go to Brookroyd, Arthur will take me there and stay one + night, but I cannot yet fix the time of my visit. Good-bye for the + present, dear Nell.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 21_st_, 1854, + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--You ask about Mr. Sowden's matter. He walked over here + on a wild rainy day. We talked it over. He is quite disposed to + entertain the proposal, but of course there must be close inquiry and + ripe consideration before either he or the patron decide. Meantime + Mr. Sowden {495} is most anxious that the affairs be kept absolutely + quiet; in the event of disappointment it would be both painful and + injurious to him if it should be rumoured at Hebden Bridge that he + has had thoughts of leaving. Arthur says if a whisper gets out these + things fly from parson to parson like wildfire. I cannot help + somehow wishing that the matter should be arranged, if all on + examination is found tolerably satisfactory. + + 'Papa continues pretty well, I am thankful to say; his deafness is + wonderfully relieved. Winter seems to suit him better than summer; + besides, he is settled and content, as I perceive with gratitude to + God. + + 'Dear Ellen, I wish you well through every trouble. Arthur is not in + just now or he would send a kind message.--Believe me, yours + faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _November_ 29_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Arthur somewhat demurs about my going to Brookroyd as + yet; fever, you know, is a formidable word. I cannot say I entertain + any apprehensions myself further than this, that I should be terribly + bothered at the idea of being taken ill from home and causing + trouble; and strangers are sometimes more liable to infection than + persons living in the house. + + 'Mr. Sowden has seen Sir J. K. Shuttleworth, but I fancy the matter + is very uncertain as yet. It seems the Bishop of Manchester + stipulates that the clergyman chosen should, if possible, be from his + own diocese, and this, Arthur says, is quite right and just. An + exception would have been made in Arthur's favour, but the case is + not so clear with Mr. Sowden. However, no harm will have been done + if the matter does not take wind, as I trust it will not. Write very + soon, dear Nell, and,--Believe me, yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 7_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I shall not get leave to go to Brookroyd before + Christmas now, so do not expect me. For my own part I really should + have no fear, and if it just depended on me I should come. But these + matters are not quite in my power now: another must be consulted; and + where his wish and judgment have a decided bias to a particular + course, I make no stir, but just adopt it. Arthur is sorry to + disappoint both you and me, but it is his fixed wish that a few weeks + should be allowed yet to elapse before we meet. Probably he is + confirmed in this desire by my having a cold at present. I did not + achieve the walk to the waterfall with impunity. Though I changed my + wet things immediately on returning home, yet I felt a chill + afterwards, and the same night had sore throat and cold; however, I + am better now, but not quite well. + + 'Did I tell you that our poor little Flossy is dead? He drooped for + a single day, and died quietly in the night without pain. The loss + even of a dog was very saddening, yet perhaps no dog ever had a + happier life or an easier death. + + 'Papa continues pretty well, I am happy to say, and my dear boy + flourishes. I do not mean that he continues to grow stouter, which + one would not desire, but he keeps in excellent condition. + + 'You would wonder, I dare say, at the long disappearance of the + French paper. I had got such an accumulation of them unread that I + thought I would not wait to send the old ones; now you will receive + them regularly. I am writing in haste. It is almost inexplicable to + me that I seem so often hurried now; but the fact is, whenever Arthur + is in I must have occupations in which he can share, or which will + not at least divert my attention from him--thus a multitude of little + matters get put off till he goes out, and then I am quite busy. + Goodbye, dear Ellen, I hope we shall meet soon.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _December_ 26_th_, 1854. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--I return the letter. It is, as you say, very genuine, + truthful, affectionate, maternal--without a taint of sham or + exaggeration. Mary will love her child without spoiling it, I think. + She does not make an uproar about her happiness either. The longer I + live the more I suspect exaggerations. I fancy it is sometimes a + sort of fashion for each to vie with the other in protestations about + their wonderful felicity, and sometimes they--FIB. I am truly glad + to hear you are all better at Brookroyd. In the course of three or + four weeks more I expect to get leave to come to you. I certainly + long to see you again. One circumstance reconciles me to this + delay--the weather. I do not know whether it has been as bad with + you as with us, but here for three weeks we have had little else than + a succession of hurricanes. + + 'In your last you asked about Mr. Sowden and Sir James. I fear Mr. + Sowden has little chance of the living; he had heard nothing more of + it the last time he wrote to Arthur, and in a note he had from Sir + James yesterday the subject is not mentioned. + + 'You inquire too after Mrs. Gaskell. She has not been here, and I + think I should not like her to come now till summer. She is very + busy with her story of _North and South_. + + 'I must make this note short that it may not be overweight. Arthur + joins me in sincere good wishes for a happy Christmas, and many of + them to you and yours. He is well, thank God, and so am I, and he is + "my dear boy," certainly dearer now than he was six months ago. In + three days we shall actually have been married that length of time! + Good-bye, dear Nell.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + +At the beginning of 1855 Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls visited Sir James +Kay-Shuttleworth at Gawthorpe. I know of only four letters by her, +written in this year. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'HAWORTH, _January_ 19_th_, 1855. + + 'DEAR ELLEN,--Since our return from Gawthorpe we have had a Mr. Bell, + one of Arthur's cousins, staying with us. It was a great pleasure. + I wish you could have seen him and made his acquaintance; a true + gentleman by nature and cultivation is not after all an everyday + thing. + + 'As to the living of Habergham or Padiham, it appears the chance is + doubtful at present for anybody. The present incumbent wishes to + retract his resignation, and declares his intention of appointing a + curate for two years. I fear Mr. Sowden hardly produced a favourable + impression; a strong wish was expressed that Arthur could come, but + that is out of the question. + + 'I very much wish to come to Brookroyd, and I hope to be able to + write with certainty and fix Wednesday, the 31st January, as the day; + but the fact is I am not sure whether I shall be well enough to leave + home. At present I should be a most tedious visitor. My health has + been really very good since my return from Ireland till about ten + days ago, when the stomach seemed quite suddenly to lose its tone; + indigestion and continual faint sickness have been my portion ever + since. Don't conjecture, dear Nell, for it is too soon yet, though I + certainly never before felt as I have done lately. But keep the + matter wholly to yourself, for I can come to no decided opinion at + present. I am rather mortified to lose my good looks and grow thin + as I am doing just when I thought of going to Brookroyd. Dear Ellen, + I want to see you, and I hope I shall see you well. My love to + all.--Yours faithfully, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + +There were three more letters, but they were written in pencil from her +deathbed. Two of them are printed by Mrs. Gaskell--one to Miss Nussey, +the other to Miss Wheelwright. Here is the third and last of all. + + TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY + + 'MY DEAR ELLEN,--Thank you very much for Mrs. Hewitt's sensible clear + letter. Thank her too. In much her case was wonderfully like mine, + but I am reduced to greater weakness; the skeleton emaciation is the + same. I cannot talk. Even to my dear, patient, constant Arthur I + can say but few words at once. + + 'These last two days I have been somewhat better, and have taken some + beef-tea, a spoonful of wine and water, a mouthful of light pudding + at different times. + + 'Dear Ellen, I realise full well what you have gone through and will + have to go through with poor Mercy. Oh, may you continue to be + supported and not sink. Sickness here has been terribly rife. + Kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Clapham, your mother, Mercy. Write + when you can.--Yours, + + 'C. B. NICHOLLS.' + +Little remains to be said. This is not a biography but a bundle of +correspondence, and I have only to state that Mrs. Nicholls died of an +illness incidental to childbirth on March 31st 1855, and was buried in +the Bronte tomb in Haworth church. Her will runs as follows:-- + + Extracted from the District Probate Registry at York attached to Her + Majesty's High Court of Justice. + + _In the name of God_. _Amen_. _I_, CHARLOTTE NICHOLLS, _of Haworth + in the parish of Bradford and county of York_, _being of sound and + disposing mind_, _memory_, _and understanding_, _but mindful of my + own mortality_, _do this seventeenth day of February_, _in the year + of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five_, _make this my + last Will and Testament in manner and form following_, _that is to + say_: _In case I die without issue I give and bequeath to my husband + all my property to be his absolutely and entirely_, _but_, _In case I + leave issue I bequeath to my husband the interest of my property + during his lifetime_, _and at his death I desire that the principal + should go to my surviving child or children_; _should there be more + than one child_, _share and share alike_. _And I do hereby make and + appoint my said husband_, _Arthur Bell Nicholls_, _clerk_, _sole + executor of this my last Will and Testament_; _In witness whereof I + have to this my last Will and Testament subscribed my hand_, _the day + and year first above written_--CHARLOTTE NICHOLLS. _Signed and + acknowledged by the said testatrix_ CHARLOTTE NICHOLLS, _as and for + her last Will and Testament in the presence of us_, _who_, _at her + request_, _in her presence and in presence of each other_, _have at + the same time hereunto_ _subscribed our names as witnesses thereto_: + _Patrick Bronte_, B.A. _Incumbent of Haworth_, _Yorkshire_; _Martha + Brown_. + + _The eighteenth day of April_ 1855, _the Will of_ CHARLOTTE NICHOLLS, + _late of Haworth in the parish of Bradford in the county of York_ + (_wife of the Reverend Arthur Bell Nicholls_, _Clerk in Holy Orders_) + (_having bona notabilia within the province of York_). _Deceased was + proved in the prerogative court of York by the oath of the said + Arthur Bell Nicholls_ (_the husband_), _the sole executor to whom + administration was granted_, _he having been first sworn duly to + administer_. + +Testatrix died 31st March 1855. + +It is easy as fruitless to mourn over 'unfulfilled renown,' but it is not +easy to believe that the future had any great things in store. Miss +Bronte's four novels will remain for all time imperishable monuments of +her power. She had touched with effect in two of them all that she knew +of her home surroundings, and in two others all that was revealed to her +of a wider life. More she could not have done with equal effect had she +lived to be eighty. Hers was, it is true, a sad life, but such gifts as +these rarely bring happiness with them. It was surely something to have +tasted the sweets of fame, and a fame so indisputably lasting. + +Mr. Nicholls stayed on at Haworth for the six years that followed his +wife's death. When Mr. Bronte died he returned to Ireland. Some years +later he married again--a cousin, Miss Bell by name. That second +marriage has been one of unmixed blessedness. I found him in a home of +supreme simplicity and charm, esteemed by all who knew him and idolised +in his own household. It was not difficult to understand that Charlotte +Bronte had loved him and had fought down parental opposition in his +behalf. The qualities of gentleness, sincerity, unaffected piety, and +delicacy of mind are his; and he is beautifully jealous, not only for the +fair fame of Currer Bell, but--what she would equally have loved--for her +father, who also has had much undue detraction in the years that are +past. That Mr. Nicholls may long continue to enjoy the kindly calm of +his Irish home will be the wish of all who have read of his own +continuous devotion to a wife who must ever rank among the greatest of +her sex. + + + + +FOOTNOTES + + +{8} Although so stated by Professor A. W. Ward in the _Dictionary of +National Biography_, vol. xxi. + +{14} 'Mama's last days,' it runs, 'had been full of loving thought and +tender help for others. She was so sweet and dear and noble beyond +words.' + +{17} 'Some of the West Ridingers are very angry, and declare they are +half-a-century in civilisation before some of the Lancashire folk, and +that this neighbourhood is a paradise compared with some districts not +far from Manchester.'--Ellen Nussey to Mrs. Gaskell, April 16th, 1859. + +{19} 'To this bold statement (i.e. that love-letters were found in +Branwell's pockets) Martha Brown gave to me a flat contradiction, +declaring that she was employed in the sick room at the time, and had +personal knowledge that not one letter, nor a vestige of one, from the +lady in question, was so found.'--Leyland. _The Bronte Family_, vol. ii. +p. 284. + +{22} Mrs. Gaskell had described Charlotte Bronte's features as 'plain, +large, and ill-set,' and had written of her 'crooked mouth and large +nose'--while acknowledging the beauty of hair and eyes. + +{25} Mrs. Lawry of Muswell Hill, to whose courtesy in placing these and +other papers at my disposal I am greatly indebted. + +{28} 'Patrick Branty' is written in another handwriting in the list of +admissions at St. John's College, Cambridge. Dr. J. A. Erskine Stuart, +who has a valuable note on the subject in an article on 'The Bronte +Nomenclature' (Bronte Society's Publications, Pt. III.), has found the +name as Brunty, Bruntee, Bronty, and Branty--but never in Patrick +Bronte's handwriting. There is, however, no signature of Mr. Bronte's +extant prior to 1799. + +{29} 'I translated this' (_i.e._ an Irish romance) 'from a manuscript in +my possession made by one Patrick O'Prunty, an ancestor probably of +Charlotte Bronte, in 1763.' _The Story of Early Gaelic Literature_, p. +49. By Douglas Hyde, LL.D. T. Fisher Uwin, 1895. + +{33} Mrs. Gaskell says 'Dec. 29th'; but Miss Charlotte Branwell of +Penzance writes to me as follows:--'My Aunt Maria Branwell, after the +death of her parents, went to Yorkshire on a visit to her relatives, +where she met the Rev. Patrick Bronte. They soon became engaged to be +married. Jane Fennell was previously engaged to the Rev. William Morgan. +And when the time arrived for their marriage, Mr. Fennell said he should +have to give his daughter and niece away, and if so, he could not marry +them; so it was arranged that Mr. Morgan should marry Mr. Bronte and +Maria Branwell, and afterwards Mr. Bronte should perform the same kindly +office towards Mr. Morgan and Jane Fennell. So the bridegrooms married +each other and the brides acted as bridesmaids to each other. My father +and mother, Joseph and Charlotte Branwell, were married at Madron, which +was then the parish church of Penzance, on the same day and hour. +Perhaps a similar case never happened before or since: two sisters and +four first cousins being united in holy matrimony at one and the same +time. And they were all happy marriages. Mr. Bronte was perhaps +peculiar, but I have always heard my own dear mother say that he was +devotedly fond of his wife, and she of him. These marriages were +solemnised on the 18th of December 1812.' + +{39} The passage in brackets is quoted by Mrs. Gaskell. + +{49} The passage in brackets is quoted, not quite accurately, by Mrs. +Gaskell. + +{53} The following letter indicates Mr. Bronte's independence of spirit. +It was written after Charlotte's death: + + 'HAWORTH, NR. KEIGHLEY, _January_ 16_th_, 1858. + + 'SIR,--Your letter which I have received this morning gives both to + Mr. Nicholls and me great uneasiness. It would seem that application + has been made to the Duke of Devonshire for money to aid the + subscription in reference to the expense of apparatus for heating our + church and schools. This has been done without our knowledge, and + most assuredly, had we known it, would have met with our strongest + opposition. We have no claim on the Duke. His Grace honour'd us + with a visit, in token of his respect for the memory of the dead, and + his liberality and munificence are well and widely known; and the + mercenary, taking an unfair advantage of these circumstances, have + taken a step which both Mr. Nicholls and I utterly regret and + condemn. In answer to your query, I may state that the whole expense + for both the schools and church is about one hundred pounds; and that + after what has been and may be subscribed, there may fifty pounds + remain as a debt. But this may, and ought, to be raised by the + inhabitants, in the next year after the depression of trade shall, it + is hoped, have passed away. I have written to His Grace on the + subject--I remain, sir, your obedient servant, + + 'P. BRONTE. + + 'SIR JOSEPH PAXTON, BART., + 'Hardwick Hall, + 'Chesterfield.' + +{56a} The vicar, the Rev. J. Jolly, assures me, as these pages are +passing through the press, that he is now moving it into the new church. + +{56b} _Baptisms solomnised in the Parish of Bradford and Chapelry of +Thornton in the County of York_. +_When _Child's _Parent's _Parent's _Abode_. _Quality_, _By whom the +Baptized_. Christian Name_ Name_ _Trade or Ceremony was + Name_. (_Christian_). (_Surname_). Profession_. Performed_. +1816 _Charlotte _The Rev. _Bronte_ _Thornton_ _Minister of _Wm. Morgan +29_th_ _June_ daughter of_ Patrick and Thornton_ Minster of Christ + Maria_. Church Bradford_. +1817 _Patrick _Patrick and _Bronte_ _Thornton_ _Minister_ _Jno. Fennell +_July_ 23 Branwell son Maria_. officiating + of_ Minister_. +1818 _Emily Jane _The Rev. _Bronte_ A.B. _Thornton _Minister of _Wm. Morgan +20_th_ daughter of_ Patrick and Parsonage_ Thornton_ Minster of Christ +_August_ Maria_. Church Bradford_. +1820 _Anne daughter _The Rev. _Bronte_ _Minister of _Wm. Morgan +_March_ 25_th_ of_ Patrick and Haworth_ Minster of Christ + Maria_. Church Bradford_. + + +{74} At the same time it is worth while quoting from a letter by 'A. H.' +in August 1855. A. H. was a teacher who was at Cowan Bridge during the +time of the residence of the little Brontes there. + + 'In July 1824 the Rev. Mr. Bronte arrived at Cowan Bridge with two of + his daughters, Maria and Elizabeth, 12 and 10 years of age. The + children were delicate; both had but recently recovered from the + measles and whooping-cough--so recently, indeed, that doubts were + entertained whether they could be admitted with safety to the other + pupils. They were received, however, and went on so well that in + September their father returned, bringing with him two more of his + children--Charlotte, 9 [she was really but 8] and Emily, 6 years of + age. During both these visits Mr. Bronte lodged at the school, sat + at the same table with the children, saw the whole routine of the + establishment, and, so far as I have ever known, was satisfied with + everything that came under his observation. + + '"The two younger children enjoyed uniformly good health." Charlotte + was a general favourite. To the best of my recollection she was + never under disgrace, however slight; punishment she certainly did + _not _experience while she was at Cowan Bridge. + + 'In size, Charlotte was remarkably diminutive; and if, as has been + recently asserted, she never grew an inch after leaving the Clergy + Daughters' School, she must have been a _literal dwarf_, and could + not have obtained a situation as teacher in a school at Brussels, or + anywhere else; the idea is absurd. In respect of the treatment of + the pupils at Cowan Bridge, I will say that neither Mr. Bronte's + daughters nor any other of the children were denied a sufficient + quantity of food. Any statement to the contrary is entirely false. + The daily dinner consisted of meat, vegetables, and pudding, in + abundance; the children were permitted, and expected, to ask for + whatever they desired, and were never limited. + + 'It has been remarked that the food of the school was such that none + but starving children could eat it; and in support of this statement + reference is made to a certain occasion when the medical attendant + was consulted about it. In reply to this, let me say that during the + spring of 1825 a low fever, although not an alarming one, prevailed + in the school, and the managers, naturally anxious to ascertain + whether any local cause occasioned the epidemic, took an opportunity + to ask the physician's opinion of the food that happened to be then + on the table. I recollect that he spoke rather scornfully of a baked + rice pudding; but as the ingredients of this dish were chiefly, rice, + sugar, and milk, its effects could hardly have been so serious as + have been affirmed. I thus furnish you with the simple fact from + which those statements have been manufactured. + + 'I have not the least hesitation in saying that, upon the whole, the + comforts were as many and the privations as few at Cowan Bridge as + can well be found in so large an establishment. How far young or + delicate children are able to contend with the necessary evils of a + public school is, in my opinion, a very grave question, and does not + enter into the present discussion. + + 'The younger children in all larger institutions are liable to be + oppressed; but the exposure to this evil at Cowan Bridge was not more + than in other schools, but, as I believe, far less. Then, again, + thoughtless servants will occasionally spoil food, even in private + families; and in public schools they are likely to be still less + particular, unless they are well looked after. + + 'But in this respect the institution in question compares very + favourably with other and more expensive schools, as from personal + experience I have reason to know.--A.H., August 1855.'--From _A + Vindication of the Clergy Daughters' School and the Rev. W. Carus + Wilson from the Remarks in_ '_The Life of Charlotte Bronte_,' _by the + Rev. H. Shepheard_, _M.A. London_: _Seeley_, _Jackson_, _and + Halliday_, 1857. + +{92} The Rev. William Weightman. + +{95} It is interesting to note that Charlotte sent one of her little +pupils a gift-book during the holidays. The book is lost, but the +fly-leaf of it, inscribed 'Sarah Louisa White, from her friend C. Bronte, +July 20, 1841,' is in the possession of Mr. W. Lowe Fleeming, of +Wolverhampton. + +{96} 'UPPERWOOD HOUSE, RAWDON, _September _29_th_, 1841. + + 'DEAR AUNT,--I have heard nothing of Miss Wooler yet since I wrote to + her intimating that I would accept her offer. I cannot conjecture + the reason of this long silence, unless some unforeseen impediment + has occurred in concluding the bargain. Meantime, a plan has been + suggested and approved by Mr. and Mrs. White, and others, which I + wish now to impart to you. My friends recommend me, if I desire to + secure permanent success, to delay commencing the school for six + months longer, and by all means to contrive, by hook or by crook, to + spend the intervening time in some school on the continent. They say + schools in England are so numerous, competition so great, that + without some such step towards attaining superiority we shall + probably have a very hard struggle, and may fail in the end. They + say, moreover, that the loan of 100 pounds, which you have been so + kind as to offer us, will, perhaps, not be all required now, as Miss + Wooler will lend us the furniture; and that, if the speculation is + intended to be a good and successful one, half the sum, at least, + ought to be laid out in the manner I have mentioned, thereby insuring + a more speedy repayment both of interest and principal. + + 'I would not go to France or to Paris. I would go to Brussels, in + Belgium. The cost of the journey there, at the dearest rate of + travelling, would be 5 pounds; living is there little more than half + as dear as it is in England, and the facilities for education are + equal or superior to any other place in Europe. In half a year, I + could acquire a thorough familiarity with French. I could improve + greatly in Italian, and even get a dash of German, _i.e._, providing + my health continued as good as it is now. Martha Taylor is now + staying in Brussels, at a first-rate establishment there. I should + not think of going to the Chateau de Kockleberg, where she is + resident, as the terms are much too high; but if I wrote to her, she, + with the assistance of Mrs. Jenkins, the wife of the British Consul, + would be able to secure me a cheap and decent residence and + respectable protection. I should have the opportunity of seeing her + frequently, she would make me acquainted with the city; and, with the + assistance of her cousins, I should probably in time be introduced to + connections far more improving, polished, and cultivated, than any I + have yet known. + + 'These are advantages which would turn to vast account, when we + actually commenced a school--and, if Emily could share them with me, + only for a single half-year, we could take a footing in the world + afterwards which we can never do now. I say Emily instead of Anne; + for Anne might take her turn at some future period, if our school + answered. I feel certain, while I am writing, that you will see the + propriety of what I say; you always like to use your money to the + best advantage; you are not fond of making shabby purchases; when you + do confer a favour, it is often done in style; and depend upon it 50, + or 100 pounds, thus laid out, would be well employed. Of course, I + know no other friend in the world to whom I could apply on this + subject except yourself. I feel an absolute conviction that, if this + advantage were allowed us, it would be the making of us for life. + Papa will perhaps think it a wild and ambitious scheme; but who ever + rose in the world without ambition? When he left Ireland to go to + Cambridge University, he was as ambitious as I am now. I want us all + to go on. I know we have talents, and I want them to be turned to + account. I look to you, aunt, to help us. I think you will not + refuse. I know, if you consent, it shall not be my fault if you ever + repent your kindness. With love to all, and the hope that you are + all well,--Believe me, dear aunt, your affectionate niece, + + 'MISS BRANWELL. C. BRONTE.' + +_Mrs. Gaskell's_ '_Life_.' _Corrected and completed from original letter +in the possession of Mr. A. B. Nicholls_. + +{107} Miss Mary Dixon, the sister of Mr. George Dixon, M.P., is still +alive, but she has unfortunately not preserved her letters from Charlotte +Bronte. + +{109a} 'The Brontes at Brussels,' by Frederika Macdonald.--_The Woman at +Home_, July 1894. + +{109b} This statement has received the separate endorsement of the Rev. +A. B. Nicholls and of Miss Ellen Nussey. + +{110} M. and Mme. Heger celebrated their golden wedding in 1888, but +Mme. Heger died the next year. M. Constantin Heger lived to be +eighty-seven years of age, dying at 72 Rue Nettoyer, Brussels, on the 6th +of May 1896. He was born in Brussels in 1809, took part in the Belgian +revolution of 1830, and fought in the war of independence against the +Dutch. He was twice married, and it was his second wife who was +associated with Charlotte Bronte. She started the school in the Rue +d'Isabelle, and M. Heger took charge of the upper French classes. In an +obituary article written by M. Colin of _L'Etoile Belge_ in _The Sketch_ +(June 5, 1896), which was revised by Dr. Heger, the only son of M. Heger, +it is stated that Charlotte Bronte was piqued at being refused permission +to return to the Pensionnat a third time, and that _Villette_ was her +revenge. We know that this was not the case. The Pensionnat Heger was +removed in 1894 to the Avenue Louise. The building in the Rue d'Isabelle +will shortly be pulled down. + +{121} _Pictures of the Past_, by Francis H. Grundy, C.E: Griffith & +Farran, 1879; _Emily Bronte_, by A. Mary F. Robinson: W. H. Allen, 1883; +_The Bronte Family_, _with Special Reference to Patrick Branwell Bronte_, +by Francis A. Leyland: Hurst & Blackett, 2 vols. 1886. + +{123} After Mr. Bronte's death Mr. Nicholls removed it to Ireland. +Being of opinion that the only accurate portrait was that of Emily, he +cut this out and destroyed the remainder. The portrait of Emily was +given to Martha Brown, the servant, on one of her visits to Mr. Nicholls, +and I have not been able to trace it. There are three or four so-called +portraits of Emily in existence, but they are all repudiated by Mr. +Nicholls as absolutely unlike her. The supposed portrait which appeared +in _The Woman at Home_ for July 1894 is now known to have been merely an +illustration from a 'Book of Beauty,' and entirely spurious. + +{138} There are two portraits of Branwell in existence, both of them in +the possession of Mr. Nicholls. One of them is a medallion by his friend +Leyland, the other the silhouette which accompanies this chapter. They +both suggest, mainly on account of the clothing, a man of more mature +years than Branwell actually attained to. + +{142} In the _Mirror_, 1872, Mr. Phillips, under the pseudonym of +'January Searle,' wrote a readable biography of Wordsworth. + +{145a} Charlotte writes from Dewsbury Moor (October 2, 1836):--'My +sister Emily is gone into a situation as teacher in a large school of +near forty pupils, near Halifax. I have had one letter from her since +her departure--it gives an appalling account of her duties. Hard labour +from six in the morning until near eleven at night, with only one +half-hour of exercise between. This is slavery. I fear she will never +stand it.'--Mrs. Gaskell's _Life_. + +{145b} _Haworth Churchyard_, _April_ 1855, by Matthew Arnold. Macmillan +& Co. + +{158} See chap. xiii., page 346. + +{159} A dog, referred to elsewhere as Flossie, junior. + +{161} It was sent to Mr. Williams on six half-sheets of note-paper and +was preserved by him. + +{163} Although _Jane Eyre_ has been dramatised by several hands, the +play has never been as popular as one might suppose from a story of such +thrilling incident. I can find no trace of the particular version which +is referred to in this letter, but in the next year the novel was +dramatised by John Brougham, the actor and dramatist, and produced in New +York on March 26, 1849. Brougham is rather an interesting figure. An +Irishman by birth, he had a chequered experience of every phase of +theatrical life both in London and New York. It was he who adapted 'The +Queen's Motto' and 'Lady Audley's Secret,' and he collaborated with Dion +Boucicault in 'London Assurance.' In 1849 he seems to have been managing +Niblo's Garden in New York, and in the following year the Lyceum Theatre +in Broadway. Miss Wemyss took the title role in _Jane Eyre_, J. Gilbert +was Rochester, and Mrs. J. Gilbert was Lady Ingram; and though the play +proved only moderately successful, it was revived in 1856 at Laura +Keene's Varieties at New York, with Laura Keene as Jane Eyre. This +version has been published by Samuel French, and is also in Dick's _Penny +Plays_. Divided into five Acts and twelve scenes, Brougham starts the +story at Lowood Academy. The second Act introduces us to Rochester's +house, and the curtain descends in the fourth as Jane announces that the +house is in flames. At the end of the fifth, Brougham reproduced +_verbatim_ much of the conversation of the dialogue between Rochester and +Jane. Perhaps the best-known dramatisation of the novel was that by the +late W. G. Wills, who divided the story into four Acts. His play was +produced on Saturday, December 23, 1882, at the Globe Theatre, by Mrs. +Bernard-Beere, with the following cast:-- + +_Jane Eyre_ Mrs. Bernard-Beere +_Lady Ingram_ Miss Carlotta Leclercq +_Blanche Ingram_ Miss Kate Bishop +_Mary Ingram_ Miss Maggie Hunt +_Miss Beechey_ Miss Nellie Jordan +_Mrs. Fairfax_ Miss Alexes Leighton +_Grace Poole_ Miss Masson +_Bertha_ Miss D'Almaine +_Adele_ Mdlle. Clemente Colle +_Mr. Rochester_ Mr. Charles Kelly +_Lord Desmond_ Mr. A. M. Denison +_Rev. Mr. Price_ Mr. H. E. Russel +_Nat Lee_ Mr. H. H. Cameron +_James_ Mr. C. Stevens + +Mr. Wills confined the story to Thornfield Hall. One critic described +the drama at the time as 'not so much a play as a long conversation.' A +few years ago James Willing made a melodrama of _Jane Eyre_ under the +title of _Poor Relations_. This piece was performed at the Standard, +Surrey, and Park Theatres. A version of the story, dramatised by +Charlotte Birch-Pfeiffer, called _Die Waise von Lowood_, has been rather +popular in Germany. + +{168a} Alexander Harris wrote _A Converted Atheist's Testimony to the +Truth of Christianity_, and other now forgotten works. + +{168b} Julia Kavanagh (1824-1877). Her father, M. P. Kavanagh, wrote +_The Wanderings of Lucan and Dinah_, a poetical romance, and other works. +Miss Kavanagh was born at Thurles and died at Nice. Her first book, _The +Three Paths_, a tale for children, was published in 1847. _Madeline_, a +story founded on the life of a peasant girl of Auvergne, in 1848. _Women +in France during the Eighteenth Century_ appeared in 1850, _Nathalie_ the +same year. In the succeeding years she wrote innumerable stories and +biographical sketches. + +{173} It runs thus:-- + + '_December_ 9_th_, 1848. + + 'The patient, respecting whose case Dr. Epps is consulted, and for + whom his opinion and advice are requested, is a female in her 29th + year. A peculiar reserve of character renders it difficult to draw + from her all the symptoms of her malady, but as far as they can be + ascertained they are as follows:-- + +Her appetite failed; she evinced a continual thirst, with a craving for +acids, and required a constant change of beverage. In appearance she +grew rapidly emaciated; her pulse--the only time she allowed it to be +felt--was found to be 115 per minute. The patient usually appeared worse +in the forenoon, she was then frequently exhausted and drowsy; toward +evening she often seemed better. + + 'Expectoration accompanies the cough. The shortness of breath is + aggravated by the slightest exertion. The patient's sleep is + supposed to be tolerably good at intervals, but disturbed by + paroxysms of coughing. Her resolution to contend against illness + being very fixed, she has never consented to lie in bed for a single + day--she sits up from 7 in the morning till 10 at night. All medical + aid she has rejected, insisting that Nature should be left to take + her own course. She has taken no medicine, but occasionally, a mild + aperient and Locock's cough wafers, of which she has used about 3 per + diem, and considers their effect rather beneficial. Her diet, which + she regulates herself, is very simple and light. + + 'The patient has hitherto enjoyed pretty good health, though she has + never looked strong, and the family constitution is not supposed to + be robust. Her temperament is highly nervous. She has been + accustomed to a sedentary and studious life. + + 'If Dr. Epps can, from what has here been stated, give an opinion on + the case and prescribe a course of treatment, he will greatly oblige + the patient's friends. + + 'Address--Miss Bronte, Parsonage, Haworth, Bradford, Yorks.' + +{183a} The original of this letter is lost, so that it is not possible +to fill in the hiatus. + +{183b} Emily--who was called the Major, because on one occasion she +guarded Miss Nussey from the attentions of Mr. Weightman during an +evening walk. + +{190} In his next letter Mr. Williams informed her that Miss Rigby was +the writer of the _Quarterly_ article. + +{221} In Hathersage Church is the altar tomb of Robert Eyre who fought +at Agincourt and died on the 21st of May 1459, also of his wife Joan Eyre +who died on the 9th of May 1464. This Joan Eyre was heiress of the house +of Padley, and brought the Padley estates into the Eyre family. There is +a Sanctus bell of the fifteenth century with a Latin inscription, 'Pray +for the souls of Robert Eyre and Joan his wife.'--Rev. Thomas Keyworth on +'Morton Village and _Jane Eyre_'--a paper read before the Bronte Society +at Keighley, 1895. + +{259a} _Miss Miles_, _or A Tale of Yorkshire Life Sixty Years Ago_, by +Mary Taylor. Rivingtons, 1890. + +{259b} _The First Duty of Women_. A Series of Articles reprinted from +the _Victorian Magazine_, 1865 to 1870, by Mary Taylor. 1870. + +{262} See letter to Ellen Nussey, page 78. + +{275} Miss Bronte was paid 1500 pounds in all for her three novels, and +Mr. Nicholls received an additional 250 pounds for the copyright of _The +Professor_. + +{280} A Mr. Hodgson is spoken of earlier, but he would seem to have been +only a temporary help. + +{282} Referring to a present of birds which the curate had sent to Miss +Nussey. + +{287} A Funeral Sermon for the late Rev. William Weightman, M.A., +preached in the Church at Haworth on Sunday the 2nd of October 1842 by +the Rev. Patrick Bronte, A.B., Incumbent. The profits, if any, to go in +aid of the Sunday School. Halifax--Printed by J. U. Walker, George +Street, 1842. Price sixpence. + +{288} A little dog, called in the next letter 'Flossie, junr.,' which +indicates its parentage. Flossy was the little dog given by the +Robinsons to Anne. + +{325} The originals are in the possession of Mr. Alfred Morrison of +Carlton House Terrace, London. + +{330} _De Quincey Memorials_, by Alexander H. Japp. 2 vols. 1891. +William Heinemann. + +{332a} _Agnes Grey_, a novel, by Acton Bell. Vol. III. London, Thomas +Cautley Newby, publisher, 72 Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square. + +{332b} And yet the error not infrequently occurs, and was recently made +by Professor Saintsbury (_Nineteenth Century Literature_), of assuming +that it was _Jane Eyre_ which met with many refusals. + +{332c} Mr. Nicholls assures me that the manuscript was not rewritten +after his marriage, although I had thought it possible, not only on +account of its intrinsic merits, which have not been sufficiently +acknowledged, but on account of the singular fact that Mlle. Henri, the +charming heroine, is married in a white muslin dress, and that her +going-away dress was of lilac silk. These were the actual wedding +dresses of Mrs. Nicholls. + +{333} Anne Marsh (1791-1874), a daughter of James Caldwell, J.P., of +Linley Wood, Staffordshire, married a son of the senior partner in the +London banking firm of Marsh, Stacey, & Graham. Her first volume +appeared in 1834, and contained, under the title of _Two Old Men's +Tales_, two stories, _The Admiral's Daughter_ and _The Deformed_, which +won considerable popularity. _Emilia Wyndham_, _Time_, _the Avenger_, +_Mount Sorel_, and _Castle Avon_, are perhaps the best of her many +subsequent novels. + +{335} _The Professor_ was published, with a brief note by Mr. Nicholls, +two years after the death of its author. _The Professor_, a Tale, by +Currer Bell, in two volumes. Smith, Elder & Co., 65 Cornhill, 1857. + +{348} Lady Eastlake died in 1893. + +{349} _Letters and Journals_ of Lady Eastlake, edited by her nephew, +Charles Eastlake Smith, vol. i. pp. 221, 222 (John Murray). + +{350} _Life of J. G. Lockhart_, by Andrew Lang. Published by John +Nimmo. Mr. Lang has courteously permitted me to copy this letter from +his proof-sheets. + +{361} Name of place is erased in original. + +{373} Thus in original letter. + +{398} That Thackeray had written a certain unfavourable critique of +_Shirley_. + +{402} This article was by John Skelton (_Shirley_). + +{403} Now in the possession of Mr. A. B. Nicholls. + +{408} Thackeray writes to Mr. Brookfield, in October 1848, as +follows:--'Old Dilke of the _Athenaeum_ vows that Procter and his wife, +between them, wrote _Jane Eyre_; and when I protest ignorance, says, +"Pooh! you know who wrote it--you are the deepest rogue in England, etc." +I wonder whether it can be true? It is just possible. And then what a +singular circumstance is the + fire of the two dedications' [_Jane Eyre_ +to Thackeray, _Vanity Fair_ to Barry Cornwall].--_A Collection of Letters +to W. M. Thackeray_, 1847-1855. Smith and Elder. + +{423} _Chapters from Some Memories_, by Anne Thackeray Ritchie. +Macmillan and Co. Mrs. Ritchie and her publishers kindly permit me to +incorporate her interesting reminiscence in this chapter. + +{432} George Henry Lewes (1817-1878). Published _Biographical History +of Philosophy_, 1845-46; _Ranthorpe_, 1847; _Rose_, _Blanche_, _and +Violet_, 1848; _Life of Goethe_, 1855. Editor of the _Fortnightly +Review_, 1865-66. _Problems of Life and Mind_, 1873-79; and many other +works. + +{434} Richard Hengist Horne (1803-1884). Published _Cosmo de Medici_, +1837; _Orion_, an epic poem in ten books, passed through six editions in +1843, the first three editions being issued at a farthing; _A New Spirit +of the Age_, 1844; _Letters of E. B. Browning to R. H. Horne_, 1877. + +{444} Printed by the kind permission of the Rev. C. W. Heald, of Chale, +I.W. + +{446} Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth (1804-1877). A doctor of medicine, who +was made a baronet in 1849, on resigning the secretaryship of the +Committee of Council on Education; assumed the name of Shuttleworth on +his marriage, in 1842, to Janet, the only child and heiress of Robert +Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley (died 1872). His son, the +present baronet, is the Right Hon. Sir Ughtred James Kay-Shuttleworth. + +{457a} Some experiments on a farm of two acres. + +{457b} Letters of Matthew Arnold, collected and arranged by George W. E. +Russell. + +{468} Mr. Nicholls is the Mr. Macarthey of _Shirley_. Here is the +reference which not unnaturally gratified him:--'Perhaps I ought to +remark that, on the premature and sudden vanishing of Mr. Malone from the +stage of Briarfield parish . . . there came as his successor, another +Irish curate, Mr. Macarthey. I am happy to be able to inform you, _with +truth_, that this gentleman did as much credit to his country as Malone +had done it discredit; he proved himself as decent, decorous, and +conscientious, as Peter was rampant, boisterous, and--(this last epithet +I choose to suppress, because it would let the cat out of the bag). He +laboured faithfully in the parish; the schools, both Sunday and +day-schools, flourished under his sway like green bay-trees. Being +human, of course he had his faults; these, however, were proper, +steady-going, clerical faults: the circumstance of finding himself +invited to tea with a dissenter would unhinge him for a week; the +spectacle of a Quaker wearing his hat in the church, the thought of an +unbaptized fellow-creature being interred with Christian rites--these +things could make strange havoc in Mr. Macarthey's physical and mental +economy; otherwise he was sane and rational, diligent and +charitable.'--_Shirley_, chap. xxxvii. + +{469} John Stuart Mill, who, however, attributed the authorship of this +article to his wife. + +{491} The Nusseys. + +{495} The Rev. George Sowden, vicar of Hebden Bridge, Halifax, and +honorary canon of Wakefield, is still alive. + + + + +INDEX + + +ABBOTSFORD, 453-4. + +Academy of Arts Royal, 14, 15, 124. + +_Agnes Grey_--its publication, 161, 184, 331, 332; reprint, 364, 365; +Charlotte on, 162, 336, 337, 388; value of, 181. + +Ahaderg, County Down, 28. + +Alexander, Miss, 468. + +Ambleside, 126, 205, 442, 454, 457. + +_Amy Herbert_, 260. + +Antwerp, 102. + +Appleby, 285, 287. + +Arnold, Matthew, 145, 457, 458, 459. + +Arnold, Dr., 263, 400, 442, 454, 456, 457, 458, 459. + +Arnold, Mrs. Thomas, 456, 458. + +_Athanaeum_, 178, 334, 340, 404, 408, 431, 459. + +Atkinson, Mr., 211, 312, 313. + +_Atlas_, 414, 415. + +Austen, Jane, 399, 445. + +Aylott & Jones, 325-9, 331. + +BANGOR, 491. + +'Beck, Madame.' _See_ Heger, Madame. + +Bedford, Mr., 40, 47. + +Bell, Rev. Alan, 465. + +Bell Chapel, Thornton, 56. + +_Bengal Hurkaru_, 362. + +Bennoch, Francis, 491. + +Bernard-Beere, Mrs., 164. + +_Berwick Warder_, 165. + +Bierly, 47. + +Birch-Pfeiffer, Charlotte, 164. + +Birrell, Augustine, 29, 30. + +Birstall, 3, 107, 116, 210, 214, 224, 239, 261, 312, 457. + +'Black Bull,' Haworth, 143, 361. + +_Blackwood's Magazine_, 121, 139, 141, 147. + +Blake Hall, 84, 149, 182, 296. + +Blanche, Mdlle., 114, 117. + +Bolitho, Sons, & Co, 103. + +_Bombay Gazette_, 323. + +Borrow's _Bible in Spain_, 189. + +Bowling Green Inn, Bradford, 106. + +Bradford, 41, 42, 46, 51, 58, 124, 150, 206, 211, 284, 292. + +_Bradford Observer_, 168, 407. + +_Bradford Review_, 54. + +Bradley, Rev. Richard, 291. + +Branwells of Cornwall, 30. + +Branwell, Anne, 34. + +Branwell, Charlotte, 33, 34. + +Branwell, Eliza, 217. + +Branwell, Elizabeth, 34, 51, 52, 61, 92, 96, 102, 103-4, 105, 112, 147. + +Branwell, John, 217. + +Branwell, Joseph, 34, 491. + +Branwell, Margaret, 34. + +Branwell, Maria. _See_ Bronte, Mrs. + +Branwell, Thomas, 33. + +Branty, 28. + +Braxborne, 395. + +Bremer, Frederika, 187. + +'Bretton Mrs.' _See_ Smith, Mrs. + +Brewster, Sir David, 268, 463. + +Briery, Windermere, 5. + +Britannia, 358. + +'Brocklehurst Mr.' _See_ Wilson, Carus. + +Bromsgrove, 134. + +Bronte, Anne Chapter VII., 181-203 birth, 51; baptism, 56, 57; at +Haworth, 60; as governess, 19, 88, 90, 97, 112, 128, 150, 296; at +Brussels, 128; at Scarborough, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201; in Miss +Branwell's will, 103; and Charlotte, 113, 159, 352; as Emily's chum, 120, +144, 145, 147, 148; and Miss Nussey, 160, 182-4, 208, 209, 219, 307; and +the Misses Robinson, 137, 182, 288; and Mr. Weightman, 286; her dog +(_see_ Flossie); her drawings, 67; her letters, 144; her unpublished MSS, +25, 61, 62, 71-2, 144; her novels (see _Agnes Grey_ and _The Tenant of +Wildfell Hall_) her poems, 325-331; her portrait, 123; her illness and +death, 175, 176, 185, 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 262, 281, +393, 439, 440, 467; her grave, 203. + +Bronte, Branwell Chapter V., 120-143; birth, 51, 123; baptism, 57; at +school, 123, 290, 291; at the Royal Academy of Arts, 14, 15, 124; at +Luddenden Foot, 127, 147, 148, 150, 152; in his aunt's will, 103, 104, +105; and Anne, 154; and Charlotte, 25, 81, 92, 93, 119, 120, 121, 122, +131, 140, 141; Charlotte's letters to, 112-14, 115, 120, 239; and Emily, +142; and his father, 137, 138, 139, 142, 465; and Hartley Coleridge, +125-7; and F. H. Grundy, 128; Jane Eyre, 14, 143; and Miss Nussey, 106, +219; and the Robinsons, 18, 19, 112, 128, 129-31, 136, 137, 182; his +sketches, 14, 67, 123; his writings, 72, 73, 123, 125-7; his translation +of Horace, 126; his portrait, 138; his character, 124; his idleness, 133, +134, 135, 137; his death, 61, 138-41, 165, 191. + +Bronte, Charlotte birth, 51; baptism, 57; her place at the Haworth +dinner-table, 60; childhood, 56-73; her father (_see_ Bronte, Patrick) +her mother (_see_ Bronte, Mrs. Patrick) her sisters (_see_ Bronte, Anne; +Bronte, Emily; _Agnes Grey_; _Tenant of Wildfell Hall_; _Wuthering +Heights_) her brother (_see_ Bronte, Branwell) her school life (_see_ +Wooler, Margaret; Cowan Bridge; and Roe Head) her school friends (_see_ +Nussey, Ellen; Taylor, Mary) at the Sidgwicks' (_q.v._), 79-84; at the +Whites' (_q.v._), 85-94; at Brussels (_see_ Heger M. and Madame; Jenkins, +Rev. Mr.; The _Professor_; _Villette_; Wheelwright, Laetitia); in London, +14, 107, 214, 268, 270, 416, 417-28; her father's curates, 280-92 (_see +also_ De Renzi, Rev. Mr.; Nicholls, Rev. A. B.; Smith, Rev. Peter +Augustus; Weightman, Rev. W.; and _Shirley_) her lovers, 293-324 (_see +also_ Nicholls, Rev. A. B.; Nussey, Rev. Henry; Taylor, James) her +literary ambitions, 325-369; her unpublished literary work, 61-7, 68; her +published work (see _Jane Eyre_, _The Professor_, _Shirley_, _Villette_, +_Poems_); her publishers (_see_ Aylott & Jones, Newby, and Smith Elder & +Co); her literary friendships, 429-463 (_see also_ Gaskell, Mrs.; +Martineau, Harriet; Smith, George; Thackeray, W. M.; Williams, W. S.); +her critics (_see_ Eastlake, Lady; Kingsley, Charles; Lewes, G. H.; and +various periodicals); her marriage, 8, 261, 464, 491 (_see_ Nicholls, +Rev. A. B.); her appearance, 22, 74, 293, 457; her death, 500; her grave, +54, 500; her will, 24, 500; her biography, 1-26 (_see also_ Gaskell, +Mrs.; Grundy, F. H.; Leyland, F. A.; Nussey, Ellen; Reid, Sir Wemyss); +her portrait, 123, 294; on affection for her family, 88; on children, +376-8, 381; on female friendships, 205; on governessing, 84, 228, 382; on +ladies' college, 277; on women in the professions, 378, 382, 395, 396; on +marriage, 261, 295-6, 298, 303, 304-6, 307, 310, 383, 394, 493, 494; on +spinsters, 134; on men, 199, 490; on authors and bookmakers, 165; on her +critics, 176, 269; on lionising, 266, 270; on literary coteries, 270, +353, 389, 399; on money rewards of literature, 275; on the art of +biography, 385; on her heroes, 345; on the French, 411; on French +politics, 343, 373; on war, 264; on Shakespeare-acting, 270; on dancing, +211; on the Bible, 213, 216; on religion, 140, 166, 193, 211; on the +value of work, 203, 396. + +Bronte, Elizabeth, 51, 56, 74, 358. + +Bronte, Emily Chapter VI, 144-180; birth, 51; baptism, 57; at Haworth, +59, 60; her childhood, 74; her school days, 145; as a teacher, 15, 145; +at Brussels, 97, 100, 102, 111, 133, 145; as Anne's chum, 120, 144; in +Miss Branwell's will, 103; and the French newspapers, 241; Charlotte's +letters to, 25, 91, 114, 116, 117, 119; her religion, 14, 100, 145; her +portrait, 123-4; her likeness to G. H. Lewes, 432; her messages to Miss +Nussey, 160-1, 208, 209; her dog (_see_ Keeper); her sketches, 67, 154, +157; her unpublished writings, 61, 62, 70, 146, 148, 150-2; her novel +(see _Wuthering Heights_); her poetry, 144, 154, 325-31; her illness and +death, 165, 166-75, 186, 345; her character, 60, 111, 112, 144, 146, 167, +177; Matthew Arnold on, 145; Charlotte on, 4, 165, 337; Sydney Dobell on, +145; A. Mary F. Robinson on, 121, 122; Swinburne on, 146; Dr. Wright on, +157, 158; + +Bronte, Hugh, 55, 158. + +Bronte, Maria, 51, 56, 57, 74, 404. + +Bronte, Museum, 23. + +Bronte, name, 29. + +Bronte, Rev. Patrick Chapter 1, 27-55 his pedigree, 28-9, 157, 158; at +Cambridge, 28, 97; at Weatherfield, 29-30; at Hartshead, 30-51, 56; at +Thornton, 51; goes to Haworth, 51; his courtship, 25, 30-51; his +marriage, 30, 51; his wife (_see_ Bronte, Mrs. Patrick); his church, 56 +(_see also_ Haworth) his curates, 280-292; his home, 56; his study, 60, +61; his children at home, 60-2; takes his children to school, 74; his +view of his daughters' literary successes, 52; and Miss Branwell, 51, +104; and his son, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142; and Charlotte, 31, 161, +209, 222, 229, 264, 267, 271; Charlotte's letters to, 5, 419, 423, 451-2, +454, 461, 463, 471; and Charlotte's biography, 2, 3, 9-12, 16, 17, 31, +67; and Charlotte's wedding, 261 (_see also_ Nicholls Rev. A. B.); and +Emily, 147, 175, 193; and Mary Burder, 29, 30; and Rev. A. B. Nicholls, +28, 54, 55, 292, 474, 475-6, 477, 481, 485, 487; and Miss Nussey, 11, 12, +159, 183, 211, 237; and Flossy's death, 230; and James Taylor, 309; and +Miss Wooler, 269, 274, 369; his gun, 28; his illnesses, 176, 184, 231, +232, 241, 272, 307, 315, 451, 470, 482, 484; his poems, 32; his +character, 52, 53; his recluse habits, 186, 308; Mrs. Gaskell's view of, +16, 27; his death, 54, 501; his will, 55. + +Bronte, Mrs. Patrick--her pedigree, 33; her love letters, 25, 31-51; her +marriage, 30; her life at Haworth, 59-61; her portrait, 34. + +Bronte, pedigree, 28, 358. + +Brook, Mrs., 284, 296. + +Brookfield, Mrs., 421, 422. + +Brookroyd, 10, 15, 85, 93, 94, 105, 106, 119, 131, 174, 206, 211, 213, +214, 219, 222, 224, 225, 242, 275, 291, 297, 477, 491, 493, 494, 499. + +Brougham, John, 163. + +Broughton-in-Furness, 124, 125. + +Brown, John, 152, 468, 476, 479. + +Brown, Martha, 18, 19, 52, 54, 55, 60, 124, 149, 151, 153, 202, 271, 319, +361, 424, 425, 426, 452, 455, 461, 462, 463, 471, 472, 474, 476, 478. + +Brown, Tabby, 54, 55, 60, 149, 151, 152, 153, 202, 239, 271, 463. + +Brown, William, 104. + +Browning, Mrs., 270, 434. + +Bruntee, 29. + +Brunty, 29. + +Brussels, 3, 14, 21, 25, 26, 52, 84, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96-119, 120, 128, +133, 150, 159, 160, 218, 287, 290, 307, 440. + +Bunsen, Chevalier, 456. + +Burder, Miss Mary, 29, 30. + +Burnet, Rev. Dr., Vicar of Bradford, 54. + +'Burns, Helen.' _See_ Bronte Maria. + +Burns, Robert, 127, 392. + +Butterfield, R, 491. + +CALDWELL, JAMES, 333. + +Carlisle, Earl of, 425. + +Carlyle, Mrs., 421. + +Carlyle, Thomas, 20, 195, 374, 380, 384, 421. + +Carter family, 81. + +Cartman, Rev. Dr., 54, 425. + +Cartwright's mill, 22. + +Catholics, Charlotte and, 116, 117, 459. + +_Caxtons_, _The_, 177, 359, 444. + +_Chambers' Journal_, 244, 329, 411. + +Chapham, Mrs., 262. + +Chappelle, M., 111. + +Chesterfield, Lady, 427. + +Chorley, Mr., 416. + +_Christian Remembrancer_, 341, 368, 393. + +_Church of England Journal_, 407. + +Clanricarde, Lady, 427. + +Clapham, Mr., 500. + +Clapham, Mrs., 37, 182, 500. + +Clergy Daughters' School, 74, 262, 356. + +Colburn, Mr., 7. + +Coleridge, Hartley, 125, 126. + +Coleridge, S. T., 371. + +Colin, M. of _L'Etoile Belge_, 111. + +Collins, Mrs., 81. + +_Cornhill Magazine_, 25. + +_Cottage Poems_, 32. + +_Cottage in the Wood_, 32, 33. + +_Courier_, 339. + +Coverley Church, 37. + +Cowan Bridge, 3, 18, 63, 74, 75, 145, 263, 358. + +Crackenthorp, 285. + +_Cranford_, 1. + +'Crimsworth', 100. + +_Critic_, 178, 191, 329, 334, 434. + +Crosstone Parsonage, 67, 104, 217. + +Crowe, Mrs., 421. + +Crystal Palace, 268, 425, 461, 463. + +Curates at Haworth, 118, 280-292. + +Curie's Homoeopathy, 171. + +'DAILY NEWS', 18, 356, 357, 431. + +Davenport, Mrs., 463. + +_David Copperfield_, 397. + +De Quincey, Thomas, 330. + +Derby, 441. + +De Renzi, Rev. Mr., 291, 292, 483. + +Devonshire, Duke of, 53. + +Dewsbury, 30. + +Dewsbury Moor, 75, 77, 78, 79, 91, 92, 145, 215, 260, 262. + +Dickens, Charles, 199, 270, 397, 410. + +Dickenson, Lowes, 372. + +_Die Waise von Lowood_, 164. + +Dilke, C. W., 338, 408. + +Dixon, George, 107, 219, 240, 251. + +Dixon Miss Mary, 107, 119, 219. + +Dobell, Sydney, 145, 366. + +Dobsons of Bradford, 41. + +'Donne, Mr.' _See_ Grant Rev. Mr. + +Donnington, 294, 295. + +Douro, Marquis of, 62, 66, 67, 68, 70. + +Drury, Rev. Mr., 111. + +_Dublin Review_, 361. + +_Dublin University Magazine_, 329, 334, 438. + +Dury, Caroline, 285. + +Dury, Rev. Theodore, 104. + +Dyson, Harriet, 449. + +EARNLEY RECTORY, 87, 281, 297. + +Eastlake, Lady, 158, 190, 347, 348, 349, 350, 397. + +Easton, 299. + +Eckermann's _Goethe_, 397, 431. + +_Economist_, 178, 346, 358. + +Edinburgh, Charlotte in, 452, 453, 454. + +_Edinburgh Guardian_, 402. + +_Edinburgh Review_, 361, 407, 418. + +_Edward Orland_, 251. + +Ellesmere, Earl of, 463. + +Elliott, Mrs., 422. + +Elliotson, Dr., 172. + +Ellis, Mrs., 418. + +'Emanuel Paul.' _See_ Heger, M. + +Emerson, 176, 189, 391. + +_Emma_, 24, 399. + +Epps, Dr., 173. + +_Esmond_, 275, 276, 403. + +Euston Square, 107. + +_Examiner_, 357, 358, 375, 388, 414, 415, 441, 459. + +Exeter Hall, 355. + +_Experience of Life_, 275. + +Eyre, Joan, 221. + +Eyre, Robert (died 1459), 221. + +'FAIR CAREW, THE', 402. + +_Fanny Hervey_, 177. + +'Fanshawe, Ginevra.' _See_ Miller, Maria. + +Fawcets of Bradford, 41. + +Fennell, Rev. John, 30, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 56, 57, +67, 104, 217. + +Fennell, Jane (Mrs. Morgan), 34, 37, 49, 50. + +Fielding, Henry, 407. + +Filey, 471. + +_First Performance_, _The_, 445. + +Fitzwilliam, Earl, 206. + +Fleeming, W. Lowe, 95. + +Flossie, jun., 159, 288, 289. + +Flossy, the dog, 135, 151, 152, 153, 154, 179, 184, 202, 230, 288, 428, +452, 471, 478, 497. + +Forbes, Dr., 172, 187, 192, 398, 425. + +Forcade, Eugene, 344, 359. + +Forster, John, 357, 416. + +Fonblanque, Mr., 357, 406. + +_Fraser's Magazine_, 16, 121, 329, 339, 405, 433, 435. + +GARRS, NANCY, 17, 52. + +Garrs, Sarah, 17. + +Gaskell Mrs--the biography of Charlotte Bronte, 1-26; its hiatuses and +blunders, 31, 34, 39, 49, 61, 97, 103, 104, 120, 294, 325; on Branwell, +18, 103, 104, 123; Charlotte on, 4, 277; visited by Charlotte, 7, 367, +369, 458, 461, 462, 463, 488; visits Charlotte, 6, 8; and Charlotte's +wedding, 491; on Emily, 14, 145; and Patrick, 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, +27, 31, 67; and M. Heger, 14, 108; and Kingsley, 16; and Lewes, 432; and +Rev. A. B. Nicholls, 2, 9, 12, 17, 18, 465; and Miss Nussey, 9, 15, 24, +204; and the Robinsons, 18-20, 129, 130; and Mary Taylor, 21, 257, 259; +and Thackeray, 428; and Frank Williams, 322; and Rev. Carus Wilson, 18; +Miss Wooler on, 278; _Cranford_, 1; _Mary Barton_, 4, 188; _North and +South_, 498. + +Gaskell, Miss Meta, 8, 14. + +Gaskell, Rev. W, 8, 19, 130. + +Gawthorpe Hall, 446, 447, 448. + +George Lovel, 445. + +Gibson, Mrs., 278. + +_Gleneden's Dream_, 154-7. + +Glenelg, Lord, 463. + +_Globe_, 358. + +Godwin, William, 195. + +Goethe, 353, 397, 420, 431, 432. + +Gomersall, 238, 239, 260. + +_Gondaland Chronicles_, 146, 147, 150, 153, 154. + +Gorham, Mary, 244. + +Grant, Rev. Mr., 118, 119, 290, 291, 468, 478, 481, 484, 492. + +Greenwood, J, 82, 362, 363. + +Growler, dog, 154. + +Grundy's _Pictures of the Past_, 121, 127, 128, 142, 293. + +Guizot, 373, 374. + +HABERGHAM, 498. + +Halifax, 15, 145, 159, 206, 277, 287. + +Hardy, Mr., 42. + +Hare's _Guesses at Truth_, 397, 431. + +Harris, Miss, 91. + +Harris, Alexander, 168, 188, 195, 199, 440. + +Harrison, Thomas, 324. + +Hartshead, 30, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 56. + +Hathersage, 152, 160, 183, 220, 222, 223, 297. + +Hausse, Mdlle., 114, 442. + +Haworth--church, 28, 54, 56, 58; curates, 280-92; library, 243; museum, +23; parsonage, 51, 59, 201, 396, 415, 433; 'Lodge of the Three Graces', +124; village in 1828, 58; villagers, 17, 18, 355; Mrs. Gaskell and, 3, 8, +10; _see also_ Nicholls, Nussey, Taylor, Williams. + +Haxby, 291. + +Hazlitt, William, 371. + +Heald, Canon, 443. + +Heald, Mary, 167, 215, 444. + +Heald, Harriet, 444. + +Heap, Mrs., 284. + +'Heathcliffe', 414. + +Heaton, Robert, 58. + +Hebden Bridge, 54, 58, 495. + +Heckmondwike, v, 260. + +Heger, Dr., 26. + +Heger, M., 14, 108, 96-219. + +Heger, Madame, 14, 99, 101, 102, 107, 108, 109, 111, 113, 114, 115. + +Heger's Pensionnat, 96-119, 239, 243, 279. + +Helps's _Friends in Council_, 354, 431. + +Hero, the hawk, 147, 151. + +Herschel, Sir John, 360, 374, 406. + +Hervey, Fanny, 177, 346. + +Hewitt, Mrs., 499. + +Hexham, 90. + +Hoby, Miss, 81. + +Hodgson Rev. Mr., 280, 302. + +Homoeopathy, 169, 171, 172, 194. + +Horne, R. H., 400, 405, 434, 435. + +Hornsea, 274. + +Hotel Clusyenaar, 101. + +Houghton. _See_ Milnes, Monckton. + +Howitt, Mary, 393. + +Howitt, William, 359. + +Hunsworth, 219, 220, 223, 224, 243. + +Hunt, Leigh, 195, 338, 371, 406. + +Hunt, Thornton, 449. + +Hyde, Dr. Douglas, 29. + +Hydropathy, 194, 401. + +ILKLEY, 13, 277. + +_Illustrated London News_, 441. + +_Imitation_ of Thomas a Kempis, 30, 31. + +Ingham, Mrs., 84, 182. + +'Ingram, Miss', 350. + +Ireland, 28, 89, 90, 157, 183, 290, 465, 493. + +'Ireland, An adventure in', 64-6. + +'JANE EYRE,' authorship, 170, 349, 379, 404, 408; inception, 33, 74, 190, +221, 372; where written, 61; manuscript of, 333; publication, 332; +preface, 161, 350, 353; dedication, 403, 408; reprint, 198; proposed +illustration of, 342-3; in French, 373, 374; reception, 2, 141, 158, 178, +338-42, 344, 346, 350, 356, 362, 363, 376, 404, 405, 410, 433, 435, 446; +dramatised, 162-4; Cowan Bridge controversy, 18; 'Brocklehurst', 18, 245, +339; 'Helen Burns', 56, 404; 'Miss Ingram', 350; 'Mrs. Read', 52; +'Rochester', 162, 405, 409, 410, 414; 'Mrs. Rochester', 339, 408; +Charlotte on, 189, 335, 336; Branwell on, 143; Hugh Bronte on, 158; +Kingsley on, 16; Mary Taylor on, 245, 252. + +Jannoy, Hortense, 115. + +Japp's _De Quincey Memorials_, 330. + +_Jar of Honey_, 161. + +Jenkins, Rev. Mr., 92, 93, 97, 98, 99, 111, 116. + +Jerrold, Douglas, 374. + +_John Bull_, 386. + +'John, Dr.' _See_ Smith, George. + +Johnson, Dr., 395. + +Jolly, Rev. J, 56. + +_Journal from Cornhill_ etc, 188, 320. + +'Jupiter', 311-12. + +KAVANAGH, JULIA, 7, 168, 170, 189, 199, 203, 338, 340, 363, 400, 411, +432. + +Kavanagh, M.P., 168. + +Keats, 371. + +Keene, Laura, 163. + +Keeper, the dog, 61, 91, 147, 149, 152, 153, 154, 179, 180, 202, 428. + +Keighley, 58, 106, 281, 291, 429, 431. + +_Kenilworth_, 200. + +Keyworth, Rev. Thomas, 221. + +Kingsley, Charles, 16, 18. + +Kingston, Anne, 104. + +Kingston, Elizabeth Jane, 103, 105. + +Kirk-Smeaton, 483, 490. + +Kirkstall Abbey, 39, 45. + +Knowles, Sheridan, 445. + +LAMARTINE, 402. + +Lamb, Charles, 263. + +Lamb, Mary, 263. + +Lang's _Lockhart_, 350. + +Lawry, Mrs., of Muswell Hill, 25. + +_Leader_, 459, 460. + +Leeds, 49, 107, 127, 206, 359. + +_Leeds Mercury_, 31. + +Lewes, George Henry, 338, 339, 345, 355, 356, 358, 361, 400, 406, 407, +410, 418, 432, 433, 435, 445, 450, 468. + +Leyland's _Bronte Family_, 19, 23, 121, 122, 138, 143. + +Liege, 240. + +Lille, 97, 98. + +Lind, Jenny, 400, 416. + +Lockhart, J. G., 1, 348, 350. + +London. _See_ Bronte, Charlotte, in London. + +London Bridge Wharf, 107. + +Londonderry, Marchioness of, 427. + +Louis Philippe, 373, 374. + +'Lowood School', 190, 339. + +Luddenden Foot, 127, 147, 150, 152. + +Luddite Riots, 206. + +Lynn, Eliza, 170, 172. + +Lyttleton's _Advice to a Lady_, 51. + +Lytton Bulwer, 170, 177, 359, 392, 414, 426. + +'MACARTHEY, MR.' _See_ Nicholls. + +Macaulay's _History_, 187, 229. + +Macdonald, Frederika, 109. + +_Macmillan's Magazine_, 25. + +Macready, the actor, 270, 416, 423. + +_Madeline_, 168, 170, 189. + +_Maid of Killarney_, 32, 33. + +'Malone, Mr.' _See_ Smith Rev. Peter A. + +Manchester, 17, 241, 349, 369, 462, 463, 491. + +Marsh, Mrs., 333, 404. + +Martineau, Harriet, 4, 5, 6, 17, 25, 205, 251, 255, 278, 312, 313, 366, +368, 416, 442, 445, 454, 455, 456, 457, 459, 460, 469, 473. + +Martineau, Rev. James, 128. + +_Mary Barton_, 4, 188. + +Marzials, Madame, 98. + +Mayers, H. S., 203. + +Meredith, George, 370. + +Merrall, E, 491. + +Merrall, H, 491. + +Miles, Rev. Oddy, 58. + +Mill, John Stuart, 469. + +Miller, Maria (Mrs. Robertson), 101. + +Mills, Mrs., 91. + +Milnes, Monckton, 422, 425, 491. + +Mirabeau, 384-85. + +Mirfield, 81, 261. + +_Mirror_, 142, 407, 410, 435. + +Miry Shay, near Bradford, 38. + +_Miss Miles_, 259. + +_Mrs. Leicester's School_, 263. + +_Modern Painters_, 195, 387. + +Moore's _Life_, 402. + +_Moorland Cottage_, 5. + +More, Dr., 261. + +Morgan, Lady, 270. + +Morgan, Mrs., 277. + +Morgan, Rev. William, 34, 38, 44, 49, 56, 57, 478, 491. + +Morley, 58. + +Morley, John, 370. + +_Morning Chronicle_, 205, 375, 380. + +_Morning Herald_, 167, 168, 177, 340. + +_Morning Post_, 434. + +Morrison, Alfred, 325. + +Morton Village, 221. + +Mossman, Miss, 243. + +Muhl, Mdlle., 114. + +NAPOLEON, 375. + +National Gallery, 387, 423. + +Near and Far Oxenhope, 58. + +Nelson, Lord, 29, 73, 127, 358. + +Newby, Thomas Cautley, 162, 171, 172, 244, 331, 336, 337, 354, 364, 365, +388, 415. + +_Newcastle Guardian_, 407. + +Newman, Cardinal, 363. + +Newton & Robinson, 130. + +Nicholls, Rev. A. B. Chapter XVII, 464-502; birth, 465; character, 501; +Charlotte refers to, 426, 428, 466, 467, 469, 470, 475, 476, 480, 489, +499; Mrs. Gaskell's view of, 464; and Rev. Patrick Bronte, 28, 54, 55, +292, 474, 475, 476, 477, 481, 485, 487; wooing of Charlotte, 472, 473, +475, 476, 480; marriage with Charlotte, 490-1; marriage with Miss Bell, +501; his study at Haworth, 61; in Ireland, 183, 465, 467, 501; on +Charlotte's letters, 494; and Mrs. Gaskell's biography, 2, 9, 10-12, 13, +17; and _Charlotte Bronte and her Circle_, v, 24, 97, 160, 332; and Cowan +Bridge controversy, 18; his relics of the Brontes, 123-4, 138, 154, 181, +403. + +Nicholls, Mrs. A. B. (_secunda_), 501. + +Nicoll, Dr. Robertson, v. + +Noel, Baptist, 218. + +Norfolk, Duchess of, 427. + +_North American Review_, 169. + +_North British Review_, 313, 346. + +Nussey, Ellen Chapter VIII, 204-233; her pedigree, 206; at school, 76, +234, 261, 264; at Haworth, 59, 60, 61, 158, 273, 274, 276, 299; in +Sussex, 271, 272; visited by Charlotte, 239, 301; help to Mrs. Gaskell, +9-15, 24, 145; _The Story of Charlotte Bronte's Life_, 23, 25; +recollections of Anne, 203; recollections of Emily, 178-180; +recollections of Miss Wooler, 261; Charlotte's admiration for, 300; Mary +Taylor on, 249, 250; letters from Anne, 182-4; letters from Charlotte, v, +76-86, 89-95, 98, 102, 105-7, 116, 119, 131-2, 134-8, 166, 173, 191, 196, +206-32, 237-8, 240-4, 254, 281-91, 295-7, 302-7, 310-2, 314-9, 321, 322, +360, 367, 401, 417, 419, 429, 430, 432, 443, 446, 448-50, 452, 457, 462, +465-9, 472-500; letter from Emily, 160; letter from Canon Heald, 443; +letter from Martha Taylor, 240; letter from Mary Taylor, 256, 258. + +Nussey, George, 85, 86, 89. + +Nussey, Rev. Henry, 87, 119, 160, 221, 294-301. + +Nussey, Mrs. Henry, 220, 222, 223. + +Nussey, John, 206. + +Nussey, Mrs., 208, 222, 275. + +Nussey, Mercy, 89, 94, 141, 222, 226. + +Nussey, Richard, 89. + +Nussey, Sarah, 89. + +OAKWORTH, 291. + +_Observer_, 335, 431. + +O'Callaghan Castle, 64-6. + +O'Prunty, Patrick, 29. + +_Orion_, 434, 435. + +Orleans, Duchess of, 427. + +Outhwaite, Miss, 181, 197. + +_Oxford Chronicle_, 339. + +PADIHAM, 498. + +'Pag.' _See_ Taylor, Mary. + +_Palladium_, 310, 364, 366, 367. + +Paris, Charlotte and, 96, 153. + +Pascal's _Thoughts_, 397. + +Patchet, Miss, 145, 149. + +Paxton, Sir Joseph, 54. + +Payn, James, 370. + +_Pendennis_, 172. + +Penzance, 30, 33, 34, 51, 103, 105, 217. + +Perry, Miss, 422. + +Phillips, George Searle, 142. + +Pickles, J, 491. + +Poems by the sisters--in manuscript, 68-72; Aylott & Jones's edition, +325-331, 334, 348. + +_Poor Relations_, 164. + +Port Nicholson, N.Z., 239. + +Portraits--of Anne, 181; of Branwell, 138; of Charlotte, 123, 294; of +Emily, 123. + +Postlethwaite, Mr., 124. + +_Prelude_, Wordsworth's, 7. + +Price, Rev. Mr., 302-3. + +Procter, Mrs., 408, 422. + +_Professor_, _The_--its inception, 99, 100, 101; where written, 61; the +manuscript, 332; seeking a publisher, 331, 332, 372; its publication, +275, 335; Charlotte on, 336; Mrs. Gaskell's proposed recasting of, 465. + +Prunty, 157. + +Puseyite struggle, 368, 400. + +'QUARTERLY REVIEW', 158, 176, 190, 195, 347, 348, 350, 351, 352, 393, +397, 408, 410, 412. + +RAILWAY PANIC, 133. + +Rands of Bradford, 41. + +_Ranthorpe_, 411, 432. + +Rawson, Mr., 42. + +Read, Mrs. _See_ Branwell, Elizabeth. + +Redhead, Rev. Mr., 17. + +Redman, Joseph, 55, 479. + +Reform Bill, 121. + +Reid, Sir Wemyss, vi, 23, 24. + +'Reuter, Mdlle. Zoraide.' _See_ Heger, Madame. + +Revue des deux Mondes, 344, 345, 361. + +Richmond's portrait of Charlotte, 294. + +Rigby, Miss. _See_ Eastlake, Lady. + +Ringrose, Miss, 135, 225, 227. + +Ritchie, Mrs. Richmond, 420-23. + +'Rivers, St John', 245. + +Robertson, Mr. ('Helstone'), 430, 443. + +Robinson, Rev. Edmund, 18, 129, 136, 146, 148. + +Robinson, Mrs. Edmund, 18, 19, 128, 129, 130, 136, 137, 182. + +Robinson, Edmund jun., 112, 129. + +Robinson, Misses, 137, 154, 182, 288. + +Robinson, William, of Leeds, 123. + +Robinson's _Emily Bronte_, 121, 122. + +'Rochester', 162, 405, 409, 410, 414. + +'Rochester, Mrs.', 339, 408. + +Roe Head, 14, 15, 62, 63, 75, 76, 113, 120, 145, 182, 204, 206, 209, 213, +260, 261, 269, 293. + +Rogers, Samuel, 463. + +Rouse Mill, 215. + +Ruddock, Dr., 231, 232. + +'Rue Fossette.' _See_ Rue d'Isabelle. + +Rue d'Isabelle, 99, 100, 107, 108, 111, 117. + +_Rural Minstrel_, 32. + +Ruskin, John, 195, 371, 387, 429. + +Ruskin John James, 371. + +Russell, Lord John, 400. + +Rydings, 206, 212. + +S. GUDULE, 117. + +St. John's College, Cambridge, 28, 97. + +Samplers worked by the Branwells, 34; by the Brontes, 56, 57, 181. + +Saunders, Rev. Moses, 58. + +Scarborough, 147, 148, 197, 198, 200, 203, 219, 221, 233, 271, 272. + +_Scotsman_, 337. + +Scott, Sir Walter, 1, 199, 208, 429. + +Sewell, Elizabeth, 260. + +Shaen, William, 130. + +_Sharpe's Magazine_, 10, 452. + +_Sheffield Iris_, 407. + +_Shirley_, the curates of, 190, 280, 288, 291, 443, 468; other characters +in, 234, 236, 238, 346; authorship of, 351, 431, 442; French in, 353; +Charlotte on, 345, 351, 396, 456; Charles Kingsley on, 16; Harriet +Martineau on, 4, 456; Rev. A. B. Nicholls on, 468; Mary Taylor on, 248, +251; general reception of, 178, 354, 355, 358, 360, 418, 443, 446. + +Shuttleworth, Lady, 6, 446, 448, 450, 462, 463. + +Shuttleworth, Sir James Kay, 3, 6, 15, 230, 255, 266, 419, 446, 447, 450, +454, 457, 458, 462, 463, 468, 473, 495, 496, 498. + +Shuttleworth, Sir U. J. Kay, 446. + +Sidgwicks of Stonegappe, 79-84, 112, 113, 149. + +Skelton, John, 402. + +_Sketch_, _The_, 111. + +Skipton, 54, 58. + +Smith Elder & Co, 5, 7, 9, 163, 176, 204, 271, 307, 311, 314, 331, 335, +336, 340, 370, 371, 372, 407, 408, 410. + +Smith, George; and Anne, 415; and Emily, 388; and _Jane Eyre_, 198, 362, +363, 372; and _Shirley_, 178, 188, 189, 190, 351, 352, 356; and +_Villette_, 366, 429; and _Wuthering Heights_, 365; sends books to +Charlotte, 161, 188, 334, 384, 387, 398; meets Charlotte, 187, 419, +430-3, 441, 462; writes Charlotte, 449; and James Taylor, 315, 317, 321; +and Thackeray, 403, 420-1, 427, 428; Charlotte's opinion of, 318, 364, +386, 417, 430, 445; and Charlotte's marriage, 491. + +Smith, Mrs. (mother of George Smith), 417, 419, 429, 430, 450, 452, 453, +462. + +Smith, Rev. Peter Augustus, 28, 118, 119, 288, 302, 465. + +'Snowe, Lucy', 108, 367. + +Sophia, Mdlle., 114. + +Southey, 399. + +Sowden, Rev. George, 54, 478, 493, 494, 495, 496, 498, 499. + +Sowerby Bridge, 127. + +_Spectator_, 178, 338, 344, 441. + +Stanbury, 58, 59. + +_Standard of Freedom_, 167, 358, 359. + +Stephen, Sir James, 19. + +Stephen, Leslie, 19. + +Stephenson, Mr., 128. + +Stonegappe, 79, 80, 82. + +Stuart, Dr. J. A. Erskine, 28. + +_Sun_, 177. + +_Sunday Times_, 407, 435. + +Sutherland, Duchess of, 424. + +Swain, Mrs. John, 159. + +Swarcliffe, 81-3. + +'Sweeting, Rev. Mr.' _See_ Bradley. + +Swinburne, A. C., on Emily, 146. + +'TABLET', 405. + +Talfourd's _Lamb_, 263. + +Tatham, Mr., 37. + +Taylor, Ellen, 132, 136, 243, 244, 252, 254. + +Taylor, George, 104, 491. + +Taylor, Henry, 245, 254. + +Taylor, James appearance, 309; history, 307, 323-24; illness, 177, 360; +at Haworth, 308, 314; Charlotte on, 310-11, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 321, +322, 392, 430, 462; Charlotte's letters to, 309, 313, 319, 345, 354, 442, +456, 458; his opinion of _Shirley_, 355, 393; and Mrs. Gaskell's +biography, 9; his marriage, 324; his death, 324. + +Taylor, Mrs. James, 324. + +Taylor, Jessie, 236. + +Taylor, Joe, 243. + +Taylor, John, 243. + +Taylor, Joshua, 25. + +Taylor, Louisa, 394, 395. + +Taylor, Martha, 87, 96, 97, 98, 102, 235, 240, 433. + +Taylor, Mr., father of Mary Taylor, 236, 238, 251. + +Taylor, Mary Chapter IX, 234-259; at school, 9, 261; in Brussels, 91, 92, +96, 98, 239; in New Zealand, 85, 132, 220, 238, 241-59, 290; illness of, +78, 84; letters to Charlotte, 210, 244-52, 254-56, 419; description of +Charlotte, 293; Charlotte and, 77, 90, 131, 196, 207, 212, 223, 232, 306; +and Mrs. Gaskells biography, 9, 21-3, 259; Miss Nussey's description of, +234-37. + +Taylor, Rose, 236. + +Taylor & Hessey, 371. + +Taylor Waring, 239, 240, 252, 253. + +Taylor Yorke, 236. + +Teale, Mr., 187, 194. + +'Temple, Miss', 339. + +_Tenant of Wildfell Hall_, writing of, 364; publication, 184; reception +of, 387, 412; its value, 181. + +Tennyson's _Poems_, 189. + +Thackeray, William Chapter XV, 403-428; on Charlotte, 25, 403, 428; on +_Jane Eyre_, 404, 406, 408; _Jane Eyre_ dedicated to, 403, 408; compared +to Charlotte, 348-49, 408; visited by Charlotte, 416, 418, 420-3, 441; +sends _Vanity Fair_ to Charlotte, 1, 403; his illness, 356; his +illustrations, 342; his lectures, 403, 427; Charlotte on, 172, 177, 188, +199, 270, 275, 276, 319, 320, 333, 340, 343, 362, 374, 391, 404, 406, +411, 412, 419, 423; Lady Eastlake on, 348; Charles Kingsley on, 16; his +friendship with W. S. Williams, 371. + +Thackeray, Mrs., 408. + +Thiers, 373, 374, 375. + +Thomas, R, 491. + +Thornton, 3, 51, 56, 123, 181. + +Thorp Green, 112, 128, 146, 148, 150, 152, 182. + +_Three Paths_, 168. + +Tiger, 151, 152. + +Tighe, Rev. Mr., 28. + +_Times_, 18, 129, 130, 362, 441. + +Tootill, John, 104. + +Trollope, Mrs., 270, 407, 409. + +Truelock, Miss, 422. + +Turner, J. M. W., 270, 371, 387, 423. + +UPPERWOOD HOUSE, RAWDON, 85-94, 96, 238. + +'VANITY FAIR', 1, 172, 349, 403, 411, 412, 413. + +'Verdopolis', 123. + +Vernon, Solala, 149. + +_Victorian Magazine_, 259. + +Victoria, Queen, 426, 427. + +_Villette_--its inception, 96, 99, 100, 101, 111, 116, 420; publication, +277; its reception, 279, 366, 367; George Smith and, 204, 429; in +Brussels, 109; confession, incident in, 116. + +Vincent, Mr., 304. + +Voltaire's _Henriade_, 76. + +WAINWRIGHT, Mrs., 54. + +Walker, Reuben, 206. + +Walton, Miss Agnes, 282, 283, 285. + +Watman, Rev. Mr., 37. + +Watt's _Improvement of the Mind_, 182. + +Weatherfield, Essex, 29, 30. + +_Weekly Chronicle_, 358, 404. + +Weightman, Rev. William, 86, 92, 102, 128, 179, 183, 284-7, 289, 306, +467. + +Wellesley, Lord Charles, 62, 69. + +Wellington, Duke of, 62, 63, 455. + +Wellington, N. Z., 21, 245, 247, 249, 250, 258. + +Wells's _Joseph and his Brethren_, 371. + +Wesley, John, 30, 31. + +Westerman, Mrs., 444. + +Westminster, Marquis of, 463. + +_Westminster Review_, 205, 433, 469. + +Whately's _English Social Life_, 397. + +Wheelwright, Dr., 100, 111, 294, 430, 469, 470, 491. + +Wheelwright, Laetitia, 25, 26, 100, 101, 109, 293, 294, 440, 441, 449, +453, 460, 469, 482. + +Wheelwright, Mrs., 470. + +White, Sarah Louisa, 95. + +Whites of Rawdon, 84-94, 96, 112, 147, 149, 152, 239. + +Williams, Anna, 372. + +Williams, E. Thornton, vi, 25. + +Williams, Ellen, 394. + +Williams, Fanny, 344, 372, 383, 384, 393, 394, 415. + +Williams, Frank, 322, 402. + +Williams, Louisa, 394, 395. + +Williams, W. S. Chapter XIV, 370-402; discovery of Charlotte, 9; sends +books to Charlotte, 429; and _The Professor_, 332; on _Wuthering +Heights_, 161; Charlotte's letters to, vi, 3-7, 25, 138-141, 161-177, +185-191, 194-9, 200-3, 205, 232, 308, 321, 322, 333-67, 371-402, 404-17, +418, 420, 433-40, 444-8, 455; meets Charlotte, 318; Charlotte's +description of, 430; and Charlotte's wedding, 491. + +Williams, Mrs., 4, 7, 359, 362, 376, 383, 386, 390, 393, 396, 398, 415, +440, 447. + +Willing, James, 164. + +Wills, W. G., 164. + +Wilson, Rev. Carus, 18, 75, 245, 339. + +Windermere, 230, 266. + +Wise, Thomas J., vi. + +Wiseman, Cardinal, 461. + +Wood, Mr. Butler, vi. + +Wood House Grove, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 47, 49. + +Woodward, Mr., of Wellington N. Z., 249. + +Wooler, Miss C., 264. + +Wooler, Mr., 215. + +Wooler, Mrs., 77. + +Wooler, Margaret Chapter x, 260-79; her history, 260-1; her school, 75, +77, 78, 91, 92, 96, 145, 181, 214, 215, 234, 235, 284; Charlotte's +letters to, 8, 132-4, 193, 199, 262-78, 367-9; Charlotte and, 87, 207, +212, 249, 262, 492; Miss Nussey on, 261-2; at the Nusseys', 477; and Mary +Taylor, 234, 249, 258; and Charlotte's wedding, 487, 491; and Mrs. +Gaskell, 12, 13, 14, 278. + +Wordsworth, William, 7, 142, 312. + +Wright's _Brontes in Ireland_, 157, 158. + +_Wuthering Heights_--its inception, 157, 158, 159, 246, 414; authorship +of, 122, 142, 143, 340, 342; publication of, 161, 331; reception of, 255, +350, 459; reprint of, 364, 365; its light on Emily, 144; Charlotte on, +162, 336, 337; sent to Mrs. Gaskell, 5. + +YARMOUTH, 369. + +Yates, W. W., vi. + +York, 130, 200. + +'Yorke, Rose.' _See_ Taylor Mary. + +'--- of Briarmains.' _See_ Taylor, Mr., banker. + +_Young Men's Magazine_, 66, 68. + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, 451. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHARLOTTE BRONTE AND HER CIRCLE*** + + +******* This file should be named 19011.txt or 19011.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/0/1/19011 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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