TheLifeofCharlotteBronte-Volume1,byElizabethGaskell

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ElizabethGaskell

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Title:TheLifeofCharlotteBronte-Volume1

Author:ElizabethGaskell

ReleaseDate:April12,2005[eBook#1827]

Language:English

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***STARTOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHELIFEOFCHARLOTTEBRONTE-

VOLUME1***

Transcribedfromthe1906Smith,Elder,andCo.editionbyDavidPrice,emailccx074@coventry.ac.uk

THELIFEOFCHARLOTTEBRONTË—VOLUME1

CHAPTERI

TheLeedsandSkiptonrailwayrunsalongadeepvalleyoftheAire;aslowandsluggishstream,comparedtotheneighbouringriverofWharfe.Keighleystationisonthislineofrailway,aboutaquarterofamilefromthetownofthesamename.ThenumberofinhabitantsandtheimportanceofKeighleyhavebeenverygreatlyincreasedduringthelasttwentyyears,owingtotherapidlyextendedmarketforworstedmanufactures,abranchofindustrythatmainlyemploysthefactorypopulationofthispartofYorkshire,whichhasBradfordforitscentreandmetropolis.

Keighleyisinprocessoftransformationfromapopulous,old-fashionedvillage,intoastillmorepopulousandflourishingtown.Itisevidenttothestranger,thatasthegable-endedhouses,whichobtrudethemselvescorner-wiseonthewideningstreet,fallvacant,theyarepulleddowntoallowofgreaterspacefortraffic,andamoremodernstyleofarchitecture.Thequaintandnarrowshop-windowsoffiftyyearsago,aregivingwaytolargepanesandplate-glass.Nearlyeverydwellingseemsdevotedtosomebranchofcommerce.Inpassinghastilythroughthetown,onehardlyperceiveswherethenecessarylawyeranddoctorcanlive,solittleappearanceisthereofanydwellingsoftheprofessionalmiddle-class,suchasaboundinouroldcathedraltowns.Infact,nothingcanbemoreopposedthanthestateofsociety,themodesofthinking,thestandardsofreferenceonallpointsofmorality,manners,andevenpoliticsandreligion,insuchanewmanufacturingplaceasKeighleyinthenorth,andanystately,sleepy,picturesquecathedraltowninthesouth.YettheaspectofKeighleypromiseswellforfuturestateliness,ifnotpicturesqueness.Greystoneabounds;andtherowsofhousesbuiltofithaveakindofsolidgrandeurconnectedwiththeiruniformandenduringlines.Theframe-workofthedoors,andthelintelsofthewindows,eveninthesmallestdwellings,aremadeofblocksofstone.Thereisnopaintedwoodtorequirecontinualbeautifying,orelsepresentashabbyaspect;andthestoneiskeptscrupulouslycleanbythenotableYorkshirehousewives.Suchglimpsesintotheinteriorasapasser-byobtains,revealaroughabundanceofthemeansofliving,anddiligentandactivehabitsinthe

women.Butthevoicesofthepeoplearehard,andtheirtonesdiscordant,promisinglittleofthemusicaltastethatdistinguishesthedistrict,andwhichhasalreadyfurnishedaCarrodustothemusicalworld.Thenamesovertheshops(ofwhichtheonejustgivenisasample)seemstrangeeventoaninhabitantoftheneighbouringcounty,andhaveapeculiarsmackandflavouroftheplace.

ThetownofKeighleyneverquitemeltsintocountryontheroadtoHaworth,althoughthehousesbecomemoresparseasthetravellerjourneysupwardstothegreyroundhillsthatseemtoboundhisjourneyinawesterlydirection.Firstcomesomevillas;justsufficientlyretiredfromtheroadtoshowthattheycanscarcelybelongtoanyoneliabletobesummonedinahurry,atthecallofsufferingordanger,fromhiscomfortablefireside;thelawyer,thedoctor,andtheclergyman,liveathand,andhardlyinthesuburbs,withascreenofshrubsforconcealment.

Inatownonedoesnotlookforvividcolouring;whattheremaybeofthisisfurnishedbythewaresintheshops,notbyfoliageoratmosphericeffects;butinthecountrysomebrilliancyandvividnessseemstobeinstinctivelyexpected,andthereisconsequentlyaslightfeelingofdisappointmentatthegreyneutraltintofeveryobject,nearorfaroff,onthewayfromKeighleytoHaworth.Thedistanceisaboutfourmiles;and,asIhavesaid,whatwithvillas,greatworstedfactories,rowsofworkmen’shouses,withhereandthereanold-fashionedfarmhouseandout-buildings,itcanhardlybecalled“country”anypartoftheway.Fortwomilestheroadpassesovertolerablylevelground,distanthillsontheleft,a“beck”flowingthroughmeadowsontheright,andfurnishingwaterpower,atcertainpoints,tothefactoriesbuiltonitsbanks.Theairisdimandlightlesswiththesmokefromallthesehabitationsandplacesofbusiness.Thesoilinthevalley(or“bottom,”tousethelocalterm)isrich;but,astheroadbeginstoascend,thevegetationbecomespoorer;itdoesnotflourish,itmerelyexists;and,insteadoftrees,thereareonlybushesandshrubsaboutthedwellings.Stonedykesareeverywhereusedinplaceofhedges;andwhatcropsthereare,onthepatchesofarableland,consistofpale,hungry-looking,greygreenoats.RightbeforethetravelleronthisroadrisesHaworthvillage;hecanseeitfortwomilesbeforehearrives,foritissituatedonthesideofaprettysteephill,withaback-groundofdunandpurplemoors,risingandsweepingawayyethigherthanthechurch,whichisbuiltattheverysummitofthelongnarrowstreet.Allroundthehorizonthereisthissamelineofsinuouswave-likehills;thescoopsintowhichtheyfallonlyrevealingotherhillsbeyond,ofsimilarcolourandshape,crownedwithwild,bleakmoors—grand,fromtheideasof

solitudeandlonelinesswhichtheysuggest,oroppressivefromthefeelingwhichtheygiveofbeingpent-upbysomemonotonousandillimitablebarrier,accordingtothemoodofmindinwhichthespectatormaybe.

ForashortdistancetheroadappearstoturnawayfromHaworth,asitwindsroundthebaseoftheshoulderofahill;butthenitcrossesabridgeoverthe“beck,”andtheascentthroughthevillagebegins.Theflag-stoneswithwhichitispavedareplacedend-ways,inordertogiveabetterholdtothehorses’feet;and,evenwiththishelp,theyseemtobeinconstantdangerofslippingbackwards.Theoldstonehousesarehighcomparedtothewidthofthestreet,whichmakesanabruptturnbeforereachingthemorelevelgroundattheheadofthevillage,sothatthesteepaspectoftheplace,inonepart,isalmostlikethatofawall.Butthissurmounted,thechurchliesalittleoffthemainroadontheleft;ahundredyards,orso,andthedriverrelaxeshiscare,andthehorsebreathesmoreeasily,astheypassintothequitelittleby-streetthatleadstoHaworthParsonage.Thechurchyardisononesideofthislane,theschool-houseandthesexton’sdwelling(wherethecuratesformerlylodged)ontheother.

Theparsonagestandsatrightanglestotheroad,facingdownuponthechurch;sothat,infact,parsonage,church,andbelfriedschool-house,formthreesidesofanirregularoblong,ofwhichthefourthisopentothefieldsandmoorsthatliebeyond.Theareaofthisoblongisfilledupbyacrowdedchurchyard,andasmallgardenorcourtinfrontoftheclergyman’shouse.Astheentrancetothisfromtheroadisattheside,thepathgoesroundthecornerintothelittleplotofground.Underneaththewindowsisanarrowflower-border,carefullytendedindaysofyore,althoughonlythemosthardyplantscouldbemadetogrowthere.Withinthestonewall,whichkeepsoutthesurroundingchurchyard,arebushesofelderandlilac;therestofthegroundisoccupiedbyasquaregrass-plotandagravelwalk.Thehouseisofgreystone,twostorieshigh,heavilyroofedwithflags,inordertoresistthewindsthatmightstripoffalightercovering.Itappearstohavebeenbuiltaboutahundredyearsago,andtoconsistoffourroomsoneachstory;thetwowindowsontheright(asthevisitorstandswithhisbacktothechurch,readytoenterinatthefrontdoor)belongingtoMr.Brontë’sstudy,thetwoonthelefttothefamilysitting-room.Everythingabouttheplacetellsofthemostdaintyorder,themostexquisitecleanliness.Thedoor-stepsarespotless;thesmallold-fashionedwindow-panesglitterlikelooking-glass.Insideandoutsideofthathousecleanlinessgoesupintoitsessence,purity.

Thelittlechurchlies,asImentioned,abovemostofthehousesinthevillage;andthegraveyardrisesabovethechurch,andisterriblyfullofupright

tombstones.Thechapelorchurchclaimsgreaterantiquitythananyotherinthatpartofthekingdom;butthereisnoappearanceofthisintheexternalaspectofthepresentedifice,unlessitbeinthetwoeasternwindows,whichremainunmodernized,andinthelowerpartofthesteeple.Inside,thecharacterofthepillarsshowsthattheywereconstructedbeforethereignofHenryVII.Itisprobablethatthereexistedonthisground,a“field-kirk,”ororatory,intheearliesttimes;and,fromtheArchbishop’sregistryatYork,itisascertainedthattherewasachapelatHaworthin1317.Theinhabitantsreferinquirersconcerningthedatetothefollowinginscriptiononastoneinthechurchtower:—

“HicfecitCænobiumMonachorumAutestefundator.A.D.sexcentissimo.”

Thatistosay,beforethepreachingofChristianityinNorthumbria.Whitakersaysthatthismistakeoriginatedintheilliteratecopyingout,bysomemodernstone-cutter,ofaninscriptioninthecharacterofHenrytheEighth’stimeonanadjoiningstone:—

“OrateprobonostatuEutestTod.”

“Noweveryantiquaryknowsthattheformulaofprayer‘bonostatu’alwaysreferstotheliving.IsuspectthissingularChristiannamehasbeenmistakenbythestone-cutterforAustet,acontractionofEustatius,butthewordTod,whichhasbeenmis-readfortheArabicfigures600,isperfectlyfairandlegible.Onthepresumptionofthisfoolishclaimtoantiquity,thepeoplewouldneedssetupforindependence,andcontesttherightoftheVicarofBradfordtonominateacurateatHaworth.”

Ihavegiventhisextract,inordertoexplaintheimaginarygroundworkofacommotionwhichtookplaceinHaworthaboutfiveandthirtyyearsago,towhichIshallhaveoccasiontoalludeagainmoreparticularly.

Theinteriorofthechurchiscommonplace;itisneitheroldenoughnormodernenoughtocompelnotice.Thepewsareofblackoak,withhighdivisions;andthenamesofthosetowhomtheybelongarepaintedinwhitelettersonthedoors.Thereareneitherbrasses,noraltar-tombs,normonuments,butthereisamuraltabletontheright-handsideofthecommunion-table,bearingthefollowinginscription:—

HERELIETHEREMAINSOFMARIABRONTË,WIFEOFTHEREV.P.BRONTË,A.B.,MINISTEROFHAWORTH.HERSOULDEPARTEDTOTHESAVIOUR,SEPT.15TH,1821,INTHE39THYEAROFHERAGE.

“Beyealsoready:forinsuchanhourasyethinknottheSonofMancometh.”MATTHEWxxiv.44.

ALSOHERELIETHEREMAINSOFMARIABRONTË,DAUGHTEROFTHEAFORESAID;SHEDIEDONTHE6THOFMAY,1825,INTHE12THYEAROFHERAGE;ANDOFELIZABETHBRONTË,HERSISTER,WHODIEDJUNE15TH,1825,INTHE11THYEAROFHERAGE.

“VerilyIsayuntoyou,Exceptyebeconverted,andbecomeaslittlechildren,yeshallnotenterintothekingdomofheaven.”—MATTHEWxviii.3.

HEREALSOLIETHEREMAINSOFPATRICKBRANWELLBRONTË,WHODIEDSEPT.24TH,1848,AGED30YEARS;ANDOFEMILYJANEBRONTË,WHODIEDDEC.19TH,1848,AGED29YEARS,SONANDDAUGHTEROFTHEREV.P.BRONTË,INCUMBENT.

THISSTONEISALSODEDICATEDTOTHEMEMORYOFANNEBRONTË,{1}YOUNGESTDAUGHTEROFTHEREV.P.BRONTË,A.B.SHEDIED,AGED27YEARS,MAY28TH,1849,ANDWASBURIEDATTHEOLDCHURCH,SCARBORO.’

Attheupperpartofthistabletamplespaceisallowedbetweenthelinesoftheinscription;whenthefirstmemorialswerewrittendown,thesurvivors,intheir

fondaffection,thoughtlittleofthemarginandvergetheywereleavingforthosewhowerestillliving.Butasonedeadmemberofthehouseholdfollowsanotherfasttothegrave,thelinesarepressedtogether,andthelettersbecomesmallandcramped.AftertherecordofAnne’sdeath,thereisroomfornoother.

Butonemoreofthatgeneration—thelastofthatnurseryofsixlittlemotherlesschildren—wasyettofollow,beforethesurvivor,thechildlessandwidowedfather,foundhisrest.Onanothertablet,belowthefirst,thefollowingrecordhasbeenaddedtothatmournfullist:—

ADJOININGLIETHEREMAINSOFCHARLOTTE,WIFEOFTHEREV.ARTHURBELLNICHOLLS,A.B.,ANDDAUGHTEROFTHEREV.P.BRONTË,A.B.,INCUMBENTSHEDIEDMARCH31ST,1855,INTHE39THYEAROFHERAGE.{2}

Thistablet,whichcorrectstheerrorintheformertabletastotheageofAnneBrontë,bearsthefollowinginscriptioninRomanletters;theinitials,however,beinginoldEnglish.

CHAPTERII

Forarightunderstandingofthelifeofmydearfriend,CharlotteBrontë,itappearstomemorenecessaryinhercasethaninmostothers,thatthereadershouldbemadeacquaintedwiththepeculiarformsofpopulationandsocietyamidstwhichherearliestyearswerepassed,andfromwhichbothherownandhersisters’firstimpressionsofhumanlifemusthavebeenreceived.Ishallendeavour,therefore,beforeproceedingfurtherwithmywork,topresentsomeideaofthecharacterofthepeopleofHaworth,andthesurroundingdistricts.

EvenaninhabitantoftheneighbouringcountyofLancasterisstruckbythepeculiarforceofcharacterwhichtheYorkshiremendisplay.Thismakestheminterestingasarace;while,atthesametime,asindividuals,theremarkabledegreeofself-sufficiencytheypossessgivesthemanairofindependenceratherapttorepelastranger.Iusethisexpression“self-sufficiency”inthelargestsense.ConsciousofthestrongsagacityandthedoggedpowerofwillwhichseemalmostthebirthrightofthenativesoftheWestRiding,eachmanreliesuponhimself,andseeksnohelpatthehandsofhisneighbour.Fromrarelyrequiringtheassistanceofothers,hecomestodoubtthepowerofbestowingit:fromthegeneralsuccessofhisefforts,hegrowstodependuponthem,andtoover-esteemhisownenergyandpower.Hebelongstothatkeen,yetshort-sightedclass,whoconsidersuspicionofallwhosehonestyisnotprovedasasignofwisdom.Thepracticalqualitiesofamanareheldingreatrespect;butthewantoffaithinstrangersanduntriedmodesofaction,extendsitselfeventothemannerinwhichthevirtuesareregarded;andiftheyproducenoimmediateandtangibleresult,theyareratherputasideasunfitforthisbusy,strivingworld;especiallyiftheyaremoreofapassivethananactivecharacter.Theaffectionsarestrongandtheirfoundationsliedeep:buttheyarenot—suchaffectionsseldomare—wide-spreading;nordotheyshowthemselvesonthesurface.Indeed,thereislittledisplayofanyoftheamenitiesoflifeamongthiswild,roughpopulation.Theiraccostiscurt;theiraccentandtoneofspeechbluntandharsh.Somethingofthismay,probably,beattributedtothefreedomofmountainairandofisolatedhill-sidelife;somethingbederivedfromtheirrough

Norseancestry.Theyhaveaquickperceptionofcharacter,andakeensenseofhumour;thedwellersamongthemmustbepreparedforcertainuncomplimentary,thoughmostlikelytrue,observations,pithilyexpressed.Theirfeelingsarenoteasilyroused,buttheirdurationislasting.Hencethereismuchclosefriendshipandfaithfulservice;andforacorrectexemplificationoftheforminwhichthelatterfrequentlyappears,Ineedonlyreferthereaderof“WutheringHeights”tothecharacterof“Joseph.”

Fromthesamecausecomealsoenduringgrudges,insomecasesamountingtohatred,whichoccasionallyhasbeenbequeathedfromgenerationtogeneration.IrememberMissBrontëoncetellingmethatitwasasayingroundaboutHaworth,“Keepastoneinthypocketsevenyear;turnit,andkeepitsevenyearlonger,thatitmaybeeverreadytothinehandwhenthineenemydrawsnear.”

TheWestRidingmenaresleuth-houndsinpursuitofmoney.MissBrontërelatedtomyhusbandacuriousinstanceillustrativeofthiseagerdesireforriches.Amanthatsheknew,whowasasmallmanufacturer,hadengagedinmanylocalspeculationswhichhadalwaysturnedoutwell,andtherebyrenderedhimapersonofsomewealth.Hewasratherpastmiddleage,whenhebethoughthimofinsuringhislife;andhehadonlyjusttakenouthispolicy,whenhefellillofanacutediseasewhichwascertaintoendfatallyinaveryfewdays.Thedoctor,half-hesitatingly,revealedtohimhishopelessstate.“Byjingo!”criedhe,rousingupatonceintotheoldenergy,“Ishalldotheinsurancecompany!Ialwayswasaluckyfellow!”

Thesemenarekeenandshrewd;faithfulandperseveringinfollowingoutagoodpurpose,fellintrackinganevilone.Theyarenotemotional;theyarenoteasilymadeintoeitherfriendsorenemies;butonceloversorhaters,itisdifficulttochangetheirfeeling.Theyareapowerfulracebothinmindandbody,bothforgoodandforevil.

ThewoollenmanufacturewasintroducedintothisdistrictinthedaysofEdwardIII.ItistraditionallysaidthatacolonyofFlemingscameoverandsettledintheWestRidingtoteachtheinhabitantswhattodowiththeirwool.ThemixtureofagriculturalwithmanufacturinglabourthatensuedandprevailedintheWestRidinguptoaveryrecentperiod,soundspleasantenoughatthisdistanceoftime,whentheclassicalimpressionisleft,andthedetailsforgotten,oronlybroughttolightbythosewhoexplorethefewremotepartsofEnglandwherethecustomstilllingers.Theideaofthemistressandhermaidensspinningatthegreatwheelswhilethemasterwasabroadploughinghisfields,orseeingafterhis

flocksonthepurplemoors,isverypoeticaltolookbackupon;butwhensuchlifeactuallytouchesonourowndays,andwecanhearparticularsfromthelipsofthosenowliving,therecomeoutdetailsofcoarseness—oftheuncouthnessoftherusticmingledwiththesharpnessofthetradesman—ofirregularityandfiercelawlessness—thatrathermarthevisionofpastoralinnocenceandsimplicity.Still,asitistheexceptionalandexaggeratedcharacteristicsofanyperiodthatleavethemostvividmemorybehindthem,itwouldbewrong,andinmyopinionfaithless,toconcludethatsuchandsuchformsofsocietyandmodesoflivingwerenotbestfortheperiodwhentheyprevailed,althoughtheabusestheymayhaveledinto,andthegradualprogressoftheworld,havemadeitwellthatsuchwaysandmannersshouldpassawayforever,andaspreposteroustoattempttoreturntothem,asitwouldbeforamantoreturntotheclothesofhischildhood.

ThepatentgrantedtoAldermanCockayne,andthefurtherrestrictionsimposedbyJamesI.ontheexportofundyedwoollencloths(metbyaprohibitiononthepartoftheStatesofHollandoftheimportofEnglish-dyedcloths),injuredthetradeoftheWestRidingmanufacturersconsiderably.Theirindependenceofcharacter,theirdislikeofauthority,andtheirstrongpowersofthought,predisposedthemtorebellionagainstthereligiousdictationofsuchmenasLaud,andthearbitraryruleoftheStuarts;andtheinjurydonebyJamesandCharlestothetradebywhichtheygainedtheirbread,madethegreatmajorityofthemCommonwealthmen.IshallhaveoccasionafterwardstogiveoneortwoinstancesofthewarmfeelingsandextensiveknowledgeonsubjectsofbothhomeandforeignpoliticsexistingatthepresentdayinthevillageslyingwestandeastofthemountainousridgethatseparatesYorkshireandLancashire;theinhabitantsofwhichareofthesameraceandpossessthesamequalityofcharacter.

ThedescendantsofmanywhoservedunderCromwellatDunbar,liveonthesamelandsastheirancestorsoccupiedthen;andperhapsthereisnopartofEnglandwherethetraditionalandfondrecollectionsoftheCommonwealthhavelingeredsolongasinthatinhabitedbythewoollenmanufacturingpopulationoftheWestRiding,whohadtherestrictionstakenofftheirtradebytheProtector’sadmirablecommercialpolicy.Ihaveitongoodauthoritythat,notthirtyyearsago,thephrase,“inOliver’sdays,”wasincommonusetodenoteatimeofunusualprosperity.TheclassofChristiannamesprevalentinadistrictisoneindicationofthedirectioninwhichitstideofhero-worshipsets.Graveenthusiastsinpoliticsorreligionperceivenottheludicroussideofthosewhich

theygivetotheirchildren;andsomearetobefound,stillintheirinfancy,notadozenmilesfromHaworth,thatwillhavetogothroughlifeasLamartine,Kossuth,andDembinsky.AndsothereisatestimonytowhatIhavesaid,ofthetraditionalfeelingofthedistrict,inthefactthattheOldTestamentnamesingeneraluseamongthePuritansareyettheprevalentappellationsinmostYorkshirefamiliesofmiddleorhumblerank,whatevertheirreligiouspersuasionmaybe.Therearenumerousrecords,too,thatshowthekindlywayinwhichtheejectedministerswerereceivedbythegentry,aswellasbythepoorerpartoftheinhabitants,duringthepersecutingdaysofCharlesII.Theselittlefactsalltestifytotheoldhereditaryspiritofindependence,readyevertoresistauthoritywhichwasconceivedtobeunjustlyexercised,thatdistinguishesthepeopleoftheWestRidingtothepresentday.

TheparishofHalifaxtouchesthatofBradford,inwhichthechapelryofHaworthisincluded;andthenatureofthegroundinthetwoparishesismuchtheofthesamewildandhillydescription.Theabundanceofcoal,andthenumberofmountainstreamsinthedistrict,makeithighlyfavourabletomanufactures;andaccordingly,asIstated,theinhabitantshaveforcenturiesbeenengagedinmakingcloth,aswellasinagriculturalpursuits.Buttheintercourseoftradefailed,foralongtime,tobringamenityandcivilizationintotheseoutlyinghamlets,orwidelyscattereddwellings.Mr.Hunter,inhis“LifeofOliverHeywood,”quotesasentenceoutofamemorialofoneJamesRither,livinginthereignofElizabeth,whichispartiallytruetothisday:—

“Theyhavenosuperiortocourt,nocivilitiestopractise:asourandsturdyhumouristheconsequence,sothatastrangerisshockedbyatoneofdefianceineveryvoice,andanairoffiercenessineverycountenance.”

Evennow,astrangercanhardlyaskaquestionwithoutreceivingsomecrustyreply,if,indeed,hereceiveanyatall.Sometimesthesourrudenessamountstopositiveinsult.Yet,ifthe“foreigner”takesallthischurlishnessgood-humouredly,orasamatterofcourse,andmakesgoodanyclaimupontheirlatentkindlinessandhospitality,theyarefaithfulandgenerous,andthoroughlytobereliedupon.Asaslightillustrationoftheroughnessthatpervadesallclassesintheseout-of-the-wayvillages,Imayrelatealittleadventurewhichhappenedtomyhusbandandmyself,threeyearsago,atAddingham—

FromPenigenttoPendleHill,FromLintontoLong-AddinghamAndallthatCravencoastsdidtell,&c.—

oneoftheplacesthatsentforthitsfightingmentothefamousoldbattleofFloddenField,andavillagenotmanymilesfromHaworth.

Weweredrivingalongthestreet,whenoneofthosene’er-do-weelladswhoseemtohaveakindofmagneticpowerformisfortunes,havingjumpedintothestreamthatrunsthroughtheplace,justwhereallthebrokenglassandbottlesarethrown,staggerednakedandnearlycoveredwithbloodintoacottagebeforeus.Besidesreceivinganotherbadcutinthearm,hehadcompletelylaidopentheartery,andwasinafairwayofbleedingtodeath—which,oneofhisrelationscomfortedhimbysaying,wouldbelikelyto“saveadealo’trouble.”

Whenmyhusbandhadcheckedtheeffusionofbloodwithastrapthatoneofthebystandersunbuckledfromhisleg,heaskedifasurgeonhadbeensentfor.

“Yoi,”wastheanswer;“butwedunnathinkhe’llcome.”

“Whynot?”

“He’sowd,yoseen,andasthmatic,andit’sup-hill.”

Myhusbandtakingaboyforhisguide,droveasfastashecouldtothesurgeon’shouse,whichwasaboutthree-quartersofamileoff,andmettheauntofthewoundedladleavingit.

“Ishecoming?”inquiredmyhusband.

“Well,hedidna’sayhewouldna’come.”

“But,tellhimtheladmaybleedtodeath.”

“Idid.”

“Andwhatdidhesay?”

“Why,only,‘D-nhim;whatdoIcare?’”

Itended,however,inhissendingoneofhissons,who,thoughnotbroughtupto“thesurgeringtrade,”wasabletodowhatwasnecessaryinthewayofbandagesandplasters.Theexcusemadeforthesurgeonwas,that“hewasneareighty,andgettingabitdoited,andhadhadamattero’twentychilder.”

Amongthemostunmovedofthelookers-onwasthebrotheroftheboysobadlyhurt;andwhilehewaslyinginapoolofbloodontheflagfloor,andcryingouthowmuchhisarmwas“warching,”hisstoicalrelationstoodcoollysmokinghis

bitofblackpipe,andutterednotasinglewordofeithersympathyorsorrow.

Forestcustoms,existinginthefringesofdarkwood,whichclothedthedeclivityofthehillsoneitherside,tendedtobrutalizethepopulationuntilthemiddleoftheseventeenthcentury.Executionbybeheadingwasperformedinasummarywayuponeithermenorwomenwhowereguiltyofbutveryslightcrimes;andadogged,yetinsomecasesfine,indifferencetohumanlifewasthusgenerated.Theroadsweresonotoriouslybad,evenuptothelastthirtyyears,thattherewaslittlecommunicationbetweenonevillageandanother;iftheproduceofindustrycouldbeconveyedatstatedtimestotheclothmarketofthedistrict,itwasallthatcouldbedone;and,inlonelyhousesonthedistanthill-side,orbythesmallmagnatesofsecludedhamlets,crimesmightbecommittedalmostunknown,certainlywithoutanygreatuprisingofpopularindignationcalculatedtobringdownthestrongarmofthelaw.Itmustberememberedthatinthosedaystherewasnoruralconstabulary;andthefewmagistrateslefttothemselves,andgenerallyrelatedtooneanother,weremostoftheminclinedtotolerateeccentricity,andtowinkatfaultstoomuchliketheirown.

Menhardlypastmiddlelifetalkofthedaysoftheiryouth,spentinthispartofthecountry,when,duringthewintermonths,theyrodeuptothesaddle-girthsinmud;whenabsolutebusinesswastheonlyreasonforstirringbeyondtheprecinctsofhome,andwhenthatbusinesswasconductedunderapressureofdifficultieswhichtheythemselves,bornealongtoBradfordmarketinaswiftfirst-classcarriage,canhardlybelievetohavebeenpossible.Forinstance,onewoollenmanufacturersaysthat,notfiveandtwentyyearsago,hehadtorisebetimestosetoffonawinter’s-morninginordertobeatBradfordwiththegreatwaggon-loadofgoodsmanufacturedbyhisfather;thisloadwaspackedover-night,butinthemorningtherewasagreatgatheringaroundit,andflashingoflanterns,andexaminationofhorses’feet,beforetheponderouswaggongotunderway;andthensomeonehadtogogropinghereandthere,onhandsandknees,andalwayssoundingwithastaffdownthelong,steep,slipperybrow,tofindwherethehorsesmighttreadsafely,untiltheyreachedthecomparativeeasy-goingofthedeep-ruttedmainroad.Peoplewentonhorsebackovertheuplandmoors,followingthetracksofthepack-horsesthatcarriedtheparcels,baggage,orgoodsfromonetowntoanother,betweenwhichtheredidnothappentobeahighway.

Butinwinter,allsuchcommunicationwasimpossible,byreasonofthesnowwhichlaylongandlateonthebleakhighground.Ihaveknownpeoplewho,travellingbythemail-coachoverBlackstoneEdge,hadbeensnowedupfora

weekortendaysatthelittleinnnearthesummit,andobligedtospendbothChristmasandNewYear’sDaythere,tillthestoreofprovisionslaidinfortheuseofthelandlordandhisfamilyfallingshortbeforetheinroadsoftheunexpectedvisitors,theyhadrecoursetotheturkeys,geese,andYorkshirepieswithwhichthecoachwasladen;andeventhesewerebeginningtofail,whenafortunatethawreleasedthemfromtheirprison.

Isolatedasthehillvillagesmaybe,theyareintheworld,comparedwiththelonelinessofthegreyancestralhousestobeseenhereandthereinthedensehollowsofthemoors.Thesedwellingsarenotlarge,yettheyaresolidandroomyenoughfortheaccommodationofthosewholiveinthem,andtowhomthesurroundingestatesbelong.ThelandhasoftenbeenheldbyonefamilysincethedaysoftheTudors;theownersare,infact,theremainsoftheoldyeomanry—smallsquires—whoarerapidlybecomingextinctasaclass,fromoneoftwocauses.Eitherthepossessorfallsintoidle,drinkinghabits,andsoisobligedeventuallytosellhisproperty:orhefinds,ifmoreshrewdandadventurous,thatthe“beck”runningdownthemountain-side,orthemineralsbeneathhisfeet,canbeturnedintoanewsourceofwealth;andleavingtheoldploddinglifeofalandownerwithsmallcapital,heturnsmanufacturer,ordigsforcoal,orquarriesforstone.

Stilltherearethoseremainingofthisclass—dwellersinthelonelyhousesfarawayintheuplanddistricts—evenatthepresentday,whosufficientlyindicatewhatstrangeeccentricity—whatwildstrengthofwill—nay,evenwhatunnaturalpowerofcrimewasfosteredbyamodeoflivinginwhichamanseldommethisfellows,andwherepublicopinionwasonlyadistantandinarticulateechoofsomeclearervoicesoundingbehindthesweepinghorizon.

Asolitarylifecherishesmerefanciesuntiltheybecomemanias.AndthepowerfulYorkshirecharacter,whichwasscarcelytamedintosubjectionbyallthecontactitmetwithin“busytownorcrowdedmart,”hasbeforenowbrokenoutintostrangewilfulnessintheremoterdistricts.Asingularaccountwasrecentlygivenmeofalandowner(living,itistrue,ontheLancashiresideofthehills,butofthesamebloodandnatureasthedwellersontheother,)whowassupposedtobeinthereceiptofsevenoreighthundredayear,andwhosehouseboremarksofhandsomeantiquity,asifhisforefathershadbeenforalongtimepeopleofconsideration.Myinformantwasstruckwiththeappearanceoftheplace,andproposedtothecountrymanwhowasaccompanyinghim,togouptoitandtakeanearerinspection.Thereplywas,“Yo’dbetternot;he’dthreapyo’downth’loan.He’sletflyatsomefolk’slegs,andletshotlodgein‘emafore

now,forgoingtooneartohishouse.”Andfinding,oncloserinquiry,thatsuchwasreallytheinhospitablecustomofthismoorlandsquire,thegentlemangaveuphispurpose.Ibelievethatthesavageyeomanisstillliving.

Anothersquire,ofmoredistinguishedfamilyandlargerproperty—oneisthenceledtoimagineofbettereducation,butthatdoesnotalwaysfollow—diedathishouse,notmanymilesfromHaworth,onlyafewyearsago.Hisgreatamusementandoccupationhadbeencock-fighting.Whenhewasconfinedtohischamberwithwhatheknewwouldbehislastillness,hehadhiscocksbroughtupthere,andwatchedthebloodybattlefromhisbed.Ashismortaldiseaseincreased,anditbecameimpossibleforhimtoturnsoastofollowthecombat,hehadlooking-glassesarrangedinsuchamanner,aroundandabovehim,ashelay,thathecouldstillseethecocksfighting.Andinthismannerhedied.

Thesearemerelyinstancesofeccentricitycomparedtothetalesofpositiveviolenceandcrimethathaveoccurredintheseisolateddwellings,whichstilllingerinthememoriesoftheoldpeopleofthedistrict,andsomeofwhichweredoubtlessfamiliartotheauthorsof“WutheringHeights”and“TheTenantofWildfellHall.”

Theamusementsofthelowerclassescouldhardlybeexpectedtobemorehumanethanthoseofthewealthyandbettereducated.Thegentleman,whohaskindlyfurnishedmewithsomeoftheparticularsIhavegiven,remembersthebull-baitingsatRochdale,notthirtyyearsago.Thebullwasfastenedbyachainorropetoapostintheriver.Toincreasetheamountofwater,aswellastogivetheirworkpeopletheopportunityofsavagedelight,themasterswereaccustomedtostoptheirmillsonthedaywhenthesporttookplace.Thebullwouldsometimeswheelsuddenlyround,sothattheropebywhichhewasfastenedsweptthosewhohadbeencarelessenoughtocomewithinitsrangedownintothewater,andthegoodpeopleofRochdalehadtheexcitementofseeingoneortwooftheirneighboursdrowned,aswellasofwitnessingthebullbaited,andthedogstornandtossed.

ThepeopleofHaworthwerenotlessstrongandfullofcharacterthantheirneighboursoneithersideofthehills.Thevillageliesembeddedinthemoors,betweenthetwocounties,ontheoldroadbetweenKeighleyandColne.Aboutthemiddleofthelastcentury,itbecamefamousinthereligiousworldasthesceneoftheministrationsoftheRev.WilliamGrimshaw,curateofHaworthfortwentyyears.Beforethistime,itisprobablethatthecurateswereofthesame

orderasoneMr.Nicholls,aYorkshireclergyman,inthedaysimmediatelysucceedingtheReformation,whowas“muchaddictedtodrinkingandcompany-keeping,”andusedtosaytohiscompanions,“YoumustnotheedmebutwhenIamgotthreefeetabovetheearth,”thatwas,intothepulpit.

Mr.Grimshaw’slifewaswrittenbyNewton,Cowper’sfriend;andfromitmaybegatheredsomecuriousparticularsofthemannerinwhicharoughpopulationwereswayedandgovernedbyamanofdeepconvictions,andstrongearnestnessofpurpose.Itseemsthathehadnotbeeninanywayremarkableforreligiouszeal,thoughhehadledamorallife,andbeenconscientiousinfulfillinghisparochialduties,untilacertainSundayinSeptember,1744,whentheservant,risingatfive,foundhermasteralreadyengagedinprayer;shestatedthat,afterremaininginhischamberforsometime,hewenttoengageinreligiousexercisesinthehouseofaparishioner,thenhomeagaintopray;thence,stillfasting,tothechurch,where,ashewasreadingthesecondlesson,hefelldown,and,onhispartialrecovery,hadtobeledfromthechurch.Ashewentout,hespoketothecongregation,andtoldthemnottodisperse,ashehadsomethingtosaytothem,andwouldreturnpresently.Hewastakentotheclerk’shouse,andagainbecameinsensible.Hisservantrubbedhim,torestorethecirculation;andwhenhewasbroughttohimself“heseemedinagreatrapture,”andthefirstwordsheutteredwere,“Ihavehadagloriousvisionfromthethirdheaven.”Hedidnotsaywhathehadseen,butreturnedintothechurch,andbegantheserviceagain,attwointheafternoon,andwentonuntilseven.

Fromthistimehedevotedhimself,withthefervourofaWesley,andsomethingofthefanaticismofaWhitfield,tocallingoutareligiouslifeamonghisparishioners.Theyhadbeeninthehabitofplayingatfoot-ballonSunday,usingstonesforthispurpose;andgivingandreceivingchallengesfromotherparishes.Therewerehorse-racesheldonthemoorsjustabovethevillage,whichwereperiodicalsourcesofdrunkennessandprofligacy.Scarcelyaweddingtookplacewithouttheroughamusementoffoot-races,wherethehalf-nakedrunnerswereascandaltoalldecentstrangers.Theoldcustomof“arvills,”orfuneralfeasts,ledtofrequentpitchedbattlesbetweenthedrunkenmourners.SuchcustomsweretheoutwardsignsofthekindofpeoplewithwhomMr.Grimshawhadtodeal.But,byvariousmeans,someofthemostpracticalkind,hewroughtagreatchangeinhisparish.InhispreachinghewasoccasionallyassistedbyWesleyandWhitfield,andatsuchtimesthelittlechurchprovedmuchtoosmalltoholdthethrongthatpouredinfromdistantvillages,orlonelymoorlandhamlets;andfrequentlytheywereobligedtomeetintheopenair;indeed,there

wasnotroomenoughinthechurchevenforthecommunicants.Mr.WhitfieldwasoncepreachinginHaworth,andmadeuseofsomesuchexpression,asthathehopedtherewasnoneedtosaymuchtothiscongregation,astheyhadsatundersopiousandgodlyaministerforsomanyyears;“whereuponMr.Grimshawstoodupinhisplace,andsaidwithaloudvoice,‘Oh,sir!forGod’ssakedonotspeakso.Iprayyoudonotflatterthem.Ifearthegreaterpartofthemaregoingtohellwiththeireyesopen.’”Butiftheyweresobound,itwasnotforwantofexertiononMr.Grimshaw’sparttopreventthem.Heusedtopreachtwentyorthirtytimesaweekinprivatehouses.Ifheperceivedanyoneinattentivetohisprayers,hewouldstopandrebuketheoffender,andnotgoontillhesaweveryoneontheirknees.HewasveryearnestinenforcingthestrictobservanceofSunday;andwouldnotevenallowhisparishionerstowalkinthefieldsbetweenservices.HesometimesgaveoutaverylongPsalm(traditionsaysthe119th),andwhileitwasbeingsung,heleftthereading-desk,andtakingahorsewhipwentintothepublic-houses,andfloggedtheloiterersintochurch.Theywereswiftwhocouldescapethelashoftheparsonbysneakingoutthebackway.Hehadstronghealthandanactivebody,androdefarandwideoverthehills,“awakening”thosewhohadpreviouslyhadnosenseofreligion.Tosavetime,andbenochargetothefamiliesatwhosehousesheheldhisprayer-meetings,hecarriedhisprovisionswithhim;allthefoodhetookinthedayonsuchoccasionsconsistingsimplyofapieceofbreadandbutter,ordrybreadandarawonion.

Thehorse-raceswerejustlyobjectionabletoMr.Grimshaw;theyattractednumbersofprofligatepeopletoHaworth,andbroughtamatchtothecombustiblematerialsoftheplace,onlytooreadytoblazeoutintowickedness.Thestoryis,thathetriedallmeansofpersuasion,andevenintimidation,tohavetheracesdiscontinued,butinvain.Atlength,indespair,heprayedwithsuchfervourofearnestnessthattheraincamedownintorrents,anddelugedtheground,sothattherewasnofootingformanorbeast,evenifthemultitudehadbeenwillingtostandsuchafloodletdownfromabove.AndsoHaworthraceswerestopped,andhaveneverbeenresumedtothisday.Evennowthememoryofthisgoodmanisheldinreverence,andhisfaithfulministrationsandrealvirtuesareoneoftheboastsoftheparish.

Butafterhistime,Ifeartherewasafallingbackintothewildroughheathenways,fromwhichhehadpulledthemup,asitwere,bythepassionateforceofhisindividualcharacter.HehadbuiltachapelfortheWesleyanMethodists,andnotverylongaftertheBaptistsestablishedthemselvesinaplaceofworship.

Indeed,asDr.Whitakersays,thepeopleofthisdistrictare“strongreligionists;”only,fiftyyearsago,theirreligiondidnotworkdownintotheirlives.Halfthatlengthoftimeback,thecodeofmoralsseemedtobeformeduponthatoftheirNorseancestors.Revengewashandeddownfromfathertosonasanhereditaryduty;andagreatcapabilityfordrinkingwithouttheheadbeingaffectedwasconsideredasoneofthemanlyvirtues.Thegamesoffoot-ballonSundays,withthechallengestotheneighbouringparishes,wereresumed,bringinginaninfluxofriotousstrangerstofillthepublic-houses,andmakethemoresober-mindedinhabitantslongforgoodMr.Grimshaw’sstoutarm,andreadyhorsewhip.Theoldcustomof“arvills”wasasprevalentasever.Thesexton,standingatthefootoftheopengrave,announcedthatthe“arvill”wouldbeheldattheBlackBull,orwhateverpublic-housemightbefixeduponbythefriendsofthedead;andthitherthemournersandtheiracquaintancesrepaired.Theoriginofthecustomhadbeenthenecessityoffurnishingsomerefreshmentforthosewhocamefromadistance,topaythelastmarkofrespecttoafriend.InthelifeofOliverHeywoodtherearetwoquotations,whichshowwhatsortoffoodwasprovidedfor“arvills”inquietNonconformistconnectionsintheseventeenthcentury;thefirst(fromThoresby)tellsof“coldpossets,stewedprunes,cake,andcheese,”asbeingthearvillafterOliverHeywood’sfuneral.Thesecondgives,asrathershabby,accordingtothenotionofthetimes(1673),“nothingbutabitofcake,draughtofwine,pieceofrosemary,andpairofgloves.”

ButthearvillsatHaworthwereoftenfarmorejovialdoings.Amongthepoor,themournerswereonlyexpectedtoprovideakindofspicedrollforeachperson;andtheexpenseoftheliquors—rum,orale,oramixtureofbothcalled“dog’snose”—wasgenerallydefrayedbyeachguestplacingsomemoneyonaplate,setinthemiddleofthetable.Richerpeoplewouldorderadinnerfortheirfriends.AtthefuneralofMr.Charnock(thenextsuccessorbutonetoMr.Grimshawintheincumbency),aboveeightypeoplewerebidtothearvill,andthepriceofthefeastwas4s.6d.perhead,allofwhichwasdefrayedbythefriendsofthedeceased.Asfew“shirkedtheirliquor,”therewereveryfrequently“up-and-downfights”beforethecloseoftheday;sometimeswiththehorridadditionsof“pawsing”and“gouging,”andbiting.

AlthoughIhavedweltontheexceptionaltraitsinthecharacteristicsofthesestalwartWest-Ridingers,suchastheywereinthefirstquarterofthiscentury,ifnotafewyearslater,Ihavelittledoubtthatintheeverydaylifeofthepeoplesoindependent,wilful,andfullofgrimhumour,therewouldbemuchfoundevenatpresentthatwouldshockthoseaccustomedonlytothelocalmannersofthe

south;and,inreturn,Isuspecttheshrewd,sagacious,energeticYorkshiremanwouldholdsuch“foreigners”innosmallcontempt.

Ihavesaid,itismostprobablethatwhereHaworthChurchnowstands,therewasonceanancient“field-kirk,”ororatory.Itoccupiedthethirdorlowestclassofecclesiasticalstructures,accordingtotheSaxonlaw,andhadnorightofsepulture,oradministrationofsacraments.Itwassocalledbecauseitwasbuiltwithoutenclosure,andopentotheadjoiningfieldsormoors.Thefounder,accordingtothelawsofEdgar,wasbound,withoutsubtractingfromhistithes,tomaintaintheministeringpriestoutoftheremainingninepartsofhisincome.AftertheReformation,therightofchoosingtheirclergyman,atanyofthosechapelsofeasewhichhadformerlybeenfield-kirks,wasvestedinthefreeholdersandtrustees,subjecttotheapprovalofthevicaroftheparish.Butowingtosomenegligence,thisrighthasbeenlosttothefreeholdersandtrusteesatHaworth,eversincethedaysofArchbishopSharp;andthepowerofchoosingaministerhaslapsedintothehandsoftheVicarofBradford.Sorunstheaccount,accordingtooneauthority.

Mr.Brontësays,—“ThislivinghasforitspatronstheVicarofBradfordandcertaintrustees.MypredecessortookthelivingwiththeconsentoftheVicarofBradford,butinoppositiontothetrustees;inconsequenceofwhichhewassoopposedthat,afteronlythreeweeks’possession,hewascompelledtoresign.”AYorkshiregentleman,whohaskindlysentmesomeadditionalinformationonthissubjectsincethesecondeditionofmyworkwaspublished,write,thus:—

“ThesolerightofpresentationtotheincumbencyofHaworthisvestedintheVicarofBradford.Heonlycanpresent.Thefunds,however,fromwhichtheclergyman’sstipendmainlyproceeds,arevestedinthehandsoftrustees,whohavethepowertowithholdthem,ifanomineeissentofwhomtheydisapprove.OnthedeceaseofMr.Charnock,theVicarfirsttenderedtheprefermenttoMr.Brontë,andhewentovertohisexpectedcure.Hewastoldthattowardshimselftheyhadnopersonalobjection;butasanomineeoftheVicarhewouldnotbereceived.Hethereforeretired,withthedeclarationthatifhecouldnotcomewiththeapprovaloftheparish,hisministrycouldnotbeuseful.UponthistheattemptwasmadetointroduceMr.Redhead.

“WhenMr.Redheadwasrepelled,afreshdifficultyarose.Someonemustfirstmovetowardsasettlement,butaspiritbeingevokedwhichcouldnotbeallayed,actionbecameperplexing.Thematterhadtobereferredto

someindependentarbitrator,andmyfatherwasthegentlemantowhomeachpartyturneditseye.Ameetingwasconvened,andthebusinesssettledbytheVicar’sconcedingthechoicetothetrustees,andtheacceptanceoftheVicar’spresentation.ThatchoiceforthwithfellonMr.Brontë,whosepromptnessandprudencehadwontheirhearts.”

InconversingonthecharacteroftheinhabitantsoftheWestRidingwithDr.Scoresby,whohadbeenforsometimeVicarofBradford,healludedtocertainriotoustransactionswhichhadtakenplaceatHaworthonthepresentationofthelivingtoMr.Redhead,andsaidthattherehadbeensomuchintheparticularsindicativeofthecharacterofthepeople,thatheadvisedmetoinquireintothem.Ihaveaccordinglydoneso,and,fromthelipsofsomeofthesurvivorsamongtheactorsandspectators,IhavelearntthemeanstakentoejectthenomineeoftheVicar.

ThepreviousincumbenthadbeentheMr.CharnockwhomIhavementionedasnextbutoneinsuccessiontoMr.Grimshaw.Hehadalongillnesswhichrenderedhimunabletodischargehisdutieswithoutassistance,andMr.Redheadgavehimoccasionalhelp,tothegreatsatisfactionoftheparishioners,andwashighlyrespectedbythemduringMr.Charnock’slifetime.Butthecasewasentirelyalteredwhen,atMr.Charnock’sdeathin1819,theyconceivedthatthetrusteeshadbeenunjustlydeprivedoftheirrightsbytheVicarofBradford,whoappointedMr.Redheadasperpetualcurate.

ThefirstSundayheofficiated,HaworthChurchwasfilledeventotheaisles;mostofthepeoplewearingthewoodenclogsofthedistrict.ButwhileMr.Redheadwasreadingthesecondlesson,thewholecongregation,asbyoneimpulse,begantoleavethechurch,makingallthenoisetheycouldwithclatteringandclumpingofclogs,till,atlength,Mr.Redheadandtheclerkweretheonlytwolefttocontinuetheservice.Thiswasbadenough,butthenextSundaytheproceedingswerefarworse.Then,asbefore,thechurchwaswellfilled,buttheaisleswereleftclear;notacreature,notanobstaclewasintheway.Thereasonforthiswasmadeevidentaboutthesametimeinthereadingoftheserviceasthedisturbanceshadbegunthepreviousweek.Amanrodeintothechurchuponanass,withhisfaceturnedtowardsthetail,andasmanyoldhatspiledonhisheadashecouldpossiblycarry.Hebeganurginghisbeastroundtheaisles,andthescreams,andcries,andlaughterofthecongregationentirelydrownedallsoundofMr.Redhead’svoice,and,Ibelieve,hewasobligedtodesist.

Hithertotheyhadnotproceededtoanythinglikepersonalviolence;butonthethirdSundaytheymusthavebeengreatlyirritatedatseeingMr.Redhead,determinedtobravetheirwill,rideupthevillagestreet,accompaniedbyseveralgentlemenfromBradford.TheyputuptheirhorsesattheBlackBull—thelittleinncloseuponthechurchyard,fortheconvenienceofarvillsaswellasforotherpurposes—andwentintochurch.Onthisthepeoplefollowed,withachimney-sweeper,whomtheyhademployedtocleanthechimneysofsomeout-buildingsbelongingtothechurchthatverymorning,andafterwardpliedwithdrinktillhewasinastateofsolemnintoxication.Theyplacedhimrightbeforethereading-desk,wherehisblackenedfacenoddedadrunken,stupidassenttoallthatMr.Redheadsaid.Atlast,eitherpromptedbysomemischief-maker,orfromsometipsyimpulse,heclamberedupthepulpitstairs,andattemptedtoembraceMr.Redhead.Thentheprofanefungrewfastandfurious.Someofthemoreriotous,pushedthesoot-coveredchimney-sweeperagainstMr.Redhead,ashetriedtoescape.Theythrewbothhimandhistormentordownonthegroundinthechurchyardwherethesoot-baghadbeenemptied,and,though,atlast,Mr.RedheadescapedintotheBlackBull,thedoorsofwhichwereimmediatelybarred,thepeopleragedwithout,threateningtostonehimandhisfriends.Oneofmyinformantsisanoldman,whowasthelandlordoftheinnatthetime,andhestandstoitthatsuchwasthetemperoftheirritatedmob,thatMr.Redheadwasinrealdangerofhislife.Thisman,however,plannedanescapeforhisunpopularinmates.TheBlackBullisnearthetopofthelong,steepHaworthstreet,andatthebottom,closebythebridge,ontheroadtoKeighley,isaturnpike.Givingdirectionstohishuntedgueststostealoutatthebackdoor(throughwhich,probably,manyane’er-do-weelhasescapedfromgoodMr.Grimshaw’shorsewhip),thelandlordandsomeofthestable-boysrodethehorsesbelongingtothepartyfromBradfordbackwardsandforwardsbeforehisfrontdoor,amongthefiercely-expectantcrowd.Throughsomeopeningbetweenthehouses,thoseonthehorsessawMr.Redheadandhisfriendscreepingalongbehindthestreet;andthen,strikingspurs,theydashedquicklydowntotheturnpike;theobnoxiousclergymanandhisfriendsmountedinhaste,andhadspedsomedistancebeforethepeoplefoundoutthattheirpreyhadescaped,andcamerunningtotheclosedturnpikegate.

ThiswasMr.Redhead’slastappearanceatHaworthformanyyears.Longafterwards,hecametopreach,andinhissermontoalargeandattentivecongregationhegood-humouredlyremindedthemofthecircumstanceswhichIhavedescribed.Theygavehimaheartywelcome,fortheyowedhimnogrudge;althoughbeforetheyhadbeenreadyenoughtostonehim,inordertomaintain

whattheyconsideredtobetheirrights.

Theforegoingaccount,whichIheardfromtwoofthesurvivors,inthepresenceofafriendwhocanvouchfortheaccuracyofmyrepetition,hastoacertaindegreebeenconfirmedbyaletterfromtheYorkshiregentleman,whosewordsIhavealreadyquoted.

“Iamnotsurprisedatyourdifficultyinauthenticatingmatter-of-fact.IfindthisinrecallingwhatIhaveheard,andtheauthorityonwhichIhaveheardanything.Astothedonkeytale,Ibelieveyouareright.Mr.RedheadandDr.Ramsbotham,hisson-in-law,arenostrangerstome.Eachofthemhasanicheinmyaffections.

“Ihaveasked,thisday,twopersonswholivedinHaworthatthetimetowhichyouallude,thesonanddaughterofanactingtrustee,andeachofthembetweensixtyandseventyyearsofage,andtheyassuremethatthedonkeywasintroduced.Oneofthemsaysitwasmountedbyahalf-wittedman,seatedwithhisfacetowardsthetailofthebeast,andhavingseveralhatspiledonhishead.Neitherofmyinformantswas,however,presentattheseedifyingservices.IbelievethatnomovementwasmadeinthechurchoneitherSunday,untilthewholeoftheauthorisedreading-servicewasgonethrough,andIamsurethatnothingwasmoreremotefromthemorerespectablepartythananypersonalantagonismtowardMr.Redhead.Hewasoneofthemostamiableandworthyofmen,amantomyselfendearedbymanytiesandobligations.Ineverheardbeforeyourbookthatthesweepascendedthepulpitsteps.Hewaspresent,however,intheclericalhabilimentsofhisorder...ImayalsoaddthatamongthemanywhowerepresentatthosesadSundayorgiesthemajoritywerenon-residents,andcamefromthosemoorlandfastnessesontheoutskirtsoftheparishlocallydesignatedas‘ovverth’steyres,’onestagemoreremotethanHaworthfrommoderncivilization.

“ToaninstanceortwomoreoftherusticityoftheinhabitantsofthechapelryofHaworth,Imayintroduceyou.

“AHaworthcarriercalledattheofficeofafriendofminetodeliveraparcelonacoldwinter’sday,andstoodwiththedooropen.‘Robin!shutthedoor!’saidtherecipient.‘Haveyounodoorsinyourcountry?’‘Yoi,’respondedRobin,‘wehev,butwenivversteik‘em.’Ihavefrequentlyremarkedthenumberofdoorsopeneveninwinter.

“Whenwelldirected,theindomitableandindependentenergiesofthenativesof

thispartofthecountryareinvaluable;dangerouswhenperverted.Ishallneverforgetthefierceactionsandutterancesofonesufferingfromdeliriumtremens.Whetherinitswrath,disdain,oritsdismay,thecountenancewasinfernal.Icalledonceuponatimeonamostrespectableyeoman,andIwas,inlanguageearnestandhomely,pressedtoacceptthehospitalityofthehouse.Iconsented.Thewordtomewas,‘Nah,Maister,yahmunstopanhevsumte-ah,yahmun,eah,yahmun.’Abountifultablewassoonspread;atallevents,timesoonwentwhileIscaledthehillstosee‘t’maireatworthrettyyearowd,an’t’feilatworfewer.’Onsittingdowntothetable,avenerablewomanofficiated,andafterfillingthecups,shethusaddressedme:‘Nah,Maister,yahmunloawzeth’taible’(loosethetable).Themastersaid,‘Shahmeeansyahmunseyt’greyce.’Itookthehint,andutteredtheblessing.

“Ispokewithanagedandtriedwomanatonetime,who,afterrecordinghermercies,stated,amongothers,herpowersofspeech,byasserting‘ThanktheLord,ahnivverworameilly-meouthedwumman.’Ifeelparticularlyatfaultinattemptingtheorthographyofthedialect,butmustexcusemyselfbytellingyouthatIoncesawaletterinwhichthewordIhavejustnowused(excuse)waswritten‘ecksqueaize!’

“Therearesomethings,however,whichrathertendtosoftentheideaoftherudenessofHaworth.Noruraldistricthasbeenmoremarkedlytheabodeofmusicaltasteandacquirement,andthisataperiodwhenitwasdifficulttofindthemtothesameextentapartfromtownsinadvanceoftheirtimes.IhavegonetoHaworthandfoundanorchestratomeetme,filledwithlocalperformers,vocalandinstrumental,towhomthebestworksofHandel,Haydn,Mozart,Marcello,&c.&c.,werefamiliarashouseholdwords.Byknowledge,taste,andvoice,theyweremarkedlyseparatefromordinaryvillagechoirs,andhavebeenputinextensiverequisitionforthesoloandchorusofmanyanimposingfestival.Onemanstillsurvives,who,forfiftyyears,hashadoneofthefinesttenorvoicesIeverheard,andwithitarefinedandcultivatedtaste.Tohimandtoothersmanyinducementshavebeenofferedtomigrate;buttheloom,theassociation,themountainairhavehadcharmsenowtosecuretheircontinuanceathome.Ilovetherecollectionoftheirperformance;thatrecollectionextendsovermorethansixtyyears.Theattachments,theantipathiesandthehospitalitiesofthedistrictareardent,hearty,andhomely.Cordialityineachistheprominentcharacteristic.Asapeople,thesemountaineershaveeverbeenaccessibletogentlenessandtruth,sofarasIhaveknownthem;butexcitesuspicionorresentment,andtheygiveemphaticandnotimpotentresistance.Compulsion

theydefy.

“IaccompaniedMr.HeaponhisfirstvisittoHaworthafterhisaccessiontothevicarageofBradford.ItwasonEasterday,either1816or1817.Hispredecessor,thevenerableJohnCrosse,knownasthe‘blindvicar,’hadbeeninattentivetothevicarialclaims.Asearchinginvestigationhadtobemadeandenforced,andasitproceededstoutandsturdyutteranceswerenotlackingonthepartoftheparishioners.Toaspectator,thoughrude,theywereamusing,andsignificant,foretellingwhatmightbeexpected,andwhatwasafterwardsrealised,ontheadventofanewincumbent,iftheydeemedhimanintruder.

“Fromtheirpeculiarparochialpositionandcircumstances,theinhabitantsofthechapelryhavebeenprompt,earnest,andperseveringintheiroppositiontochurch-rates.Althoughtenmilesfromthemother-church,theywerecalledupontodefrayalargeproportionofthisobnoxioustax,—Ibelieveonefifth.

“Besidesthis,theyhadtomaintaintheirownedifice,&c.,&c.Theyresisted,therefore,withenergy,thatwhichtheydeemedtobeoppressionandinjustice.ByscoreswouldtheywendtheirwayfromthehillstoattendavestrymeetingatBradford,andinsuchservicefailednottoshowlessofthesuaviterinmodothanthefortiterinre.Happilysuchoccasionfortheiractionhasnotoccurredformanyyears.

“Theuseofpatronymicshasbeencommoninthislocality.InquireforamanbyhisChristiannameandsurname,andyoumayhavesomedifficultyinfindinghim:ask,however,for‘Georgeo’Ned’s,’or‘Dicko’Bob’s,’or‘Tomo’Jack’s,’asthecasemaybe,andyourdifficultyisatanend.Inmanyinstancesthepersonisdesignatedbyhisresidence.InmyearlyyearsIhadoccasiontoinquireforJonathanWhitaker,whoownedaconsiderablefarminthetownship.Iwassenthitherandthither,untilitoccurredtometoaskfor‘Jonathano’th’Gate.’Mydifficultieswerethenatanend.Suchcircumstancesariseoutofthesettledcharacterandisolationofthenatives.

“ThosewhohavewitnessedaHaworthweddingwhenthepartieswereabovetherankoflabourers,willnoteasilyforgetthescene.Alevywasmadeonthehorsesoftheneighbourhood,andamerrycavalcadeofmountedmenandwomen,singleordouble,traversedthewaytoBradfordchurch.Theinnandchurchappearedtobeinnaturalconnection,andasthelaboursoftheTemperanceSocietyhadthentobegin,theinterestsofsobrietywerenotalwaysconsulted.Onremountingtheirsteedstheycommencedwitharace,andnot

unfrequentlyaninebriateorunskilfulhorsemanorwomanwasputhorsdecombat.Aracealsowasfrequentattheend.oftheseweddingexpeditions,fromthebridgetothetoll-baratHaworth.Therace-courseyouwillknowtobeanythingbutlevel.”

Intothemidstofthislawless,yetnotunkindlypopulation,Mr.Brontëbroughthiswifeandsixlittlechildren,inFebruary,1820.Therearethoseyetalivewhoremembersevenheavily-ladencartslumberingslowlyupthelongstonestreet,bearingthe“newparson’s”householdgoodstohisfutureabode.

Onewondershowthebleakaspectofhernewhome—thelow,oblong,stoneparsonage,highup,yetwithastillhigherback-groundofsweepingmoors—struckonthegentle,delicatewife,whosehealtheventhenwasfailing.

CHAPTERIII

TheRev.PatrickBrontëisanativeoftheCountyDowninIreland.HisfatherHughBrontë,wasleftanorphanatanearlyage.Hecamefromthesouthtothenorthoftheisland,andsettledintheparishofAhaderg,nearLoughbrickland.Therewassomefamilytraditionthat,humbleasHughBrontë’scircumstanceswere,hewasthedescendantofanancientfamily.Butaboutthisneitherhenorhisdescendantshavecaredtoinquire.Hemadeanearlymarriage,andrearedandeducatedtenchildrenontheproceedsofthefewacresoflandwhichhefarmed.Thislargefamilywereremarkableforgreatphysicalstrength,andmuchpersonalbeauty.Eveninhisoldage,Mr.Brontëisastriking-lookingman,abovethecommonheight,withanobly-shapedhead,anderectcarriage.Inhisyouthhemusthavebeenunusuallyhandsome.

HewasbornonPatrickmasday(March17),1777,andearlygavetokensofextraordinaryquicknessandintelligence.Hehadalsohisfullshareofambition;andofhisstrongsenseandforethoughtthereisaproofinthefact,that,knowingthathisfathercouldaffordhimnopecuniaryaid,andthathemustdependuponhisownexertions,heopenedapublicschoolattheearlyageofsixteen;andthismodeoflivinghecontinuedtofollowforfiveorsixyears.HethenbecameatutorinthefamilyoftheRev.Mr.Tighe,rectorofDrumgoolandparish.ThenceheproceededtoSt.John’sCollege,Cambridge,wherehewasenteredinJuly,1802,beingatthetimefive-and-twentyyearsofage.Afternearlyfouryears’residence,heobtainedhisB.A.degree,andwasordainedtoacuracyinEssex,whenceheremovedintoYorkshire.Thecourseoflifeofwhichthisistheoutline,showsapowerfulandremarkablecharacter,originatingandpursuingapurposeinaresoluteandindependentmanner.Hereisayouth—aboyofsixteen—separatinghimselffromhisfamily,anddeterminingtomaintainhimself;andthat,notinthehereditarymannerbyagriculturalpursuits,butbythelabourofhisbrain.

Isuppose,fromwhatIhaveheard,thatMr.Tighebecamestronglyinterestedinhischildren’stutor,andmayhaveaidedhim,notonlyinthedirectionofhisstudies,butinthesuggestionofanEnglishuniversityeducation,andinadviceas

tothemodeinwhichheshouldobtainentrancethere.Mr.BrontëhasnownotraceofhisIrishoriginremaininginhisspeech;henevercouldhaveshownhisCelticdescentinthestraightGreeklinesandlongovalofhisface;butatfive-and-twenty,freshfromtheonlylifehehadeverknown,topresenthimselfatthegatesofSt.John’sprovednolittledeterminationofwill,andscornofridicule.

WhileatCambridge,hebecameoneofacorpsofvolunteers,whowerethenbeingcalledoutalloverthecountrytoresisttheapprehendedinvasionbytheFrench.Ihaveheardhimallude,inlateyears,toLordPalmerstonasonewhohadoftenbeenassociatedwithhimtheninthemimicmilitarydutieswhichtheyhadtoperform.

WetakehimupnowsettledasacurateatHartshead,inYorkshire—farremovedfromhisbirth-placeandallhisIrishconnections;withwhom,indeed,hecaredlittletokeepupanyintercourse,andwhomhenever,Ibelieve,revisitedafterbecomingastudentatCambridge.

Hartsheadisaverysmallvillage,lyingtotheeastofHuddersfieldandHalifax;and,fromitshighsituation—onamound,asitwere,surroundedbyacircularbasin—commandingamagnificentview.Mr.Brontëresidedhereforfiveyears;and,whiletheincumbentofHartshead,hewooedandmarriedMariaBranwell.

ShewasthethirddaughterofMr.ThomasBranwell,merchant,ofPenzance.Hermother’smaidennamewasCarne:and,bothonfather’sandmother’sside,theBranwellfamilyweresufficientlywelldescendedtoenablethemtomixinthebestsocietythatPenzancethenafforded.Mr.andMrs.Branwellwouldbeliving—theirfamilyoffourdaughtersandoneson,stillchildren—duringtheexistenceofthatprimitivestateofsocietywhichiswelldescribedbyDr.Davyinthelifeofhisbrother.

“Inthesametown,whenthepopulationwasabout2,000persons,therewasonlyonecarpet,thefloorsofroomsweresprinkledwithsea-sand,andtherewasnotasinglesilverfork.

“Atthattime,whenourcolonialpossessionswereverylimited,ourarmyandnavyonasmallscale,andtherewascomparativelylittledemandforintellect,theyoungersonsofgentlemenwereoftenofnecessitybroughtuptosometradeormechanicalart,towhichnodiscredit,orlossofcaste,asitwere,wasattached.Theeldestson,ifnotallowedtoremainanidlecountrysquire,wassenttoOxfordorCambridge,preparatorytohisengaginginoneofthethreeliberalprofessionsofdivinity,law,orphysic;thesecondsonwasperhaps

apprenticedtoasurgeonorapothecary,orasolicitor;thethirdtoapewtererorwatchmaker;thefourthtoapackerormercer,andsoon,weretheremoretobeprovidedfor.

“Aftertheirapprenticeshipswerefinished,theyoungmenalmostinvariablywenttoLondontoperfectthemselvesintheirrespectivetradeorart:andontheirreturnintothecountry,whensettledinbusiness,theywerenotexcludedfromwhatwouldnowbeconsideredgenteelsociety.Visitingthenwasconducteddifferentlyfromwhatitisatpresent.Dinner-partieswerealmostunknown,exceptingattheannualfeast-time.Christmas,too,wasthenaseasonofpeculiarindulgenceandconviviality,andaroundofentertainmentswasgiven,consistingofteaandsupper.Exceptingatthesetwoperiods,visitingwasalmostentirelyconfinedtotea-parties,whichassembledatthreeo’clock,brokeupatnine,andtheamusementoftheeveningwascommonlysomeroundgameatcards,asPopeJoan,orCommerce.Thelowerclasswasthenextremelyignorant,andallclasseswereverysuperstitious;eventhebeliefinwitchesmaintaineditsground,andtherewasanalmostunboundedcredulityrespectingthesupernaturalandmonstrous.TherewasscarcelyaparishintheMount’sBaythatwaswithoutahauntedhouse,oraspottowhichsomestoryofsupernaturalhorrorwasnotattached.EvenwhenIwasaboy,IrememberahouseinthebeststreetofPenzancewhichwasuninhabitedbecauseitwasbelievedtobehaunted,andwhichyoungpeoplewalkedbyatnightataquickenedpace,andwithabeatingheart.Amongstthemiddleandhigherclassestherewaslittletasteforliterature,andstilllessforscience,andtheirpursuitswererarelyofadignifiedorintellectualkind.Hunting,shooting,wrestling,cock-fighting,generallyendingindrunkenness,werewhattheymostdelightedin.Smugglingwascarriedontoagreatextent;anddrunkenness,andalowstateofmorals,werenaturallyassociatedwithit.Whilstsmugglingwasthemeansofacquiringwealthtoboldandrecklessadventurers,drunkennessanddissipationoccasionedtheruinofmanyrespectablefamilies.”

IhavegiventhisextractbecauseIconceiveitbearssomereferencetothelifeofMissBrontë,whosestrongmindandvividimaginationmusthavereceivedtheirfirstimpressionseitherfromtheservants(inthatsimplehousehold,almostfriendlycompanionsduringthegreaterpartoftheday,)retailingthetraditionsorthenewsofHaworthvillage;orfromMr.Brontë,whoseintercoursewithhischildrenappearstohavebeenconsiderablyrestrained,andwhoselife,bothinIrelandandatCambridge,hadbeenspentunderpeculiarcircumstances;orfromheraunt,MissBranwell,whocametotheparsonage,whenCharlottewasonly

sixorsevenyearsold,totakechargeofherdeadsister’sfamily.ThisauntwasolderthanMrs.Brontë,andhadlivedlongeramongthePenzancesociety,whichDr.Davydescribes.ButintheBranwellfamilyitself,theviolenceandirregularityofnaturedidnotexist.TheywereMethodists,and,asfarasIcangather,agentleandsincerepietygaverefinementandpurityofcharacter.Mr.Branwell,thefather,accordingtohisdescendants’account,wasamanofmusicaltalent.Heandhiswifelivedtoseealltheirchildrengrownup,anddiedwithinayearofeachother—hein1808,shein1809,whentheirdaughterMariawastwenty-fiveortwenty-sixyearsofage.Ihavebeenpermittedtolookoveraseriesofnineletters,whichwereaddressedbyhertoMr.Brontë,duringthebrieftermoftheirengagementin1812.Theyarefulloftendergraceofexpressionandfemininemodesty;pervadedbythedeeppietytowhichIhavealludedasafamilycharacteristic.Ishallmakeoneortwoextractsfromthem,toshowwhatsortofapersonwasthemotherofCharlotteBrontë:butfirst,ImuststatethecircumstancesunderwhichthisCornishladymetthescholarfromAhaderg,nearLoughbrickland.Intheearlysummerof1812,whenshewouldbetwenty-nine,shecametovisitheruncle,theReverendJohnFennel,whowasatthattimeaclergymanoftheChurchofEngland,livingnearLeeds,butwhohadpreviouslybeenaMethodistminister.Mr.BrontëwastheincumbentofHartshead;andhadthereputationintheneighbourhoodofbeingaveryhandsomefellow,fullofIrishenthusiasm,andwithsomethingofanIrishman’scapabilityoffallingeasilyinlove.MissBranwellwasextremelysmallinperson;notpretty,butveryelegant,andalwaysdressedwithaquietsimplicityoftaste,whichaccordedwellwithhergeneralcharacter,andofwhichsomeofthedetailscalltomindthestyleofdresspreferredbyherdaughterforherfavouriteheroines.Mr.Brontëwassooncaptivatedbythelittle,gentlecreature,andthistimedeclaredthatitwasforlife.Inherfirstlettertohim,datedAugust26th,sheseemsalmostsurprisedtofindherselfengaged,andalludestotheshorttimewhichshehasknownhim.IntheresttherearetouchesremindingoneofJuliet’s—

“Buttrustme,gentleman,I’llprovemoretrue,Thanthosethathavemorecunningtobestrange.”

Thereareplansforhappypic-nicpartiestoKirkstallAbbey,intheglowingSeptemberdays,when“Uncle,Aunt,andCousinJane,”—thelastengagedtoaMr.Morgan,anotherclergyman—wereoftheparty;allsincedead,exceptMr.Brontë.Therewasnooppositiononthepartofanyofherfriendstoherengagement.Mr.andMrs.Fennelsanctionedit,andherbrotherandsistersin

far-awayPenzanceappearfullytohaveapprovedofit.InaletterdatedSeptember18th,shesays:—

“ForsomeyearsIhavebeenperfectlymyownmistress,subjecttonocontrolwhatever;sofarfromit,thatmysisters,whoaremanyyearsolderthanmyself,andevenmydearmother,usedtoconsultmeoneveryoccasionofimportance,andscarcelyeverdoubtedtheproprietyofmyopinionsandactions:perhapsyouwillbereadytoaccusemeofvanityinmentioningthis,butyoumustconsiderthatIdonotboastofit.Ihavemanytimesfeltitadisadvantage,andalthough,IthankGod,ithasneverledmeintoerror,yet,incircumstancesofuncertaintyanddoubt,Ihavedeeplyfeltthewantofaguideandinstructor.”InthesamelettershetellsMr.Brontë,thatshehasinformedhersistersofherengagement,andthatsheshouldnotseethemagainsosoonasshehadintended.Mr.Fennel,heruncle,alsowritestothembythesamepostinpraiseofMr.Brontë.

ThejourneyfromPenzancetoLeedsinthosedayswasbothverylongandveryexpensive;thelovershadnotmuchmoneytospendinunnecessarytravelling,and,asMissBranwellhadneitherfathernormotherliving,itappearedbothadiscreetandseemlyarrangementthatthemarriageshouldtakeplacefromheruncle’shouse.Therewasnoreasoneitherwhytheengagementshouldbeprolonged.Theywerepasttheirfirstyouth;theyhadmeanssufficientfortheirunambitiouswants;thelivingofHartsheadisratedintheClergyListat202l.perannum,andshewasinthereceiptofasmallannuity(50l.Ihavebeentold)bythewillofherfather.So,attheendofSeptember,theloversbegantotalkabouttakingahouse,forIsupposethatMr.Brontëuptothattimehadbeeninlodgings;andallwentsmoothlyandsuccessfullywithaviewtotheirmarriageintheensuingwinter,untilNovember,whenamisfortunehappened,whichshethuspatientlyandprettilydescribes:—

“Isupposeyouneverexpectedtobemuchthericherforme,butIamsorrytoinformyouthatIamstillpoorerthanIthoughtmyself.Imentionedhavingsentformybooks,clothes,&c.OnSaturdayevening,aboutthetimewhenyouwerewritingthedescriptionofyourimaginaryshipwreck,Iwasreadingandfeelingtheeffectsofarealone,havingthenreceivedaletterfrommysistergivingmeanaccountofthevesselinwhichshehadsentmyboxbeingstrandedonthecoastofDevonshire,inconsequenceofwhichtheboxwasdashedtopieceswiththeviolenceofthesea,andallmylittleproperty,withtheexceptionofaveryfewarticles,beingswallowedupinthemightydeep.IfthisshouldnotprovethepreludetosomethingworseIshallthinklittleofit,asitisthefirstdisastrouscircumstancewhichhasoccurredsinceIleftmyhome.”

ThelastoftheselettersisdatedDecemberthe5th.MissBranwellandhercousinintendedtosetaboutmakingthewedding-cakeinthefollowingweek,sothemarriagecouldnotbefaroff.Shehadbeenlearningbyhearta“prettylittlehymn”ofMr.Brontë’scomposing;andreadingLordLyttelton’s“AdvicetoaLady,”onwhichshemakessomepertinentandjustremarks,showingthatshethoughtaswellasread.AndsoMariaBranwellfadesoutofsight;wehavenomoredirectintercoursewithher;wehearofherasMrs.Brontë,butitisasaninvalid,notfarfromdeath;stillpatient,cheerful,andpious.Thewritingoftheselettersiselegantandneat;whilethereareallusionstohouseholdoccupations—suchasmakingthewedding-cake;therearealsoallusionstothebooksshehasread,orisreading,showingawell-cultivatedmind.Withouthavinganythingofherdaughter’sraretalents,Mrs.Brontëmusthavebeen,Iimagine,thatunusualcharacter,awell-balancedandconsistentwoman.Thestyleofthelettersiseasyandgood;asisalsothatofapaperfromthesamehand,entitled“TheAdvantagesofPovertyinReligiousConcerns,”whichwaswrittenratherlater,withaviewtopublicationinsomeperiodical.

Shewasmarriedfromheruncle’shouseinYorkshire,onthe29thofDecember,1812;thesamedaywasalsothewedding-dayofheryoungersister,CharlotteBranwell,indistantPenzance.IdonotthinkthatMrs.BrontëeverrevisitedCornwall,butshehasleftaverypleasantimpressiononthemindsofthoserelationswhoyetsurvive;theyspeakofheras“theirfavouriteaunt,andonetowhomthey,aswellasallthefamily,lookedup,asapersonoftalentandgreatamiabilityofdisposition;”and,again,as“meekandretiring,whilepossessingmorethanordinarytalents,whichsheinheritedfromherfather,andherpietywasgenuineandunobtrusive.”

Mr.BrontëremainedforfiveyearsatHartshead,intheparishofDewsbury.Therehewasmarried,andhistwochildren,MariaandElizabeth,wereborn.Attheexpirationofthatperiod,hehadthelivingofThornton,inBradfordParish.SomeofthosegreatWestRidingparishesarealmostlikebishopricsfortheiramountofpopulationandnumberofchurches.Thorntonchurchisalittleepiscopalchapelofease,richinNonconformistmonuments,asofAcceptedListerandhisfriendDr.Hall.Theneighbourhoodisdesolateandwild;greattractsofbleakland,enclosedbystonedykes,sweepingupClaytonheights.Thechurchitselflooksancientandsolitary,andasifleftbehindbythegreatstonemillsofaflourishingIndependentfirm,andthesolidsquarechapelbuiltbythemembersofthatdenomination.AltogethernotsopleasantaplaceasHartshead,withitsampleoutlookovercloud-shadowed,sun-fleckedplain,andhillrising

beyondhilltoformthedistanthorizon.

Here,atThornton,CharlotteBrontëwasborn,onthe21stofApril,1816.FastonherheelsfollowedPatrickBranwell,EmilyJane,andAnne.Afterthebirthofthislastdaughter,Mrs.Brontë’shealthbegantodecline.Itishardworktoprovideforthelittletenderwantsofmanyyoungchildrenwherethemeansarebutlimited.Thenecessariesoffoodandclothingaremuchmoreeasilysuppliedthanthealmostequalnecessariesofattendance,care,soothing,amusement,andsympathy.MariaBrontë,theeldestofsix,couldonlyhavebeenafewmonthsmorethansixyearsold,whenMr.BrontëremovedtoHaworth,onFebruarythe25th,1820.Thosewhoknewherthen,describeherasgrave,thoughtful,andquiet,toadegreefarbeyondheryears.Herchildhoodwasnochildhood;thecasesarerareinwhichthepossessorsofgreatgiftshaveknowntheblessingsofthatcarelesshappytime;theirunusualpowersstirwithinthem,and,insteadofthenaturallifeofperception—theobjective,astheGermanscallit—theybeginthedeeperlifeofreflection—thesubjective.

LittleMariaBrontëwasdelicateandsmallinappearance,whichseemedtogivegreatereffecttoherwonderfulprecocityofintellect.Shemusthavebeenhermother’scompanionandhelpmateinmanyahouseholdandnurseryexperience,forMr.Brontëwas,ofcourse,muchengagedinhisstudy;andbesides,hewasnotnaturallyfondofchildren,andfelttheirfrequentappearanceonthesceneasadragbothonhiswife’sstrength,andasaninterruptiontothecomfortofthehousehold.

HaworthParsonageis—asImentionedinthefirstchapter—anoblongstonehouse,facingdownthehillonwhichthevillagestands,andwiththefrontdoorrightoppositetothewesterndoorofthechurch,distantaboutahundredyards.Ofthisspacetwentyyardsorsoindepthareoccupiedbythegrassygarden,whichisscarcelywiderthanthehouse.Thegraveyardliesontwosidesofthehouseandgarden.Thehouseconsistsoffourroomsoneachfloor,andistwostorieshigh.WhentheBrontëstookpossession,theymadethelargerparlour,totheleftoftheentrance,thefamilysitting-room,whilethatontherightwasappropriatedtoMr.Brontëasastudy.Behindthiswasthekitchen;behindtheformer,asortofflaggedstore-room.Upstairswerefourbed-chambersofsimilarsize,withtheadditionofasmallapartmentoverthepassage,or“lobby”aswecallitinthenorth.Thiswastothefront,thestaircasegoinguprightoppositetotheentrance.Thereisthepleasantoldfashionofwindowseatsallthroughthehouse;andonecanseethattheparsonagewasbuiltinthedayswhenwoodwasplentiful,asthemassivestair-banisters,andthewainscots,andtheheavy

window-framestestify.

Thislittleextraupstairsroomwasappropriatedtothechildren.Smallasitwas,itwasnotcalledanursery;indeed,ithadnotthecomfortofafire-placeinit;theservants—twoaffectionate,warm-heartedsisters,whocannotnowspeakofthefamilywithouttears—calledtheroomthe“children’sstudy.”Theageoftheeldeststudentwasperhapsbythistimeseven.

ThepeopleinHaworthwerenoneofthemverypoor.Manyofthemwereemployedintheneighbouringworstedmills;afewweremill-ownersandmanufacturersinasmallway;therewerealsosomeshopkeepersforthehumblerandeverydaywants;butformedicaladvice,forstationery,books,law,dress,ordainties,theinhabitantshadtogotoKeighley.TherewereseveralSunday-schools;theBaptistshadtakentheleadininstitutingthem,theWesleyanshadfollowed,theChurchofEnglandhadbroughtuptherear.GoodMr.Grimshaw,Wesley’sfriend,hadbuiltahumbleMethodistchapel,butitstoodclosetotheroadleadingontothemoor;theBaptiststhenraisedaplaceofworship,withthedistinctionofbeingafewyardsbackfromthehighway;andtheMethodistshavesincethoughtitwelltoerectanotherandalargerchapel,stillmoreretiredfromtheroad.Mr.Brontëwaseveronkindandfriendlytermswitheachdenominationasabody;butfromindividualsinthevillagethefamilystoodaloof,unlesssomedirectservicewasrequired,fromthefirst.“Theykeptthemselvesveryclose,”istheaccountgivenbythosewhorememberMr.andMrs.Brontë’scomingamongstthem.IbelievemanyoftheYorkshiremenwouldobjecttothesystemofparochialvisiting;theirsurlyindependencewouldrevoltfromtheideaofanyonehavingaright,fromhisoffice,toinquireintotheircondition,tocounsel,ortoadmonishthem.Theoldhill-spiritlingersinthem,whichcoinedtherhyme,inscribedontheunderpartofoneoftheseatsintheSediliaofWhalleyAbbey,notmanymilesfromHaworth,

“Whomellswi’whatanotherdoesHadbestgohomeandshoehisgoose.”

IaskedaninhabitantofadistrictclosetoHaworthwhatsortofaclergymantheyhadatthechurchwhichheattended.

“Araregoodone,”saidhe:“hemindshisownbusiness,andne’ertroubleshimselfwithours.”

Mr.Brontëwasfaithfulinvisitingthesickandallthosewhosentforhim,and

diligentinattendanceattheschools;andsowashisdaughterCharlottetoo;but,cherishingandvaluingprivacythemselves,theywereperhapsover-delicateinnotintrudingupontheprivacyofothers.

FromtheirfirstgoingtoHaworth,theirwalksweredirectedratherouttowardstheheatherymoors,slopingupwardsbehindtheparsonage,thantowardsthelongdescendingvillagestreet.Agoodoldwoman,whocametonurseMrs.Brontëintheillness—aninternalcancer—whichgrewandgathereduponher,notmanymonthsafterherarrivalatHaworth,tellsmethatatthattimethesixlittlecreaturesusedtowalkout,handinhand,towardsthegloriouswildmoors,whichinafterdaystheylovedsopassionately;theelderonestakingthoughtfulcareforthetoddlingweethings.

Theyweregraveandsilentbeyondtheiryears;subdued,probably,bythepresenceofseriousillnessinthehouse;for,atthetimewhichmyinformantspeaksof,Mrs.Brontëwasconfinedtothebedroomfromwhichshenevercameforthalive.“Youwouldnothaveknowntherewasachildinthehouse,theyweresuchstill,noiseless,goodlittlecreatures.Mariawouldshutherselfup”(Maria,butseven!)“inthechildren’sstudywithanewspaper,andbeabletotelloneeverythingwhenshecameout;debatesinParliament,andIdon’tknowwhatall.Shewasasgoodasamothertohersistersandbrother.Butthereneverweresuchgoodchildren.Iusedtothinkthemspiritless,theyweresodifferenttoanychildrenIhadeverseen.Theyweregoodlittlecreatures.Emilywastheprettiest.”

Mrs.Brontëwasthesamepatient,cheerfulpersonaswehaveseenherformerly;veryill,sufferinggreatpain,butseldomifevercomplaining;atherbettertimesbegginghernursetoraiseherinbedtoletherseehercleanthegrate,“becauseshediditasitwasdoneinCornwall;”devotedlyfondofherhusband,whowarmlyrepaidheraffection,andsufferednooneelsetotakethenight-nursing;but,accordingtomyinformant,themotherwasnotveryanxioustoseemuchofherchildren,probablybecausethesightofthem,knowinghowsoontheyweretobeleftmotherless,wouldhaveagitatedhertoomuch.Sothelittlethingsclungquietlytogether,fortheirfatherwasbusyinhisstudyandinhisparish,orwiththeirmother,andtheytooktheirmealsalone;satreading,orwhisperinglow,inthe“children’sstudy,”orwanderedoutonthehill-side,handinhand.

TheideasofRousseauandMr.Dayoneducationhadfiltereddownthroughmanyclasses,andspreadthemselveswidelyout.Iimagine,Mr.Brontëmusthaveformedsomeofhisopinionsonthemanagementofchildrenfromthese

twotheorists.HispracticewasnothalfsowildorextraordinaryasthattowhichanauntofminewassubjectedbyadiscipleofMr.Day’s.Shehadbeentakenbythisgentlemanandhiswife,tolivewiththemastheiradoptedchild,perhapsaboutfive-and-twentyyearsbeforethetimeofwhichIamwriting.Theywerewealthypeopleandkindhearted,butherfoodandclothingwereoftheverysimplestandrudestdescription,onSpartanprinciples.Ahealthy,merrychild,shedidnotmuchcarefordressoreating;butthetreatmentwhichshefeltasarealcrueltywasthis.Theyhadacarriage,inwhichsheandthefavouritedogweretakenanairingonalternatedays;thecreaturewhoseturnitwastobeleftathomebeingtossedinablanket—anoperationwhichmyauntespeciallydreaded.Heraffrightatthetossingwasprobablythereasonwhyitwasperseveredin.Dressed-upghostshadbecomecommon,andshedidnotcareforthem,sotheblanketexercisewastobethenextmodeofhardeninghernerves.ItiswellknownthatMr.DaybrokeoffhisintentionofmarryingSabrina,thegirlwhomhehadeducatedforthispurpose,because,withinafewweeksofthetimefixedforthewedding,shewasguiltyofthefrivolity,whileonavisitfromhome,ofwearingthinsleeves.YetMr.Dayandmyaunt’srelationswerebenevolentpeople,onlystronglyimbuedwiththecrotchetthatbyasystemoftrainingmightbeeducedthehardihoodandsimplicityoftheidealsavage,forgettingtheterribleisolationoffeelingsandhabitswhichtheirpupilswouldexperienceinthefuturelifewhichtheymustpassamongthecorruptionsandrefinementsofcivilization.

Mr.Brontëwishedtomakehischildrenhardy,andindifferenttothepleasuresofeatinganddress.Inthelatterhesucceeded,asfarasregardedhisdaughters.

Hisstrong,passionate,Irishnaturewas,ingeneral,compresseddownwithresolutestoicism;butitwastherenotwithstandingallhisphilosophiccalmanddignityofdemeanour;thoughhedidnotspeakwhenhewasannoyedordispleased.Mrs.Brontë,whosesweetnaturethoughtinvariablyofthebrightside,wouldsay,“OughtInottobethankfulthathenevergavemeanangryword?”

Mr.Brontëwasanactivewalker,stretchingawayoverthemoorsformanymiles,notinginhismindallnaturalsignsofwindandweather,andkeenlyobservingallthewildcreaturesthatcameandwentintheloneliestsweepsofthehills.Hehasseeneaglesstoopinglowinsearchoffoodfortheiryoung;noeagleiseverseenonthosemountainslopesnow.

Hefearlesslytookwhateversideinlocalornationalpoliticsappearedtohim

right.InthedaysoftheLuddites,hehadbeenfortheperemptoryinterferenceofthelaw,atatimewhennomagistratecouldbefoundtoact,andallthepropertyoftheWestRidingwasinterribledanger.Hebecameunpopularthenamongthemillworkers,andheesteemedhislifeunsafeifhetookhislongandlonelywalksunarmed;sohebeganthehabit,whichhascontinuedtothisday,ofinvariablycarryingaloadedpistolaboutwithhim.Itlayonhisdressing-tablewithhiswatch;withhiswatchitwasputoninthemorning;withhiswatchitwastakenoffatnight.

Manyyearslater,duringhisresidenceatHaworth,therewasastrike;thehandsintheneighbourhoodfeltthemselvesaggrievedbythemasters,andrefusedtowork:Mr.Brontëthoughtthattheyhadbeenunjustlyandunfairlytreated,andheassistedthembyallthemeansinhispowerto“keepthewolffromtheirdoors,”andavoidtheincubusofdebt.SeveralofthemoreinfluentialinhabitantsofHaworthandtheneighbourhoodweremill-owners;theyremonstratedprettysharplywithhim,buthebelievedthathisconductwasrightandperseveredinit.

Hisopinionsmightbeoftenbothwildanderroneous,hisprinciplesofactioneccentricandstrange,hisviewsoflifepartial,andalmostmisanthropical;butnotoneopinionthatheheldcouldbestirredormodifiedbyanyworldlymotive:heacteduptohisprinciplesofaction;and,ifanytouchofmisanthropymingledwithhisviewofmankindingeneral,hisconducttotheindividualswhocameinpersonalcontactwithhimdidnotagreewithsuchview.Itistruethathehadstrongandvehementprejudices,andwasobstinateinmaintainingthem,andthathewasnotdramaticenoughinhisperceptionstoseehowmiserableothersmightbeinalifethattohimwasall-sufficient.ButIdonotpretendtobeabletoharmonizepointsofcharacter,andaccountforthem,andbringthemallintooneconsistentandintelligiblewhole.ThefamilywithwhomIhavenowtodoshottheirrootsdowndeeperthanIcanpenetrate.Icannotmeasurethem,muchlessisitformetojudgethem.IhavenamedtheseinstancesofeccentricityinthefatherbecauseIholdtheknowledgeofthemtobenecessaryforarightunderstandingofthelifeofhisdaughter.

Mrs.BrontëdiedinSeptember,1821,andthelivesofthosequietchildrenmusthavebecomequieterandlonelierstill.Charlottetriedhard,inafteryears,torecalltheremembranceofhermother,andcouldbringbacktwoorthreepicturesofher.Onewaswhen,sometimeintheeveninglight,shehadbeenplayingwithherlittleboy,PatrickBranwell,intheparlourofHaworthParsonage.Buttherecollectionsoffourorfiveyearsoldareofaveryfragmentarycharacter.

Owingtosomeillnessofthedigestiveorgans,Mr.Brontëwasobligedtobeverycarefulabouthisdiet;and,inordertoavoidtemptation,andpossiblytohavethequietnecessaryfordigestion,hehadbegun,beforehiswife’sdeath,totakehisdinneralone—ahabitwhichhealwaysretained.Hedidnotrequirecompanionship,thereforehedidnotseekit,eitherinhiswalks,orinhisdailylife.Thequietregularityofhisdomestichourswasonlybrokeninuponbychurch-wardens,andvisitorsonparochialbusiness;andsometimesbyaneighbouringclergyman,whocamedownthehills,acrossthemoors,tomountupagaintoHaworthParsonage,andspendaneveningthere.But,owingtoMrs.Brontë’sdeathsosoonafterherhusbandhadremovedintothedistrict,andalsotothedistances,andthebleakcountrytobetraversed,thewivesoftheseclericalfriendsdidnotaccompanytheirhusbands;andthedaughtersgrewupoutofchildhoodintogirlhoodbereft,inasingularmanner,ofallsuchsocietyaswouldhavebeennaturaltotheirage,sex,andstation.

Butthechildrendidnotwantsociety.Tosmallinfantinegaietiestheywereunaccustomed.Theywereallinalltoeachother.Idonotsupposethatthereeverwasafamilymoretenderlyboundtoeachother.Mariareadthenewspapers,andreportedintelligencetoheryoungersisterswhichitiswonderfultheycouldtakeaninterestin.ButIsuspectthattheyhadno“children’sbooks,”andthattheireagerminds“browzedundisturbedamongthewholesomepasturageofEnglishliterature,”asCharlesLambexpressesit.TheservantsofthehouseholdappeartohavebeenmuchimpressedwiththelittleBrontës’extraordinarycleverness.InaletterwhichIhadfromhimonthissubject,theirfatherwrites:—“Theservantsoftensaidthattheyhadneverseensuchacleverlittlechild”(asCharlotte),“andthattheywereobligedtobeontheirguardastowhattheysaidanddidbeforeher.Yetsheandtheservantsalwayslivedongoodtermswitheachother.”

Theseservantsareyetalive;elderlywomenresidinginBradford.TheyretainafaithfulandfondrecollectionofCharlotte,andspeakofherunvaryingkindnessfromthe“timewhenshewaseversuchalittlechild!”whenshewouldnotresttillshehadgottheolddisusedcradlesentfromtheparsonagetothehousewheretheparentsofoneofthemlived,toserveforalittleinfantsister.TheytellofonelongseriesofkindandthoughtfulactionsfromthisearlyperiodtothelastweeksofCharlotteBrontë’slife;and,thoughshehadleftherplacemanyyearsago,oneoftheseformerservantswentoverfromBradfordtoHaworthonpurposetoseeMr.Brontë,andofferhimhertruesympathy,whenhislastchilddied.Imayaddalittleanecdoteasatestimonytotheadmirablecharacterofthe

likenessofMissBrontëprefixedtothisvolume.Agentlemanwhohadkindlyinterestedhimselfinthepreparationofthismemoirtookthefirstvolume,shortlyafterthepublication,tothehouseofthisoldservant,inordertoshowhertheportrait.Themomentshecaughtaglimpseofthefrontispiece,“Theresheis,”inaminutesheexclaimed.“Come,John,look!”(toherhusband);andherdaughterwasequallystruckbytheresemblance.TheremightnotbemanytoregardtheBrontëswithaffection,butthosewhooncelovedthem,lovedthemlongandwell.

Ireturntothefather’sletter.Hesays:—

“Whenmerechildren,assoonastheycouldreadandwrite,Charlotteandherbrothersandsistersusedtoinventandactlittleplaysoftheirown,inwhichtheDukeofWellington,mydaughterCharlotte’shero,wassuretocomeoffconqueror;whenadisputewouldnotunfrequentlyariseamongstthemregardingthecomparativemeritsofhim,Buonaparte,Hannibal,andCæsar.Whentheargumentgotwarm,androsetoitsheight,astheirmotherwasthendead,Ihadsometimestocomeinasarbitrator,andsettlethedisputeaccordingtothebestofmyjudgment.Generally,inthemanagementoftheseconcerns,IfrequentlythoughtthatIdiscoveredsignsofrisingtalent,whichIhadseldomorneverbeforeseeninanyoftheirage...AcircumstancenowoccurstomymindwhichImayaswellmention.Whenmychildrenwereveryyoung,when,asfarasIcanremember,theoldestwasabouttenyearsofage,andtheyoungestaboutfour,thinkingthattheyknewmorethanIhadyetdiscovered,inordertomakethemspeakwithlesstimidity,IdeemedthatiftheywereputunderasortofcoverImightgainmyend;andhappeningtohaveamaskinthehouse,Itoldthemalltostandandspeakboldlyfromundercoverofthemask.

“Ibeganwiththeyoungest(Anne,afterwardsActonBell),andaskedwhatachildlikehermostwanted;sheanswered,‘Ageandexperience.’Iaskedthenext(Emily,afterwardsEllisBell),whatIhadbestdowithherbrotherBranwell,whowassometimesanaughtyboy;sheanswered,‘Reasonwithhim,andwhenhewon’tlistentoreason,whiphim.’IaskedBranwellwhatwasthebestwayofknowingthedifferencebetweentheintellectsofmanandwoman;heanswered,‘Byconsideringthedifferencebetweenthemastotheirbodies.’IthenaskedCharlottewhatwasthebestbookintheworld;sheanswered,‘TheBible.’Andwhatwasthenextbest;sheanswered,‘TheBookofNature.’Ithenaskedthenextwhatwasthebestmodeofeducationforawoman;sheanswered,‘Thatwhichwouldmakeherruleherhousewell.’Lastly,Iaskedtheoldestwhatwasthebestmodeofspendingtime;sheanswered,‘Bylayingitoutinpreparation

forahappyeternity.’Imaynothavegivenpreciselytheirwords,butIhavenearlydoneso,astheymadeadeepandlastingimpressiononmymemory.Thesubstance,however,wasexactlywhatIhavestated.”

Thestrangeandquaintsimplicityofthemodetakenbythefathertoascertainthehiddencharactersofhischildren,andthetoneandcharacterofthesequestionsandanswers,showthecuriouseducationwhichwasmadebythecircumstancessurroundingtheBrontës.Theyknewnootherchildren.Theyknewnoothermodesofthoughtthanwhatweresuggestedtothembythefragmentsofclericalconversationwhichtheyoverheardintheparlour,orthesubjectsofvillageandlocalinterestwhichtheyhearddiscussedinthekitchen.Eachhadtheirownstrongcharacteristicflavour.

Theytookavividinterestinthepubliccharacters,andthelocalandtheforeignaswellashomepoliticsdiscussedinthenewspapers.LongbeforeMariaBrontëdied,attheageofeleven,herfatherusedtosayhecouldconversewithheronanyoftheleadingtopicsofthedaywithasmuchfreedomandpleasureaswithanygrown-upperson.

CHAPTERIV

AboutayearafterMrs.Brontë’sdeath,aneldersister,asIhavebeforementioned,camefromPenzancetosuperintendherbrother-in-law’shousehold,andlookafterhischildren.MissBranwellwas,Ibelieve,akindlyandconscientiouswoman,withagooddealofcharacter,butwiththesomewhatnarrowideasnaturaltoonewhohadspentnearlyallherlifeinthesameplace.Shehadstrongprejudices,andsoontookadistastetoYorkshire.FromPenzance,whereplantswhichweinthenorthcallgreenhouseflowersgrowingreatprofusion,andwithoutanysheltereveninthewinter,andwherethesoftwarmclimateallowstheinhabitants,ifsodisposed,toliveprettyconstantlyintheopenair,itwasagreatchangeforaladyconsiderablypastfortytocomeandtakeupherabodeinaplacewhereneitherflowersnorvegetableswouldflourish,andwhereatreeofevenmoderatedimensionsmightbehuntedforfarandwide;wherethesnowlaylongandlateonthemoors,stretchingbleaklyandbarelyfarupfromthedwellingwhichwashenceforwardtobeherhome;andwhereoften,onautumnalorwinternights,thefourwindsofheavenseemedtomeetandragetogether,tearingroundthehouseasiftheywerewildbeastsstrivingtofindanentrance.Shemissedthesmallroundofcheerful,socialvisitingperpetuallygoingoninacountrytown;shemissedthefriendsshehadknownfromherchildhood,someofwhomhadbeenherparents’friendsbeforetheywerehers;shedislikedmanyofthecustomsoftheplace,andparticularlydreadedthecolddamparisingfromtheflagfloorsinthepassagesandparloursofHaworthParsonage.Thestairs,too,Ibelieve,aremadeofstone;andnowonder,whenstonequarriesarenear,andtreesarefartoseek.IhaveheardthatMissBranwellalwayswentaboutthehouseinpattens,clickingupanddownthestairs,fromherdreadofcatchingcold.Forthesamereason,inthelatteryearsofherlife,shepassednearlyallhertime,andtookmostofhermeals,inherbedroom.Thechildrenrespectedher,andhadthatsortofaffectionforherwhichisgeneratedbyesteem;butIdonotthinktheyeverfreelylovedher.Itwasaseveretrialforanyoneathertimeoflifetochangeneighbourhoodandhabitationsoentirelyasshedid;andthegreaterhermerit.

IdonotknowwhetherMissBranwelltaughtherniecesanythingbesidessewing,andthehouseholdartsinwhichCharlotteafterwardswassuchanadept.Theirregularlessonsweresaidtotheirfather;andtheywerealwaysinthehabitofpickingupanimmenseamountofmiscellaneousinformationforthemselves.Butayearorsobeforethistime,aschoolhadbeenbegunintheNorthofEnglandforthedaughtersofclergymen.TheplacewasCowanBridge,asmallhamletonthecoach-roadbetweenLeedsandKendal,andthuseasyofaccessfromHaworth,asthecoachrandaily,andoneofitsstageswasatKeighley.Theyearlyexpenseforeachpupil(accordingtotheentrance-rulesgivenintheReportfor1842,andIbelievetheyhadnotbeenincreasedsincetheestablishmentoftheschoolsin1823)wasasfollows:

“Rule11.Thetermsforclothing,lodging,boarding,andeducating,are14l.ayear;halftobepaidinadvance,whenthepupilsaresent;andalso1l.entrance-money,fortheuseofbooks,&c.Thesystemofeducationcomprehendshistory,geography,theuseoftheglobes,grammar,writingandarithmetic,allkindsofneedlework,andthenicerkindsofhouseholdwork—suchasgettingupfinelinen,ironing,&c.Ifaccomplishmentsarerequired,anadditionalchargeof3l.ayearismadeformusicordrawing,each.”

Rule3rdrequeststhatthefriendswillstatethelineofeducationdesiredinthecaseofeverypupil,havingaregardtoherfutureprospects.

Rule4thstatestheclothingandtoilettearticleswhichagirlisexpectedtobringwithher;andthusconcludes:“Thepupilsallappearinthesamedress.Theywearplainstrawcottagebonnets;insummerwhitefrocksonSundays,andnankeenonotherdays;inwinter,purplestufffrocks,andpurpleclothcloaks.Forthesakeofuniformity,therefore,theyarerequiredtobring3l.inlieuoffrocks,pelisse,bonnet,tippet,andfrills;makingthewholesumwhicheachpupilbringswithhertotheschool—

7l.half-yearinadvance.1l.entranceforbooks.1l.entranceforclothes.

The8thruleis,—“Alllettersandparcelsareinspectedbythesuperintendent;”butthisisaveryprevalentregulationinallyoungladies’schools,whereIthinkitisgenerallyunderstoodthattheschoolmistressmayexercisethisprivilege,althoughitiscertainlyunwiseinhertoinsisttoofrequentlyuponit.

Thereisnothingatallremarkableinanyoftheotherregulations,acopyofwhichwasdoubtlessinMr.Brontë’shandswhenheformedthedeterminationtosendhisdaughterstoCowanBridgeSchool;andheaccordinglytookMariaandElizabeththitherinJuly,1824.

InowcometoapartofmysubjectwhichIfindgreatdifficultyintreating,becausetheevidencerelatingtoitoneachsideissoconflictingthatitseemsalmostimpossibletoarriveatthetruth.MissBrontëmorethanoncesaidtome,thatsheshouldnothavewrittenwhatshedidofLowoodin“JaneEyre,”ifshehadthoughttheplacewouldhavebeensoimmediatelyidentifiedwithCowanBridge,althoughtherewasnotawordinheraccountoftheinstitutionbutwhatwastrueatthetimewhensheknewit;shealsosaidthatshehadnotconsidereditnecessary,inaworkoffiction,tostateeveryparticularwiththeimpartialitythatmightberequiredinacourtofjustice,nortoseekoutmotives,andmakeallowancesforhumanfailings,asshemighthavedone,ifdispassionatelyanalysingtheconductofthosewhohadthesuperintendenceoftheinstitution.Ibelievesheherselfwouldhavebeengladofanopportunitytocorrecttheover-strongimpressionwhichwasmadeuponthepublicmindbyhervividpicture,thoughevenshe,sufferingherwholelifelong,bothinheartandbody,fromtheconsequencesofwhathappenedthere,mighthavebeenapt,tothelast,totakeherdeepbeliefinfactsforthefactsthemselves—herconceptionoftruthfortheabsolutetruth.

Insomeofthenoticesofthepreviouseditionsofthiswork,itisassumedthatIderivedthegreaterpartofmyinformationwithregardtohersojournatCowanBridgefromCharlotteBrontëherself.Ineverheardherspeakoftheplacebutonce,andthatwasontheseconddayofmyacquaintancewithher.Alittlechildonthatoccasionexpressedsomereluctancetofinisheatinghispieceofbreadatdinner;andshe,stoopingdown,andaddressinghiminalowvoice,toldhimhowthankfulsheshouldhavebeenathisageforapieceofbread;andwhenwe—thoughIamnotsureifImyselfspoke—askedhersomequestionastotheoccasionshealludedto,sherepliedwithreserveandhesitation,evidentlyshyingawayfromwhatsheimaginedmightleadtotoomuchconversationononeofherbooks.Shespokeoftheoat-cakeatCowanBridge(theclap-breadofWestmorland)asbeingdifferenttotheleaven-raisedoat-cakeofYorkshire,andofherchildishdistasteforit.Someonepresentmadeanallusiontoasimilarchildishdislikeinthetruetaleof“Theterribleknitterso’Dent”giveninSouthey’s“Common-placeBook:”andshesmiledfaintly,butsaidthatthemeredifferenceinfoodwasnotall:thatthefooditselfwasspoiltbythedirty

carelessnessofthecook,sothatsheandhersistersdislikedtheirmealsexceedingly;andshenamedherreliefandgladnesswhenthedoctorcondemnedthemeat,andspokeofhavingseenhimspititout.TheseareallthedetailsIeverheardfromher.Shesoavoidedparticularizing,thatIthinkMr.CarusWilson’snameneverpassedbetweenus.

Idonotdoubtthegeneralaccuracyofmyinformants,—ofthosewhohavegiven,andsolemnlyrepeated,thedetailsthatfollow,—butitisonlyjusttoMissBrontëtosaythatIhavestatedaboveprettynearlyallthatIeverheardonthesubjectfromher.

Aclergyman,livingnearKirbyLonsdale,theReverendWilliamCarusWilson,wastheprimemoverintheestablishmentofthisschool.Hewasanenergeticman,sparingnolabourfortheaccomplishmentofhisends.Hesawthatitwasanextremelydifficulttaskforclergymenwithlimitedincomestoprovidefortheeducationoftheirchildren;andhedevisedascheme,bywhichacertainsumwasraisedannuallybysubscription,tocompletetheamountrequiredtofurnishasolidandsufficientEnglisheducation,forwhichtheparent’spaymentof14l.ayearwouldnothavebeensufficient.Indeed,thatmadebytheparentswasconsideredtobeexclusivelyappropriatedtotheexpensesoflodgingandboarding,andtheeducationprovidedforbythesubscriptions.Twelvetrusteeswereappointed;Mr.Wilsonbeingnotonlyatrustee,butthetreasurerandsecretary;infact,takingmostofthebusinessarrangementsuponhimself;aresponsibilitywhichappropriatelyfelltohim,ashelivednearertheschoolthananyoneelsewhowasinterestedinit.SohischaracterforprudenceandjudgmentwastoacertaindegreeimplicatedinthesuccessorfailureofCowanBridgeSchool;andtheworkingofitwasformanyyearsthegreatobjectandinterestofhislife.Buthewasapparentlyunacquaintedwiththeprimeelementingoodadministration—seekingoutthoroughlycompetentpersonstofilleachdepartment,andthenmakingthemresponsiblefor,andjudgingthemby,theresult,withoutperpetualinterferencewiththedetails.

SogreatwastheamountofgoodwhichMr.Wilsondid,byhisconstant,unweariedsuperintendence,thatIcannothelpfeelingsorrythat,inhisoldageanddeclininghealth,theerrorswhichhewasbelievedtohavecommitted,shouldhavebeenbroughtupagainsthiminaformwhichreceivedsuchwonderfulforcefromthetouchofMissBrontë’sgreatgenius.Nodoubtwhatevercanbeentertainedofthedeepinterestwhichhefeltinthesuccessoftheschool.AsIwrite,Ihavebeforemehislastwordsongivingupthesecretaryshipin1850:hespeaksofthe“withdrawal,fromdeclininghealth,ofan

eye,which,atallevents,haslovedtowatchovertheschoolswithanhonestandanxiousinterest;”—andagainheadds,“thatheresigns,therefore,withadesiretobethankfulforallthatGodhasbeenpleasedtoaccomplishthroughhisinstrumentality(theinfirmitiesandunworthinessesofwhichhedeeplyfeelsanddeplores).”

CowanBridgeisaclusterofsomesixorsevencottages,gatheredtogetheratbothendsofabridge,overwhichthehighroadfromLeedstoKendalcrossesalittlestream,calledtheLeck.Thishighroadisnearlydisusednow;butformerly,whenthebuyersfromtheWestRidingmanufacturingdistrictshadfrequentoccasiontogoupintotheNorthtopurchasethewooloftheWestmorlandandCumberlandfarmers,itwasdoubtlessmuchtravelled;andperhapsthehamletofCowanBridgehadamoreprosperouslookthanitbearsatpresent.Itisprettilysituated;justwheretheLeck-fellsswoopintotheplain;andbythecourseofthebeckalder-treesandwillowsandhazelbushesgrow.Thecurrentofthestreamisinterruptedbybrokenpiecesofgreyrock;andthewatersflowoverabedoflargeroundwhitepebbles,whichafloodheavesupandmovesoneithersideoutofitsimpetuouswaytillinsomepartstheyalmostformawall.Bythesideofthelittle,shallow,sparkling,vigorousLeck,runlongpasturefields,ofthefineshortgrasscommoninhighland;forthoughCowanBridgeissituatedonaplain,itisaplainfromwhichthereismanyafallandlongdescentbeforeyouandtheLeckreachthevalleyoftheLune.Icanhardlyunderstandhowtheschooltherecametobesounhealthy,theairallroundaboutwassosweetandthyme-scented,whenIvisiteditlastsummer.Butatthisday,everyoneknowsthatthesiteofabuildingintendedfornumbersshouldbechosenwithfargreatercarethanthatofaprivatedwelling,fromthetendencytoillness,bothinfectiousandotherwise,producedbythecongregationofpeopleincloseproximity.

Thehouseisstillremainingthatformedpartofthatoccupiedbytheschool.Itisalong,bow-windowedcottage,nowdividedintotwodwellings.ItstandsfacingtheLeck,betweenwhichanditintervenesaspace,aboutseventyyardsdeep,thatwasoncetheschoolgarden.ThisoriginalhousewasanolddwellingofthePicardfamily,whichtheyhadinhabitedfortwogenerations.Theysolditforschoolpurposes,andanadditionalbuildingwaserected,runningatrightanglesfromtheolderpart.Thisnewpartwasdevotedexpresslytoschoolrooms,dormitories,&c.;andaftertheschoolwasremovedtoCasterton,itwasusedforabobbin-millconnectedwiththestream,wherewoodenreelsweremadeoutofthealders,whichgrowprofuselyinsuchgroundasthatsurroundingCowan

Bridge.Thismillisnowdestroyed.Thepresentcottagewas,atthetimeofwhichIwrite,occupiedbytheteachers’rooms,thedinner-roomandkitchens,andsomesmallerbedrooms.Ongoingintothisbuilding,Ifoundonepart,thatnearesttothehighroad,convertedintoapoorkindofpublic-house,thentolet,andhavingallthesqualidappearanceofadesertedplace,whichrendereditdifficulttojudgewhatitwouldlooklikewhenneatlykeptup,thebrokenpanesreplacedinthewindows,andtherough-cast(nowcrackedanddiscoloured)madewhiteandwhole.Theotherendformsacottage,withthelowceilingsandstonefloorsofahundredyearsago;thewindowsdonotopenfreelyandwidely;andthepassageupstairs,leadingtothebedrooms,isnarrowandtortuous:altogether,smellswouldlingeraboutthehouse,anddampclingtoit.Butsanitarymatterswerelittleunderstoodthirtyyearsago;anditwasagreatthingtogetaroomybuildingclosetothehighroad,andnottoofarfromthehabitationofMr.Wilson,theoriginatoroftheeducationalscheme.Therewasmuchneedofsuchaninstitution;numbersofill-paidclergymenhailedtheprospectwithjoy,andeagerlyputdownthenamesoftheirchildrenaspupilswhentheestablishmentshouldbereadytoreceivethem.Mr.Wilsonwas,nodoubt,pleasedbytheimpatiencewithwhichtherealisationofhisideawasanticipated,andopenedtheschoolwithlessthanahundredpoundsinhand,andwithpupils,thenumberofwhomvariesaccordingtodifferentaccounts;Mr.W.W.CarusWilson,thesonofthefounder,givingitasseventy;whileMr.Shepheard,theson-in-law,statesittohavebeenonlysixteen.

Mr.Wilsonfelt,mostprobably,thattheresponsibilityofthewholeplanresteduponhim.Thepaymentmadebytheparentswasbarelyenoughforfoodandlodging;thesubscriptionsdidnotflowveryfreelyintoanuntriedscheme;andgreateconomywasnecessaryinallthedomesticarrangements.Hedeterminedtoenforcethisbyfrequentpersonalinspection;carriedperhapstoanunnecessaryextent,andleadingoccasionallytoameddlingwithlittlematters,whichhadsometimestheeffectofproducingirritationoffeeling.Yet,althoughtherewaseconomyinprovidingforthehousehold,theredoesnotappeartohavebeenanyparsimony.Themeat,flour,milk,&c.,werecontractedfor,butwereofveryfairquality;andthedietary,whichhasbeenshowntomeinmanuscript,wasneitherbadnorunwholesome;nor,onthewhole,wasitwantinginvariety.Oatmealporridgeforbreakfast;apieceofoat-cakeforthosewhorequiredluncheon;bakedandboiledbeef,andmutton,potato-pie,andplainhomelypuddingsofdifferentkindsfordinner.Atfiveo’clock,breadandmilkfortheyoungerones;andonepieceofbread(thiswastheonlytimeatwhichthefoodwaslimited)fortheelderpupils,whosatuptillalatermealofthesame

description.

Mr.Wilsonhimselforderedinthefood,andwasanxiousthatitshouldbeofgoodquality.Butthecook,whohadmuchofhisconfidence,andagainstwhomforalongtimenoonedurstutteracomplaint,wascareless,dirty,andwasteful.Tosomechildrenoatmealporridgeisdistasteful,andconsequentlyunwholesome,evenwhenproperlymade;atCowanBridgeSchoolitwastoooftensentup,notmerelyburnt,butwithoffensivefragmentsofothersubstancesdiscoverableinit.Thebeef,thatshouldhavebeencarefullysaltedbeforeitwasdressed,hadoftenbecometaintedfromneglect;andgirls,whowereschool-fellowswiththeBrontës,duringthereignofthecookofwhomIamspeaking,tellmethatthehouseseemedtobepervaded,morning,noon,andnight,bytheodourofrancidfatthatsteamedoutoftheoveninwhichmuchoftheirfoodwasprepared.Therewasthesamecarelessnessinmakingthepuddings;oneofthoseorderedwasriceboiledinwater,andeatenwithasauceoftreacleandsugar;butitwasoftenuneatable,becausethewaterhadbeentakenoutoftheraintub,andwasstronglyimpregnatedwiththedustlodgingontheroof,whenceithadtrickleddownintotheoldwoodencask,whichalsoaddeditsownflavourtothatoftheoriginalrainwater.Themilk,too,wasoften“bingy,”touseacountryexpressionforakindoftaintthatisfarworsethansourness,andsuggeststheideathatitiscausedbywantofcleanlinessaboutthemilkpans,ratherthanbytheheatoftheweather.OnSaturdays,akindofpie,ormixtureofpotatoesandmeat,wasservedup,whichwasmadeofallthefragmentsaccumulatedduringtheweek.Scrapsofmeatfromadirtyanddisorderlylarder,couldneverbeveryappetizing;and,Ibelieve,thatthisdinnerwasmoreloathedthananyintheearlydaysofCowanBridgeSchool.Onemayfancyhowrepulsivesuchfarewouldbetochildrenwhoseappetitesweresmall,andwhohadbeenaccustomedtofood,farsimplerperhaps,butpreparedwithadelicatecleanlinessthatmadeitbothtemptingandwholesome.AtmanyamealthelittleBrontëswentwithoutfood,althoughcravingwithhunger.Theywerenotstrongwhentheycame,havingonlyjustrecoveredfromacomplicationofmeaslesandhooping-cough:indeed,Isuspecttheyhadscarcelyrecovered;fortherewassomeconsultationonthepartoftheschoolauthoritieswhetherMariaandElizabethshouldbereceivedornot,inJuly1824.Mr.Brontëcameagain,intheSeptemberofthatyear,bringingwithhimCharlotteandEmilytobeadmittedaspupils.

ItappearsstrangethatMr.Wilsonshouldnothavebeeninformedbytheteachersofthewayinwhichthefoodwasservedup;butwemustrememberthatthecookhadbeenknownforsometimetotheWilsonfamily,whiletheteachers

werebroughttogetherforanentirelydifferentwork—thatofeducation.Theywereexpresslygiventounderstandthatsuchwastheirdepartment;thebuyinginandmanagementoftheprovisionsrestedwithMr.Wilsonandthecook.Theteacherswould,ofcourse,beunwillingtolayanycomplaintsonthesubjectbeforehim.

Therewasanothertrialofhealthcommontoallthegirls.ThepathfromCowanBridgetoTunstallChurch,whereMr.Wilsonpreached,andwheretheyallattendedontheSunday,ismorethantwomilesinlength,andgoessweepingalongtheriseandfalloftheunshelteredcountry,inawaytomakeitafreshandexhilaratingwalkinsummer,butabittercoldoneinwinter,especiallytochildrenlikethedelicatelittleBrontës,whosethinbloodflowedlanguidlyinconsequenceoftheirfeebleappetitesrejectingthefoodpreparedforthem,andthusinducingahalf-starvedcondition.Thechurchwasnotwarmed,therebeingnomeansforthispurpose.Itstandsinthemidstoffields,andthedampmistmusthavegatheredroundthewalls,andcreptinatthewindows.Thegirlstooktheircolddinnerwiththem,andateitbetweentheservices,inachamberovertheentrance,openingoutoftheformergalleries.Thearrangementsforthisdaywerepeculiarlytryingtodelicatechildren,particularlytothosewhowerespiritlessandlongingforhome,aspoorMariaBrontëmusthavebeen;forherillhealthwasincreasing,andtheoldcough,theremainsofthehooping-cough,lingeredabouther.

Shewasfarsuperiorinmindtoanyofherplay-fellowsandcompanions,andwaslonelyamongstthemfromthatverycause;andyetshehadfaultssoannoyingthatshewasinconstantdisgracewithherteachers,andanobjectofmercilessdisliketooneofthem,whoisdepictedas“MissScatcherd”in“JaneEyre,”andwhoserealnameIwillbemercifulenoughnottodisclose.Ineedhardlysay,thatHelenBurnsisasexactatranscriptofMariaBrontëasCharlotte’swonderfulpowerofreproducingcharactercouldgive.Herheart,tothelatestdayonwhichwemet,stillbeatwithunavailingindignationattheworryingandthecrueltytowhichhergentle,patient,dyingsisterhadbeensubjectedbythiswoman.Notawordofthatpartof“JaneEyre”butisaliteralrepetitionofscenesbetweenthepupilandtheteacher.ThosewhohadbeenpupilsatthesametimeknewwhomusthavewrittenthebookfromtheforcewithwhichHelenBurns’sufferingsaredescribed.Theyhad,beforethat,recognisedthedescriptionofthesweetdignityandbenevolenceofMissTempleasonlyajusttributetothemeritsofonewhomallthatknewherappeartoholdinhonour;butwhenMissScatcherdwashelduptoopprobriumtheyalso

recognisedinthewriterof“JaneEyre”anunconsciouslyavengingsisterofthesufferer.

Oneoftheirfellow-pupils,amongotherstatementsevenworse,givesmethefollowing:—ThedormitoryinwhichMariasleptwasalongroom,holdingarowofnarrowlittlebedsoneachside,occupiedbythepupils;andattheendofthisdormitorytherewasasmallbed-chamberopeningoutofit,appropriatedtotheuseofMissScatcherd.Maria’sbedstoodnearesttothedoorofthisroom.Onemorning,aftershehadbecomesoseriouslyunwellastohavehadablisterappliedtoherside(thesorefromwhichwasnotperfectlyhealed),whenthegetting-upbellwasheard,poorMariamoanedoutthatshewassoill,soveryill,shewishedshemightstopinbed;andsomeofthegirlsurgedhertodoso,andsaidtheywouldexplainitalltoMissTemple,thesuperintendent.ButMissScatcherdwascloseathand,andherangerwouldhavetobefacedbeforeMissTemple’skindthoughtfulnesscouldinterfere;sothesickchildbegantodress,shiveringwithcold,as,withoutleavingherbed,sheslowlyputonherblackworstedstockingsoverherthinwhitelegs(myinformantspokeasifshesawityet,andherwholefaceflushedoutundyingindignation).JustthenMissScatcherdissuedfromherroom,and,withoutaskingforawordofexplanationfromthesickandfrightenedgirl,shetookherbythearm,onthesidetowhichtheblisterhadbeenapplied,andbyonevigorousmovementwhirledheroutintothemiddleofthefloor,abusingherallthetimefordirtyanduntidyhabits.Thereshelefther.Myinformantsays,Mariahardlyspoke,excepttobegsomeofthemoreindignantgirlstobecalm;but,inslow,tremblingmovements,withmanyapause,shewentdown-stairsatlast,—andwaspunishedforbeinglate.

AnyonemayfancyhowsuchaneventasthiswouldrankleinCharlotte’smind.Ionlywonderthatshedidnotremonstrateagainstherfather’sdecisiontosendherandEmilybacktoCowanBridge,afterMaria’sandElizabeth’sdeaths.Butfrequentlychildrenareunconsciousoftheeffectwhichsomeoftheirsimplerevelationswouldhaveinalteringtheopinionsentertainedbytheirfriendsofthepersonsplacedaroundthem.Besides,Charlotte’searnestvigorousmindsaw,atanunusuallyearlyage,theimmenseimportanceofeducation,asfurnishingherwithtoolswhichshehadthestrengthandthewilltowield,andshewouldbeawarethattheCowanBridgeeducationwas,inmanypoints,thebestthatherfathercouldprovideforher.

BeforeMariaBrontë’sdeath,thatlowfeverbrokeout,inthespringof1825,whichisspokenofin“JaneEyre.”Mr.Wilsonwasextremelyalarmedatthefirstsymptomsofthis.Hewenttoakindmotherlywoman,whohadhadsome

connectionwiththeschool—aslaundress,Ibelieve—andaskedhertocomeandtellhimwhatwasthematterwiththem.Shemadeherselfready,anddrovewithhiminhisgig.Whensheenteredtheschoolroom,shesawfromtwelvetofifteengirlslyingabout;somerestingtheirachingheadsonthetable,othersontheground;allheavy-eyed,flushed,indifferent,andweary,withpainsineverylimb.Somepeculiarodour,shesays,madeherrecognisethattheyweresickeningfor“thefever;”andshetoldMr.Wilsonso,andthatshecouldnotstaythereforfearofconveyingtheinfectiontoherownchildren;buthehalfcommanded,andhalfentreatedhertoremainandnursethem;andfinallymountedhisgiganddroveaway,whileshewasstillurgingthatshemustreturntoherownhouse,andtoherdomesticduties,forwhichshehadprovidednosubstitute.However,whenshewasleftinthisunceremoniousmanner,shedeterminedtomakethebestofit;andamostefficientnursesheproved:although,asshesays,itwasadrearytime.

Mr.Wilsonsuppliedeverythingorderedbythedoctors,ofthebestqualityandinthemostliberalmanner;theinvalidswereattendedbyDr.Batty,averycleversurgeoninKirby,whohadhadthemedicalsuperintendenceoftheestablishmentfromthebeginning,andwhoafterwardsbecameMr.Wilson’sbrother-in-law.IhaveheardfromtwowitnessesbesidesCharlotteBrontë,thatDr.Battycondemnedthepreparationofthefoodbytheexpressiveactionofspittingoutaportionofit.Hehimself,itisbutfairtosay,doesnotrememberthiscircumstance,nordoeshespeakofthefeveritselfaseitheralarmingordangerous.Aboutfortyofthegirlssufferedfromthis,butnoneofthemdiedatCowanBridge;thoughonediedatherownhome,sinkingunderthestateofhealthwhichfollowedit.NoneoftheBrontëshadthefever.Butthesamecauses,whichaffectedthehealthoftheotherpupilsthroughtyphus,toldmoreslowly,butnotlesssurely,upontheirconstitutions.Theprincipalofthesecauseswasthefood.

Thebadmanagementofthecookwaschieflytobeblamedforthis;shewasdismissed,andthewomanwhohadbeenforcedagainstherwilltoserveasheadnurse,tooktheplaceofhousekeeper;andhenceforwardthefoodwassowellpreparedthatnoonecouldeverreasonablycomplainofit.Ofcourseitcannotbeexpectedthatanewinstitution,comprisingdomesticandeducationalarrangementsfornearlyahundredpersons,shouldworkquitesmoothlyatthebeginning.

Allthisoccurredduringthefirsttwoyearsoftheestablishment,andinestimatingitseffectuponthecharacterofCharlotteBrontë,wemustremember

thatshewasasensitivethoughtfulchild,capableofreflectingdeeply,ifnotofanalyzingtruly;andpeculiarlysusceptible,asarealldelicateandsicklychildren,topainfulimpressions.Whatthehealthysufferfrombutmomentarilyandthenforget,thosewhoareailingbroodoverinvoluntarilyandrememberlong,—perhapswithnoresentment,butsimplyasapieceofsufferingthathasbeenstampedintotheirverylife.Thepictures,ideas,andconceptionsofcharacterreceivedintothemindofthechildofeightyearsold,weredestinedtobereproducedinfierywordsaquarterofacenturyafterwards.ShesawbutonesideofMr.Wilson’scharacter;andmanyofthosewhoknewhimatthattimeassuremeofthefidelitywithwhichthisisrepresented,whileatthesametimetheyregretthatthedelineationshouldhaveobliterated,asitwere,nearlyallthatwasnobleorconscientious.AndthatthereweregrandandfinequalitiesinMr.Wilson,Ihavereceivedabundantevidence.IndeedforseveralweekspastIhavereceivedlettersalmostdaily,bearingonthesubjectofthischapter;somevague,somedefinite;manyfullofloveandadmirationforMr.Wilson,someasfullofdislikeandindignation;fewcontainingpositivefacts.Aftergivingcarefulconsiderationtothismassofconflictingevidence,Ihavemadesuchalterationsandomissionsinthischapterasseemtometoberequired.ItisbutjusttostatethatthemajorpartofthetestimonywithwhichIhavebeenfavouredfromoldpupilsisinhighpraiseofMr.Wilson.AmongthelettersthatIhaveread,thereisonewhoseevidenceoughttobehighlyrespected.Itisfromthehusbandof“MissTemple.”Shediedin1856,buthe,aclergyman,thuswroteinreplytoaletteraddressedtohimonthesubjectbyoneofMr.Wilson’sfriends:—“OftenhaveIheardmylatedearwifespeakofhersojournatCowanBridge;alwaysintermsofadmirationofMr.CarusWilson,hisparentallovetohispupils,andtheirloveforhim;ofthefoodandgeneraltreatment,intermsofapproval.Ihaveheardheralludetoanunfortunatecook,whousedattimestospoiltheporridge,butwho,shesaid,wassoondismissed.”

TherecollectionsleftofthefourBrontësistersatthisperiodoftheirlives,onthemindsofthosewhoassociatedwiththem,arenotverydistinct.Wild,stronghearts,andpowerfulminds,werehiddenunderanenforcedproprietyandregularityofdemeanourandexpression,justastheirfaceshadbeenconcealedbytheirfather,underhisstiff,unchangingmask.Mariawasdelicate,unusuallycleverandthoughtfulforherage,gentle,anduntidy.Ofherfrequentdisgracefromthislastfault—ofhersufferings,sopatientlyborne—Ihavealreadyspoken.TheonlyglimpsewegetofElizabeth,throughthefewyearsofhershortlife,iscontainedinaletterwhichIhavereceivedfrom“MissTemple.”“Thesecond,Elizabeth,istheonlyoneofthefamilyofwhomIhaveavivid

recollection,fromhermeetingwithasomewhatalarmingaccident,inconsequenceofwhichIhadherforsomedaysandnightsinmybedroom,notonlyforthesakeofgreaterquiet,butthatImightwatchoverhermyself.Herheadwasseverelycut,butsheborealltheconsequentsufferingwithexemplarypatience,andbyitwonmuchuponmyesteem.Ofthetwoyoungerones(iftwotherewere)Ihaveveryslightrecollections,savethatone,adarlingchild,underfiveyearsofage,wasquitethepetnurslingoftheschool.”ThislastwouldbeEmily.Charlottewasconsideredthemosttalkativeofthesisters—a“bright,clever,littlechild.”Hergreatfriendwasacertain“MellanyHane”(soMr.Brontëspellsthename),whosebrotherpaidforherschooling,andwhohadnoremarkabletalentexceptformusic,whichherbrother’scircumstancesforbadehertocultivate.Shewas“ahungry,good-natured,ordinarygirl;”olderthanCharlotte,andeverreadytoprotectherfromanypettytyrannyorencroachmentsonthepartoftheeldergirls.Charlottealwaysrememberedherwithaffectionandgratitude.

Ihavequotedtheword“bright”intheaccountofCharlotte.Isuspectthatthisyearof1825wasthelasttimeitcouldeverbeappliedtoher.Inthespringofit,MariabecamesorapidlyworsethatMr.Brontëwassentfor.Hehadnotpreviouslybeenawareofherillness,andtheconditioninwhichhefoundherwasaterribleshocktohim.HetookherhomebytheLeedscoach,thegirlscrowdingoutintotheroadtofollowherwiththeireyesoverthebridge,pastthecottages,andthenoutofsightforever.Shediedaveryfewdaysafterherarrivalathome.Perhapsthenewsofherdeathfallingsuddenlyintothelifeofwhichherpatientexistencehadformedapart,onlyalittleweekorsobefore,madethosewhoremainedatCowanBridgelookwithmoreanxietyonElizabeth’ssymptoms,whichalsoturnedouttobeconsumptive.Shewassenthomeinchargeofaconfidentialservantoftheestablishment;andshe,too,diedintheearlysummerofthatyear.Charlottewasthussuddenlycalledintotheresponsibilitiesofeldestsisterinamotherlessfamily.SherememberedhowanxiouslyherdearsisterMariahadstriven,inhergraveearnestway,tobeatenderhelperandacounsellortothemall;andthedutiesthatnowfelluponherseemedalmostlikealegacyfromthegentlelittlesufferersolatelydead.

BothCharlotteandEmilyreturnedtoschoolaftertheMidsummerholidaysinthisfatalyear.Butbeforethenextwinteritwasthoughtdesirabletoadvisetheirremoval,asitwasevidentthatthedampsituationofthehouseatCowanBridgedidnotsuittheirhealth.{3}

CHAPTERV

Forthereasonjuststated,thelittlegirlsweresenthomeintheautumnof1825,whenCharlottewaslittlemorethannineyearsold.

Aboutthistime,anelderlywomanofthevillagecametoliveasservantattheparsonage.Sheremainedthere,asamemberofthehousehold,forthirtyyears;andfromthelengthofherfaithfulservice,andtheattachmentandrespectwhichsheinspired,isdeservingofmention.TabbywasathoroughspecimenofaYorkshirewomanofherclass,indialect,inappearance,andincharacter.Sheaboundedinstrongpracticalsenseandshrewdness.Herwordswerefarfromflattery;butshewouldsparenodeedsinthecauseofthosewhomshekindlyregarded.Sheruledthechildrenprettysharply;andyetnevergrudgedalittleextratroubletoprovidethemwithsuchsmalltreatsascamewithinherpower.Inreturn,sheclaimedtobelookeduponasahumblefriend;and,manyyearslater,MissBrontëtoldmethatshefounditsomewhatdifficulttomanage,asTabbyexpectedtobeinformedofallthefamilyconcerns,andyethadgrownsodeafthatwhatwasrepeatedtoherbecameknowntowhoevermightbeinoraboutthehouse.Toobviatethispublicationofwhatitmightbedesirabletokeepsecret,MissBrontëusedtotakeheroutforawalkonthesolitarymoors;where,whenbothwereseatedonatuftofheather,insomehighlonelyplace,shecouldacquainttheoldwoman,atleisure,withallthatshewantedtohear.

TabbyhadlivedinHaworthinthedayswhenthepack-horseswentthroughonceaweek,withtheirtinklingbellsandgayworstedadornment,carryingtheproduceofthecountryfromKeighleyoverthehillstoColneandBurnley.Whatismore,shehadknownthe“bottom,”orvalley,inthoseprimitivedayswhenthefairiesfrequentedthemarginofthe“beck”onmoonlightnights,andhadknownfolkwhohadseenthem.Butthatwaswhentherewerenomillsinthevalleys;andwhenallthewool-spinningwasdonebyhandinthefarm-housesround.“Itwurthefactoriesashaddriven‘emaway,”shesaid.Nodoubtshehadmanyataletotellofby-gonedaysofthecountry-side;oldwaysofliving,formerinhabitants,decayedgentry,whohadmeltedaway,andwhoseplacesknewthemnomore;familytragedies,anddarksuperstitiousdooms;andintellingthese

things,withouttheleastconsciousnessthattheremighteverbeanythingrequiringtobesofteneddown,wouldgiveatfulllengththebareandsimpledetails.

MissBranwellinstructedthechildrenatregularhoursinallshecouldteach,makingherbed-chamberintotheirschoolroom.Theirfatherwasinthehabitofrelatingtothemanypublicnewsinwhichhefeltaninterest;andfromtheopinionsofhisstrongandindependentmindtheywouldgathermuchfoodforthought;butIdonotknowwhetherhegavethemanydirectinstruction.Charlotte’sdeepthoughtfulspiritappearstohavefeltalmostpainfullythetenderresponsibilitywhichresteduponherwithreferencetoherremainingsisters.ShewasonlyeighteenmonthsolderthanEmily;butEmilyandAnneweresimplycompanionsandplaymates,whileCharlottewasmotherlyfriendandguardiantoboth;andthislovingassumptionofdutiesbeyondheryears,madeherfeelconsiderablyolderthanshereallywas.

PatrickBranwell,theironlybrother,wasaboyofremarkablepromise,and,insomeways,ofextraordinaryprecocityoftalent.Mr.Brontë’sfriendsadvisedhimtosendhissontoschool;but,rememberingboththestrengthofwillofhisownyouthandhismodeofemployingit,hebelievedthatPatrickwasbetterathome,andthathehimselfcouldteachhimwell,ashehadtaughtothersbefore.SoPatrick,orashisfamilycalledhim—Branwell,remainedatHaworth,workinghardforsomehoursadaywithhisfather;but,whenthetimeofthelatterwastakenupwithhisparochialduties,theboywasthrownintochancecompanionshipwiththeladsofthevillage—foryouthwilltoyouth,andboyswilltoboys.

Still,hewasassociatedinmanyofhissisters’playsandamusements.Theseweremostlyofasedentaryandintellectualnature.Ihavehadacuriouspacketconfidedtome,containinganimmenseamountofmanuscript,inaninconceivablysmallspace;tales,dramas,poems,romances,writtenprincipallybyCharlotte,inahandwhichitisalmostimpossibletodecipherwithouttheaidofamagnifyingglass.Nodescriptionwillgivesogoodanideaoftheextrememinutenessofthewritingastheannexedfacsimileofapage.

Amongthesepapersthereisalistofherworks,whichIcopy,asacuriousproofhowearlytherageforliterarycompositionhadseizeduponher:—

CATALOGUEOFMYBOOKS,WITHTHEPERIODOFTHEIRCOMPLETION,UPTOAUGUST3RD,1830.

Tworomantictalesinonevolume;viz.,TheTwelveAdventurersandtheAdventuresinIreland,April2nd,1829.

TheSearchafterHappiness,aTale,Aug.1st,1829.

LeisureHours,aTale,andtwoFragments,July6th1829.

TheAdventuresofEdwarddeCrack,aTale,Feb.2nd,1830.

TheAdventuresofErnestAlembert,aTale,May26th,1830.

AninterestingIncidentintheLivesofsomeofthemosteminentPersonsoftheAge,aTale,June10th,1830.

TalesoftheIslanders,infourvolumes.Contentsofthe1stVol.:—l.AnAccountoftheirOrigin;2.ADescriptionofVisionIsland;3.Ratten’sAttempt;4.LordCharlesWellesleyandtheMarquisofDouro’sAdventure;completedJune31st,1829.2ndVol.:—1.TheSchool-rebellion;2.ThestrangeIncidentintheDukeofWellington’sLife;3.TaletohisSons;4.TheMarquisofDouroandLordCharlesWellesley’sTaletohislittleKingandQueen;completedDec.2nd,1829.3rdVol.:—1.TheDukeofWellington’sAdventureintheCavern;2.TheDukeofWellingtonandthelittleKing’sandQueen’svisittotheHorse-Guards;completedMay8th,1830.4thVol.:—1.ThethreeoldWasher-womenofStrathfieldsaye;2.LordC.Wellesley’sTaletohisBrother;completedJuly30th,1830.

CharactersofGreatMenofthePresentAge,Dec.17th1829.

TheYoungMen’sMagazines,inSixNumbers,fromAugusttoDecember,thelattermonthsdoublenumber,completedDecemberthe12th,1829.Generalindextotheircontents:—1.ATrueStory;2.CausesoftheWar;3.ASong;4.Conversations;5.ATrueStorycontinued;6.TheSpiritofCawdor;7.InteriorofaPothouse,aPoem;8.TheGlassTown,aSong;9.TheSilverCup,aTale;10.TheTableandVaseintheDesert,aSong;11.Conversations;12.SceneontheGreatBridge;13.SongoftheAncientBritons;14.SceneinmyTun,aTale;15.AnAmericanTale;16.LineswrittenonseeingtheGardenofaGenius;17.TheLayoftheGlassTown;18.TheSwissArtist,aTale;19.LinesontheTransferofthisMagazine;20.OntheSame,byadifferenthand;21.ChiefGeniiinCouncil;22.HarvestinSpain;23.TheSwissArtistscontinued;24.Conversations.

ThePoetaster,aDrama,in2volumes,July12th,1830.

ABookofRhymes,finishedDecember17th,1829.Contents:—1.TheBeautyofNature;2.AShortPoem;3.MeditationswhileJourneyinginaCanadianForest;4.SongofanExile;5.OnSeeingtheRuinsoftheTowerofBabel;6.AThingof14lines;7.LineswrittenontheBankofaRiveronefineSummerEvening;8.Spring,aSong;9.Autumn,aSong.

MiscellaneousPoems,finishedMay30th,1830.Contents:—1.TheChurchyard;2.DescriptionoftheDukeofWellington’sPalaceonthePleasantBanksoftheLusiva;thisarticleisasmallprosetaleorincident;3.Pleasure;4.LineswrittenontheSummitofahighMountainoftheNorthofEngland;5.Winter;6.TwoFragments,namely,1st,TheVision;2nd,AShortuntitledPoem;theEveningWalk,aPoem,June23rd,1830.

Makinginthewholetwenty-twovolumes.

C.BRONTË,August3,1830

Aseachvolumecontainsfromsixtytoahundredpages,andthesizeofthepagelithographedisratherlessthantheaverage,theamountofthewholeseemsverygreat,ifwerememberthatitwasallwritteninaboutfifteenmonths.Somuchforthequantity;thequalitystrikesmeasofsingularmeritforagirlofthirteenorfourteen.Bothasaspecimenofherprosestyleatthistime,andalsoasrevealingsomethingofthequietdomesticlifeledbythesechildren,Itakeanextractfromtheintroductionto“TalesoftheIslanders,”thetitleofoneoftheir“LittleMagazines:”—

“Junethe31st,1829.

“Theplayofthe‘Islanders’wasformedinDecember,1827,inthefollowingmanner.Onenight,aboutthetimewhenthecoldsleetandstormyfogsofNovemberaresucceededbythesnow-storms,andhighpiercingnightwindsofconfirmedwinter,wewereallsittingroundthewarmblazingkitchenfire,havingjustconcludedaquarrelwithTabbyconcerningtheproprietyoflightingacandle,fromwhichshecameoffvictorious,nocandlehavingbeenproduced.Alongpausesucceeded,whichwasatlastbrokenbyBranwellsaying,inalazymanner,‘Idon’tknowwhattodo.’ThiswasechoedbyEmilyandAnne.

“Tabby.‘Whayamaygot’bed.’

“Branwell.‘I’dratherdoanythingthanthat.’

“Charlotte.‘Whyareyousoglumto-night,Tabby?Oh!supposewehadeachanislandofourown.’

“Branwell.‘IfwehadIwouldchoosetheIslandofMan.’

“Charlotte.‘AndIwouldchoosetheIsleofWight.’

“Emily.‘TheIsleofArranforme.’

“Anne.‘AndmineshallbeGuernsey.’

“Wethenchosewhoshouldbechiefmeninourislands.BranwellchoseJohnBull,AstleyCooper,andLeighHunt;Emily,WalterScott,Mr.Lockhart,JohnnyLockhart;Anne,MichaelSadler,LordBentinck,SirHenryHalford.IchosetheDukeofWellingtonandtwosons,ChristopherNorthandCo.,andMr.Abernethy.Hereourconversationwasinterruptedbythe,tous,dismalsoundoftheclockstrikingseven,andweweresummonedofftobed.Thenextdayweaddedmanyotherstoourlistofmen,tillwegotalmostallthechiefmenofthekingdom.Afterthis,foralongtime,nothingworthnoticingoccurred.InJune,1828,weerectedaschoolonafictitiousisland,whichwastocontain1,000children.Themannerofthebuildingwasasfollows.TheIslandwasfiftymilesincircumference,andcertainlyappearedmoreliketheworkofenchantmentthananythingreal,”&c.

Twoorthreethingsstrikememuchinthisfragment;oneisthegraphicvividnesswithwhichthetimeoftheyear,thehouroftheevening,thefeelingofcoldanddarknessoutside,thesoundofthenight-windssweepingoverthedesolatesnow-coveredmoors,comingnearerandnearer,andatlastshakingtheverydooroftheroomwheretheyweresitting—foritopenedoutdirectlyonthatbleak,wideexpanse—iscontrastedwiththeglow,andbusybrightnessofthecheerfulkitchenwheretheseremarkablechildrenaregrouped.Tabbymovesaboutinherquaintcountry-dress,frugal,peremptory,pronetofindfaultprettysharply,yetallowingnooneelsetoblameherchildren,wemayfeelsure.Anothernoticeablefactistheintelligentpartisanshipwithwhichtheychoosetheirgreatmen,whoarealmostallstanchToriesofthetime.Moreover,theydonotconfinethemselvestolocalheroes;theirrangeofchoicehasbeenwidenedbyhearingmuchofwhatisnotusuallyconsideredtointerestchildren.LittleAnne,agedscarcelyeight,picksoutthepoliticiansofthedayforherchiefmen.

Thereisanotherscrapofpaper,inthisallbutillegiblehandwriting,written

aboutthistime,andwhichgivessomeideaofthesourcesoftheiropinions.

THEHISTORYOFTHEYEAR1829.

“OncePapalentmysisterMariaabook.Itwasanoldgeography-book;shewroteonitsblankleaf,‘Papalentmethisbook.’Thisbookisahundredandtwentyyearsold;itisatthismomentlyingbeforeme.WhileIwritethisIaminthekitchenoftheParsonage,Haworth;Tabby,theservant,iswashingupthebreakfast-things,andAnne,myyoungestsister(Mariawasmyeldest),iskneelingonachair,lookingatsomecakeswhichTabbyhasbeenbakingforus.Emilyisintheparlour,brushingthecarpet.PapaandBranwellaregonetoKeighley.Auntisupstairsinherroom,andIamsittingbythetablewritingthisinthekitchen.Keighleyisasmalltownfourmilesfromhere.PapaandBranwellaregoneforthenewspaper,the‘LeedsIntelligencer,’amostexcellentTorynewspaper,editedbyMr.Wood,andtheproprietor,Mr.Henneman.Wetaketwoandseethreenewspapersaweek.Wetakethe‘LeedsIntelligencer,’Tory,andthe‘LeedsMercury,’Whig,editedbyMr.Baines,andhisbrother,son-in-law,andhistwosons,EdwardandTalbot.Weseethe‘JohnBull;’itisahighTory,veryviolent.Mr.Driverlendsusit,aslikewise‘Blackwood’sMagazine,’themostableperiodicalthereis.TheEditorisMr.ChristopherNorth,anoldmanseventy-fouryearsofage;the1stofAprilishisbirth-day;hiscompanyareTimothyTickler,MorganO’Doherty,MacrabinMordecai,Mullion,Warnell,andJamesHogg,amanofmostextraordinarygenius,aScottishshepherd.Ourplayswereestablished;‘YoungMen,’June,1826;‘OurFellows,’July,1827;‘Islanders,’December,1827.Theseareourthreegreatplays,thatarenotkeptsecret.Emily’sandmybestplayswereestablishedthe1stofDecember,1827;theothersMarch,1828.Bestplaysmeansecretplays;theyareveryniceones.Allourplaysareverystrangeones.TheirnatureIneednotwriteonpaper,forIthinkIshallalwaysrememberthem.The‘YoungMen’s’playtookitsrisefromsomewoodensoldiersBranwellhad:‘OurFellows’from‘Æsop’sFables;’andthe‘Islanders’fromseveraleventswhichhappened.IwillsketchouttheoriginofourplaysmoreexplicitlyifIcan.First,‘YoungMen.’PapaboughtBranwellsomewoodensoldiersatLeeds;whenPapacamehomeitwasnight,andwewereinbed,sonextmorningBranwellcametoourdoorwithaboxofsoldiers.EmilyandIjumpedoutofbed,andIsnatcheduponeandexclaimed,‘ThisistheDukeofWellington!ThisshallbetheDuke!’WhenIhadsaidthis,Emilylikewisetookuponeandsaiditshouldbehers;whenAnnecamedown,shesaidoneshouldbehers.Minewastheprettiestofthewhole,andthetallest,andthemostperfectineverypart.Emily’swasagrave-lookingfellow,andwecalled

him‘Gravey.’Anne’swasaqueerlittlething,muchlikeherself,andwecalledhim‘Waiting-Boy.’Branwellchosehis,andcalledhim‘Buonaparte.’”

TheforegoingextractshowssomethingofthekindofreadinginwhichthelittleBrontëswereinterested;buttheirdesireforknowledgemusthavebeenexcitedinmanydirections,forIfinda“listofpainterswhoseworksIwishtosee,”drawnupbyCharlottewhenshewasscarcelythirteen:—

“GuidoReni,JulioRomano,Titian,Raphael,MichaelAngelo,Correggio,AnnibalCaracci,LeonardodaVinci,FraBartolomeo,CarloCignani,Vandyke,Rubens,BartolomeoRamerghi.”

Hereisthislittlegirl,inaremoteYorkshireparsonage,whohasprobablyneverseenanythingworthythenameofapaintinginherlife,studyingthenamesandcharacteristicsofthegreatoldItalianandFlemishmasters,whoseworksshelongstoseesometime,inthedimfuturethatliesbeforeher!Thereisapaperremainingwhichcontainsminutestudiesof,andcriticismsupon,theengravingsin“Friendship’sOfferingfor1829;”showinghowshehadearlyformedthosehabitsofcloseobservation,andpatientanalysisofcauseandeffect,whichservedsowellinafter-lifeashandmaidstohergenius.

ThewayinwhichMr.Brontëmadehischildrensympathisewithhiminhisgreatinterestinpolitics,musthavedonemuchtoliftthemabovethechancesoftheirmindsbeinglimitedortaintedbypettylocalgossip.Itaketheonlyotherremainingpersonalfragmentoutof“TalesoftheIslanders;”itisasortofapology,containedintheintroductiontothesecondvolume,fortheirnothavingbeencontinuedbefore;thewritershadbeenforalongtimetoobusy,andlatterlytoomuchabsorbedinpolitics.

“Parliamentwasopened,andthegreatCatholicquestionwasbroughtforward,andtheDuke’smeasuresweredisclosed,andallwasslander,violence,party-spirit,andconfusion.Oh,thosesixmonths,fromthetimeoftheKing’sspeechtotheend!Nobodycouldwrite,think,orspeakonanysubjectbuttheCatholicquestion,andtheDukeofWellington,andMr.Peel.IrememberthedaywhentheIntelligenceExtraordinarycamewithMr.Peel’sspeechinit,containingthetermsonwhichtheCatholicsweretobeletin!WithwhateagernessPapatoreoffthecover,andhowweallgatheredroundhim,andwithwhatbreathlessanxietywelistened,asonebyonetheyweredisclosed,andexplained,andargueduponsoably,andsowell!andthenwhenitwasallout,howauntsaidthatshethoughtitwasexcellent,andthattheCatholicscoulddonoharmwith

suchgoodsecurity!IrememberalsothedoubtsastowhetheritwouldpasstheHouseofLords,andthepropheciesthatitwouldnot;andwhenthepapercamewhichwastodecidethequestion,theanxietywasalmostdreadfulwithwhichwelistenedtothewholeaffair:theopeningofthedoors;thehush;theroyaldukesintheirrobes,andthegreatdukeingreensashandwaistcoat;therisingofallthepeeresseswhenherose;thereadingofhisspeech—Papasayingthathiswordswerelikepreciousgold;andlastly,themajorityofonetofour(sic)infavouroftheBill.Butthisisadigression,”&c.,&c.

Thismusthavebeenwrittenwhenshewasbetweenthirteenandfourteen.

Itwillbeinterestingtosomeofmyreaderstoknowwhatwasthecharacterofherpurelyimaginativewritingatthisperiod.Whileherdescriptionofanyrealoccurrenceis,aswehaveseen,homely,graphic,andforcible,whenshegiveswaytoherpowersofcreation,herfancyandherlanguagealikerunriot,sometimestotheverybordersofapparentdelirium.Ofthiswildweirdwriting,asingleexamplewillsuffice.Itisalettertotheeditorofoneofthe“LittleMagazines.”

“Sir,—ItiswellknownthattheGeniihavedeclaredthatunlesstheyperformcertainarduousdutieseveryyear,ofamysteriousnature,alltheworldsinthefirmamentwillbeburntup,andgatheredtogetherinonemightyglobe,whichwillrollinsolitarygrandeurthroughthevastwildernessofspace,inhabitedonlybythefourhighprincesoftheGenii,tilltimeshallbesucceededbyEternity;andtheimpudenceofthisisonlytobeparalleledbyanotheroftheirassertions,namely,thatbytheirmagicmighttheycanreducetheworldtoadesert,thepurestwaterstostreamsoflividpoison,andtheclearestlakestostagnantwaters,thepestilentialvapoursofwhichshallslayalllivingcreatures,excepttheblood-thirstybeastoftheforest,andtheravenousbirdoftherock.ButthatinthemidstofthisdesolationthepalaceoftheChiefGeniishallrisesparklinginthewilderness,andthehorriblehowloftheirwar-cryshallspreadoverthelandatmorning,atnoontideandnight;butthattheyshallhavetheirannualfeastoverthebonesofthedead,andshallyearlyrejoicewiththejoyofvictors.Ithink,sir,thatthehorriblewickednessofthisneedsnoremark,andthereforeIhastetosubscribemyself,&c.

“July14,1829.”

Itisnotunlikelythattheforegoinglettermayhavehadsomeallegoricalorpoliticalreference,invisibletooureyes,butverycleartothebrightlittlemindsforwhomitwasintended.Politicswereevidentlytheirgrandinterest;theDukeofWellingtontheirdemi-god.Allthatrelatedtohimbelongedtotheheroicage.DidCharlottewantaknight-errant,oradevotedlover,theMarquisofDouro,orLordCharlesWellesley,camereadytoherhand.Thereishardlyoneofherprose-writingsatthistimeinwhichtheyarenottheprincipalpersonages,andinwhichtheir“augustfather”doesnotappearasasortofJupiterTonans,orDeusexMachinâ.

AsoneevidencehowWellesleyhauntedherimagination,Icopyoutafewofthetitlestoherpapersinthevariousmagazines.

“LiffeyCastle,”aTalebyLordC.Wellesley.

“LinestotheRiverAragua,”bytheMarquisofDouro.

“AnExtraordinaryDream,”byLordC.Wellesley.

“TheGreenDwarf,aTaleofthePerfectTense,”bytheLordCharlesAlbertFlorianWellesley.

“StrangeEvents,”byLordC.A.F.Wellesley.

Lifeinanisolatedvillage,oralonelycountry-house,presentsmanylittleoccurrenceswhichsinkintothemindofchildhood,theretobebroodedover.Noothereventmayhavehappened,orbelikelytohappen,fordays,topushoneoftheseaside,beforeithasassumedavagueandmysteriousimportance.Thus,childrenleadingasecludedlifeareoftenthoughtfulanddreamy:theimpressionsmadeuponthembytheworldwithout—theunusualsightsofearthandsky—theaccidentalmeetingswithstrangefacesandfigures(rareoccurrencesinthoseout-of-the-wayplaces)—aresometimesmagnifiedbythemintothingssodeeplysignificantastobealmostsupernatural.ThispeculiarityIperceiveverystronglyinCharlotte’swritingsatthistime.Indeed,underthecircumstances,itisnopeculiarity.Ithasbeencommontoall,fromtheChaldeanshepherds—“thelonelyherdsmanstretchedonthesoftgrassthroughhalfasummer’sday”—thesolitarymonk—toallwhoseimpressionsfromwithouthavehadtimetogrowandvivifyintheimagination,tilltheyhavebeenreceivedasactualpersonifications,orsupernaturalvisions,todoubtwhichwouldbeblasphemy.

TocounterbalancethistendencyinCharlotte,wasthestrongcommonsensenaturaltoher,anddailycalledintoexercisebytherequirementsofherpracticallife.Herdutieswerenotmerelytolearnherlessons,toreadacertainquantity,togaincertainideas;shehad,besides,tobrushrooms,torunerrandsupanddownstairs,tohelpinthesimplerformsofcooking,tobebyturnsplay-fellowandmonitresstoheryoungersistersandbrother,tomakeandtomend,andtostudyeconomyunderhercarefulaunt.Thusweseethat,whileherimaginationreceivedvividimpressions,herexcellentunderstandinghadfullpowertorectifythembeforeherfanciesbecamerealities.Onascrapofpaper,shehaswrittendownthefollowingrelation:—

“June22,1830,6o’clockp.m.“Haworth,nearBradford.

“Thefollowingstrangeoccurrencehappenedonthe22ndofJune,1830:—AtthetimePapawasveryill,confinedtohisbed,andsoweakthathecouldnotrisewithoutassistance.TabbyandIwerealoneinthekitchen,abouthalf-pastnineante-meridian.Suddenlyweheardaknockatthedoor;Tabbyroseandopenedit.Anoldmanappeared,standingwithout,whoaccostedherthus:—

“OldMan.—‘Doestheparsonlivehere?’

“Tabby.—‘Yes.’

“OldMan.—‘Iwishtoseehim.’

“Tabby.—‘Heispoorlyinbed.’

“OldMan.—‘Ihaveamessageforhim.’

“Tabby.—‘Whofrom?’

“OldMan.—‘FromtheLord.’

“Tabby.—‘Who?’

“OldMan.—‘TheLord.HedesiresmetosaythattheBridegroomiscoming,andthatwemustpreparetomeethim;thatthecordsareabouttobeloosed,andthegoldenbowlbroken;thepitcherbrokenatthefountain.’

“Hereheconcludedhisdiscourse,andabruptlywenthisway.AsTabbyclosedthedoor,Iaskedherifsheknewhim.Herreplywas,thatshehadneverseenhimbefore,noranyonelikehim.ThoughIamfullypersuadedthathewassomefanaticalenthusiast,wellmeaningperhaps,bututterlyignorantoftruepiety;yetIcouldnotforbearweepingathiswords,spokensounexpectedlyatthatparticularperiod.”

Thoughthedateofthefollowingpoemisalittleuncertain,itmaybemostconvenienttointroduceithere.Itmusthavebeenwrittenbefore1833,buthowmuchearliertherearenomeansofdetermining.Igiveitasaspecimenoftheremarkablepoeticaltalentshowninthevariousdiminutivewritingsofthistime;atleast,inallofthemwhichIhavebeenabletoread.

THEWOUNDEDSTAG.

PassingamidthedeepestshadeOfthewood’ssombreheart,LastnightIsawawoundeddeerLaidlonelyandapart.

Suchlightaspiercedthecrowdedboughs(Lightscattered,scantanddim,)PassedthroughthefernthatformedhiscouchAndcentredfullonhim.

Paintrembledinhiswearylimbs,Painfilledhispatienteye,Pain-crushedamidtheshadowyfernHisbranchycrowndidlie.

Wherewerehiscomrades?wherehismate?Allfromhisdeath-bedgone!Andhe,thusstruckanddesolate,Sufferedandbledalone.

Didhefeelwhatamanmightfeel,Friend-left,andsoredistrest?DidPain’skeendart,andGrief’ssharpstingStriveinhismangledbreast?

DidlongingforaffectionlostBarbeverydeadlydart;Loveunrepaid,andFaithbetrayed,Didthesetormenthisheart?

No!leavetomanhisproperdoom!ThesearethepangsthatriseAroundthebedofstateandgloom,WhereAdam’soffspringdies!

CHAPTERVI

ThisisperhapsafittingtimetogivesomepersonaldescriptionofMissBrontë.In1831,shewasaquiet,thoughtfulgirl,ofnearlyfifteenyearsofage,verysmallinfigure—“stunted”wasthewordsheappliedtoherself,—butasherlimbsandheadwereinjustproportiontotheslight,fragilebody,nowordineversoslightadegreesuggestiveofdeformitycouldproperlybeappliedtoher;withsoft,thick,brownhair,andpeculiareyes,ofwhichIfinditdifficulttogiveadescription,astheyappearedtomeinherlaterlife.Theywerelargeandwellshaped;theircolourareddishbrown;butiftheiriswascloselyexamined,itappearedtobecomposedofagreatvarietyoftints.Theusualexpressionwasofquiet,listeningintelligence;butnowandthen,onsomejustoccasionforvividinterestorwholesomeindignation,alightwouldshineout,asifsomespirituallamphadbeenkindled,whichglowedbehindthoseexpressiveorbs.Ineversawthelikeinanyotherhumancreature.Asfortherestofherfeatures,theywereplain,large,andillset;but,unlessyoubegantocataloguethem,youwerehardlyawareofthefact,fortheeyesandpowerofthecountenanceover-balancedeveryphysicaldefect;thecrookedmouthandthelargenosewereforgotten,andthewholefacearrestedtheattention,andpresentlyattractedallthosewhomsheherselfwouldhavecaredtoattract.HerhandsandfeetwerethesmallestIeversaw;whenoneoftheformerwasplacedinmine,itwaslikethesofttouchofabirdinthemiddleofmypalm.Thedelicatelongfingershadapeculiarfinenessofsensation,whichwasonereasonwhyallherhandiwork,ofwhateverkind—writing,sewing,knitting—wassoclearinitsminuteness.Shewasremarkablyneatinherwholepersonalattire;butshewasdaintyastothefitofhershoesandgloves.

Icanwellimaginethatthegraveseriouscomposure,which,whenIknewher,gaveherfacethedignityofanoldVenetianportrait,wasnoacquisitionoflateryears,butdatedfromthatearlyagewhenshefoundherselfinthepositionofaneldersistertomotherlesschildren.Butinagirlonlyjustenteredonherteens,suchanexpressionwouldbecalled(touseacountryphrase)“old-fashioned;”andin1831,theperiodofwhichInowwrite,wemustthinkofherasalittle,set,

antiquatedgirl,veryquietinmanners,andveryquaintindress;forbesidestheinfluenceexertedbyherfather’sideasconcerningthesimplicityofattirebefittingthewifeanddaughtersofacountryclergyman,heraunt,onwhomthedutyofdressingherniecesprincipallydevolved,hadneverbeeninsocietysincesheleftPenzance,eightornineyearsbefore,andthePenzancefashionsofthatdaywerestilldeartoherheart.

InJanuary,1831,Charlottewassenttoschoolagain.ThistimeshewentasapupiltoMissW---,wholivedatRoeHead,acheerfulroomycountryhouse,standingalittleapartinafield,ontherightoftheroadfromLeedstoHuddersfield.Threetiersofold-fashionedsemicircularbowwindowsrunfrombasementtoroof;andlookdownuponalonggreenslopeofpasture-land,endinginthepleasantwoodsofKirklees,SirGeorgeArmitage’spark.AlthoughRoeHeadandHawortharenottwentymilesapart,theaspectofthecountryisastotallydissimilarasiftheyenjoyedadifferentclimate.Thesoftcurvingandheavinglandscaperoundtheformergivesastrangertheideaofcheerfulairinessontheheights,andofsunnywarmthinthebroadgreenvalleysbelow.Itisjustsuchaneighbourhoodasthemonksloved,andtracesoftheoldPlantagenettimesaretobemetwitheverywhere,sidebysidewiththemanufacturinginterestsoftheWestRidingofto-day.ThereistheparkofKirklees,fullofsunnyglades,speckledwithblackshadowsofimmemorialyew-trees;thegreypileofbuilding,formerlya“HouseofprofessedLadies;”themoulderingstoneinthedepthofthewood,underwhichRobinHoodissaidtolie;closeoutsidethepark,anoldstone-gabledhouse,nowaroadsideinn,butwhichbearsthenameofthe“ThreeNuns,”andhasapicturedsigntocorrespond.Andthisquaintoldinnisfrequentedbyfustian-dressedmill-handsfromtheneighbouringworstedfactories,whichstrewthehighroadfromLeedstoHuddersfield,andformthecentresroundwhichfuturevillagesgather.Sucharethecontrastsofmodesofliving,andoftimesandseasons,broughtbeforethetravelleronthegreatroadsthattraversetheWestRiding.InnootherpartofEngland,Ifancy,arethecenturiesbroughtintosuchclose,strangecontactasinthedistrictinwhichRoeHeadissituated.WithinsixmilesofMissW---’shouse—ontheleftoftheroad,comingfromLeeds—lietheremainsofHowleyHall,nowthepropertyofLordCardigan,butformerlybelongingtoabranchoftheSaviles.NeartoitisLadyAnne’swell;“LadyAnne,”accordingtotradition,havingbeenworriedandeatenbywolvesasshesatatthewell,towhichtheindigo-dyedfactorypeoplefromBirstallandBatleywoollenmillswouldformerlyrepaironPalmSunday,whenthewaterspossessremarkablemedicinalefficacy;anditisstillbelievedbysomethattheyassumeastrangevarietyofcoloursatsixo’clock

onthemorningofthatday.

AllroundthelandsheldbythefarmerwholivesintheremainsofHowleyHallarestonehousesofto-day,occupiedbythepeoplewhoaremakingtheirlivingandtheirfortunesbythewoollenmillsthatencroachuponandshoulderouttheproprietorsoftheancienthalls.Thesearetobeseenineverydirection,picturesque,many-gabled,withheavystonecarvingsofcoatsofarmsforheraldicornament;belongingtodecayedfamilies,fromwhoseancestrallandsfieldafterfieldhasbeenshornaway,bytheurgencyofrichmanufacturerspressingharduponnecessity.

AsmokyatmospheresurroundstheseolddwellingsofformerYorkshiresquires,andblightsandblackenstheancienttreesthatovershadowthem;cinder-pathsleaduptothem;thegroundroundaboutissoldforbuildingupon;butstilltheneighbours,thoughtheysubsistbyadifferentstateofthings,rememberthattheirforefatherslivedinagriculturaldependenceupontheownersofthesehalls;andtreasureupthetraditionsconnectedwiththestatelyhouseholdsthatexistedcenturiesago.TakeOakwellHall,forinstance.Itstandsinapasture-field,aboutaquarterofamilefromthehighroad.Itisbutthatdistancefromthebusywhirrofthesteam-enginesemployedinthewoollenmillsatBirstall;andifyouwalktoitfromBirstallStationaboutmeal-time,youencounterstringsofmill-hands,bluewithwoollendye,andcranchinginhungryhasteoverthecinder-pathsborderingthehighroad.Turningofffromthistotheright,youascendthroughanoldpasture-field,andenterashortby-road,calledthe“BloodyLane”—awalkhauntedbytheghostofacertainCaptainBatt,thereprobateproprietorofanoldhallcloseby,inthedaysoftheStuarts.Fromthe“BloodyLane,”overshadowedbytrees,youcomeintothefieldinwhichOakwellHallissituated.Itisknownintheneighbourhoodtobetheplacedescribedas“FieldHead,”Shirley’sresidence.Theenclosureinfront,halfcourt,halfgarden;thepanelledhall,withthegalleryopeningintothebed-chambersrunninground;thebarbarouspeach-coloureddrawing-room;thebrightlook-outthroughthegarden-dooruponthegrassylawnsandterracesbehind,wherethesoft-huedpigeonsstilllovetocooandstrutinthesun,—aredescribedin“Shirley.”Thesceneryofthatfictionliesclosearound;therealeventswhichsuggestedittookplaceintheimmediateneighbourhood.

Theyshowabloodyfootprintinabed-chamberofOakwellHall,andtellastoryconnectedwithit,andwiththelanebywhichthehouseisapproached.CaptainBattwasbelievedtobefaraway;hisfamilywasatOakwell;wheninthedusk,onewinterevening,hecamestalkingalongthelane,andthroughthehall,andup

thestairs,intohisownroom,wherehevanished.HehadbeenkilledinaduelinLondonthatverysameafternoonofDecember9th,1684.

ThestonesoftheHallformedpartofthemoreancientvicarage,whichanancestorofCaptainBatt’shadseizedinthetroubloustimesforpropertywhichsucceededtheReformation.ThisHenryBattpossessedhimselfofhousesandmoneywithoutscruple;and,atlast,stolethegreatbellofBirstallChurch,forwhichsacrilegioustheftafinewasimposedontheland,andhastobepaidbytheowneroftheHalltothisday.

ButtheOakwellpropertypassedoutofthehandsoftheBattsatthebeginningofthelastcentury;collateraldescendantssucceeded,andleftthispicturesquetraceoftheirhavingbeen.Inthegreathallhangsamightypairofstag’shorns,anddependentfromthemaprintedcard,recordingthefactthat,onthe1stofSeptember,1763,therewasagreathunting-match,whenthisstagwasslain;andthatfourteengentlemensharedinthechase,anddinedonthespoilinthathall,alongwithFairfaxFearneley,Esq.,theowner.Thefourteennamesaregiven,doubtless“mightymenofyore;”but,amongthemall,SirFletcherNorton,Attorney-General,andMajor-GeneralBirchweretheonlyoneswithwhichIhadanyassociationin1855.PassingonfromOakwellthereliehousesrightandleft,whichwerewellknowntoMissBrontëwhenshelivedatRoeHead,asthehospitablehomesofsomeofherschool-fellows.Lanesbranchoffforthreeorfourmilestoheathsandcommonsonthehigherground,whichformedpleasantwalksonholidays,andthencomesthewhitegateintothefield-pathleadingtoRoeHeaditself.

Oneofthebow-windowedroomsonthegroundfloorwiththepleasantlook-outIhavedescribedwasthedrawing-room;theotherwastheschoolroom.Thedining-roomwasononesideofthedoor,andfacedtheroad.

Thenumberofpupils,duringtheyearandahalfMissBrontëwasthere,rangedfromseventoten;andastheydidnotrequirethewholeofthehousefortheiraccommodation,thethirdstorywasunoccupied,exceptbytheghostlyideaofalady,whoserustlingsilkgownwassometimesheardbythelistenersatthefootofthesecondflightofstairs.

ThekindmotherlynatureofMissW---,andthesmallnumberofthegirls,madetheestablishmentmorelikeaprivatefamilythanaschool.Moreover,shewasanativeofthedistrictimmediatelysurroundingRoeHead,aswerethemajorityofherpupils.MostlikelyCharlotteBrontë,incomingfromHaworth,camethe

greatestdistanceofall.“E.’s”homewasfivemilesaway;twootherdearfriends(theRoseandJessieYorkeof“Shirley”)livedstillnearer;twoorthreecamefromHuddersfield;oneortwofromLeeds.

IshallnowquotefromavaluableletterwhichIhavereceivedfrom“Mary,”oneoftheseearlyfriends;distinctandgraphicinexpression,asbecomesacherishedassociateofCharlotteBrontë’s.ThetimereferredtoisherfirstappearanceatRoeHead,onJanuary19th,1831.

“Ifirstsawhercomingoutofacoveredcart,inveryold-fashionedclothes,andlookingverycoldandmiserable.ShewascomingtoschoolatMissW---’s.Whensheappearedintheschoolroom,herdresswaschanged,butjustasold.Shelookedalittleoldwoman,soshort-sightedthatshealwaysappearedtobeseekingsomething,andmovingherheadfromsidetosidetocatchasightofit.Shewasveryshyandnervous,andspokewithastrongIrishaccent.Whenabookwasgivenher,shedroppedherheadoverittillhernosenearlytouchedit,andwhenshewastoldtoholdherheadup,upwentthebookafterit,stillclosetohernose,sothatitwasnotpossibletohelplaughing.”

Thiswasthefirstimpressionshemadeupononeofthosewhosedearandvaluedfriendshewastobecomeinafter-life.AnotherofthegirlsrecallsherfirstsightofCharlotte,onthedayshecame,standingbytheschoolroomwindow,lookingoutonthesnowylandscape,andcrying,whilealltherestwereatplay.“E.”wasyoungerthanshe,andhertenderheartwastouchedbytheapparentlydesolateconditioninwhichshefoundtheoddly-dressed,odd-lookinglittlegirlthatwintermorning,as“sickforhomeshestoodintears,”inanewstrangeplace,amongnewstrangepeople.Anyover-demonstrativekindnesswouldhavescaredthewildlittlemaidenfromHaworth;but“E.”(whoisshadowedforthintheCarolineHelstoneof“Shirley”)managedtowinconfidence,andwasallowedtogivesympathy.

Toquoteagainfrom“Mary’s”letter:—

“Wethoughtherveryignorant,forshehadneverlearntgrammaratall,andverylittlegeography.”

Thisaccountofherpartialignoranceisconfirmedbyherotherschool-fellows.ButMissW---wasaladyofremarkableintelligenceandofdelicatetendersympathy.ShegaveaproofofthisinherfirsttreatmentofCharlotte.Thelittlegirlwaswell-read,butnotwell-grounded.MissW---tookherasideandtoldhershewasafraidthatshemustplaceherinthesecondclassforsometimetillshe

couldovertakethegirlsofherownageintheknowledgeofgrammar,&c.;butpoorCharlottereceivedthisannouncementwithsosadafitofcrying,thatMissW---’skindheartwassoftened,andshewiselyperceivedthat,withsuchagirl,itwouldbebettertoplaceherinthefirstclass,andallowhertomakeupbyprivatestudyinthosebrancheswhereshewasdeficient.

“Shewouldconfoundusbyknowingthingsthatwereoutofourrangealtogether.Shewasacquaintedwithmostoftheshortpiecesofpoetrythatwehadtolearnbyheart;wouldtellustheauthors,thepoemstheyweretakenfrom,andsometimesrepeatapageortwo,andtellustheplot.Shehadahabitofwritinginitalics(printingcharacters),andsaidshehadlearntitbywritingintheirmagazine.Theybroughtouta‘magazine’onceamonth,andwishedittolookaslikeprintaspossible.Shetoldusataleoutofit.Noonewroteinit,andnoonereadit,butherself,herbrother,andtwosisters.Shepromisedtoshowmesomeofthesemagazines,butretracteditafterwards,andwouldneverbepersuadedtodoso.Inourplayhoursshesate,orstoodstill,withabook,ifpossible.Someofusonceurgedhertobeonoursideinagameatball.Shesaidshehadneverplayed,andcouldnotplay.Wemadehertry,butsoonfoundthatshecouldnotseetheball,soweputherout.Shetookallourproceedingswithpliableindifference,andalwaysseemedtoneedapreviousresolutiontosay‘No’toanything.Sheusedtogoandstandunderthetreesintheplay-ground,andsayitwaspleasanter.Sheendeavouredtoexplainthis,pointingouttheshadows,thepeepsofsky,&c.Weunderstoodbutlittleofit.ShesaidthatatCowanBridgesheusedtostandintheburn,onastone,towatchthewaterflowby.Itoldhersheshouldhavegonefishing;shesaidsheneverwanted.Shealwaysshowedphysicalfeeblenessineverything.Sheatenoanimalfoodatschool.ItwasaboutthistimeItoldhershewasveryugly.Someyearsafterwards,ItoldherIthoughtIhadbeenveryimpertinent.Shereplied,‘Youdidmeagreatdealofgood,Polly,sodon’trepentofit.’Sheusedtodrawmuchbetter,andmorequickly,thananythingwehadseenbefore,andknewmuchaboutcelebratedpicturesandpainters.Wheneveranopportunityofferedofexaminingapictureorcutofanykind,shewentoveritpiecemeal,withhereyesclosetothepaper,lookingsolongthatweusedtoaskher‘whatshesawinit.’Shecouldalwaysseeplenty,andexplaineditverywell.Shemadepoetryanddrawingatleastexceedinglyinterestingtome;andthenIgotthehabit,whichIhaveyet,ofreferringmentallytoheropiniononallmattersofthatkind,alongwithmanymore,resolvingtodescribesuchandsuchthingstoher,untilIstartattherecollectionthatInevershall.”

Tofeelthefullforceofthislastsentence—toshowhowsteadyandvividwastheimpressionwhichMissBrontëmadeonthosefittedtoappreciateher—Imustmentionthatthewriterofthisletter,datedJanuary18th,1856,inwhichshethusspeaksofconstantlyreferringtoCharlotte’sopinionhasneverseenherforelevenyears,nearlyallofwhichhavebeenpassedamongstrangescenes,inanewcontinent,attheantipodes.

“Weusedtobefuriouspoliticians,asonecouldhardlyhelpbeingin1832.Sheknewthenamesofthetwoministries;theonethatresigned,andtheonethatsucceededandpassedtheReformBill.SheworshippedtheDukeofWellington,butsaidthatSirRobertPeelwasnottobetrusted;hedidnotactfromprincipleliketherest,butfromexpediency.I,beingofthefuriousradicalparty,toldher‘howcouldanyofthemtrustoneanother;theywereallofthemrascals!’ThenshewouldlaunchoutintopraisesoftheDukeofWellington,referringtohisactions;whichIcouldnotcontradict,asIknewnothingabouthim.Shesaidshehadtakeninterestinpoliticseversinceshewasfiveyearsold.Shedidnotgetheropinionsfromherfather—thatis,notdirectly—butfromthepapers,&c.,hepreferred.”

Inillustrationofthetruthofthis,Imaygiveanextractfromalettertoherbrother,writtenfromRoeHead,May17th,1832:—“LatelyIhadbeguntothinkthatIhadlostalltheinterestwhichIusedformerlytotakeinpolitics;buttheextremepleasureIfeltatthenewsoftheReformBill’sbeingthrownoutbytheHouseofLords,andoftheexpulsion,orresignationofEarlGrey,&c.,convincedmethatIhavenotasyetlostallmypenchantforpolitics.Iamextremelygladthataunthasconsentedtotakein‘Fraser’sMagazine;’for,thoughIknowfromyourdescriptionofitsgeneralcontentsitwillberatheruninterestingwhencomparedwith‘Blackwood,’stillitwillbebetterthanremainingthewholeyearwithoutbeingabletoobtainasightofanyperiodicalwhatever;andsuchwouldassuredlybeourcase,as,inthelittlewildmoorlandvillagewherewereside,therewouldbenopossibilityofborrowingaworkofthatdescriptionfromacirculatinglibrary.Ihopewithyouthatthepresentdelightfulweathermaycontributetotheperfectrestorationofourdearpapa’shealth;andthatitmaygiveauntpleasantreminiscencesofthesalubriousclimateofhernativeplace,”&c.

Toreturnto“Mary’s”letter.

“Sheusedtospeakofhertwoeldersisters,MariaandElizabeth,whodiedatCowanBridge.Iusedtobelievethemtohavebeenwondersoftalentand

kindness.Shetoldme,earlyonemorning,thatshehadjustbeendreaming;shehadbeentoldthatshewaswantedinthedrawing-room,anditwasMariaandElizabeth.Iwaseagerforhertogoon,andwhenshesaidtherewasnomore,Isaid,‘butgoon!Makeitout!Iknowyoucan.’Shesaidshewouldnot;shewishedshehadnotdreamed,foritdidnotgoonnicely,theywerechanged;theyhadforgottenwhattheyusedtocarefor.Theywereveryfashionablydressed,andbegancriticisingtheroom,&c.

“Thishabitof‘makingout’interestsforthemselvesthatmostchildrengetwhohavenoneinactuallife,wasverystronginher.Thewholefamilyusedto‘makeout’histories,andinventcharactersandevents.Itoldhersometimestheywerelikegrowingpotatoesinacellar.Shesaid,sadly,‘Yes!Iknowweare!’

“Someoneatschoolsaidshe‘wasalwaystalkingaboutcleverpeople;Johnson,Sheridan,&c.’Shesaid,‘Nowyoudon’tknowthemeaningofclever,Sheridanmightbeclever;yes,Sheridanwasclever,—scampsoftenare;butJohnsonhadn’tasparkofcleveralityinhim.’Nooneappreciatedtheopinion;theymadesometrivialremarkabout‘cleverality,’andshesaidnomore.

“Thisistheepitomeofherlife.Atourhouseshehadjustaslittlechanceofapatienthearing,forthoughnotschool-girlish,weweremoreintolerant.Wehadarageforpracticality,andlaughedallpoetrytoscorn.Neithershenorwehadanyideabutthatouropinionsweretheopinionsofallthesensiblepeopleintheworld,andweusedtoastonisheachotherateverysentence...Charlotte,atschool,hadnoplanoflifebeyondwhatcircumstancesmadeforher.Sheknewthatshemustprovideforherself,andchosehertrade;atleastchosetobeginitonce.Herideaofself-improvementruledherevenatschool.Itwastocultivatehertastes.Shealwayssaidtherewasenoughofhardpracticalityandusefulknowledgeforcedonusbynecessity,andthatthethingmostneededwastosoftenandrefineourminds.Shepickedupeveryscrapofinformationconcerningpainting,sculpture,poetry,music,&c.,asifitweregold.”

WhatIhaveheardofherschooldaysfromothersources,confirmstheaccuracyofthedetailsinthisremarkableletter.Shewasanindefatigablestudent:constantlyreadingandlearning;withastrongconvictionofthenecessityandvalueofeducation,veryunusualinagirloffifteen.Sheneverlostamomentoftime,andseemedalmosttogrudgethenecessaryleisureforrelaxationandplay-hours,whichmightbepartlyaccountedforbytheawkwardnessinallgamesoccasionedbyhershortnessofsight.Yet,inspiteoftheseunsociablehabits,shewasagreatfavouritewithherschool-fellows.Shewasalwaysreadytotryand

dowhattheywished,thoughnotsorrywhentheycalledherawkward,andleftheroutoftheirsports.Then,atnight,shewasaninvaluablestory-teller,frighteningthemalmostoutoftheirwitsastheylayinbed.Ononeoccasiontheeffectwassuchthatshewasledtoscreamoutaloud,andMissW---,comingupstairs,foundthatoneofthelistenershadbeenseizedwithviolentpalpitations,inconsequenceoftheexcitementproducedbyCharlotte’sstory.

HerindefatigablecravingforknowledgetemptedMissW---onintosettingherlongerandlongertasksofreadingforexamination;andtowardstheendoftheyearandahalfthatsheremainedasapupilatRoeHead,shereceivedherfirstbadmarkforanimperfectlesson.ShehadhadagreatquantityofBlair’s“LecturesonBellesLettres”toread;andshecouldnotanswersomeofthequestionsuponit;CharlotteBrontëhadabadmark.MissW---wassorry,andregrettedthatshehadsetCharlottesolongatask.Charlottecriedbitterly.Butherschool-fellowsweremorethansorry—theywereindignant.TheydeclaredthattheinflictionofeversoslightapunishmentonCharlotteBrontëwasunjust—forwhohadtriedtodoherdutylikeher?—andtestifiedtheirfeelinginavarietyofways,untilMissW---,whowasinrealityonlytoowillingtopassoverhergoodpupil’sfirstfault,withdrewthebadmark;andthegirlsallreturnedtotheirallegianceexcept“Mary,”whotookherownwayduringtheweekortwothatremainedofthehalf-year,choosingtoconsiderthatMissW---,ingivingCharlotteBrontësolongatask,hadforfeitedherclaimtoobedienceoftheschoolregulations.

Thenumberofpupilswassosmallthattheattendancetocertainsubjectsatparticularhours,commoninlargerschools,wasnotrigidlyenforced.Whenthegirlswerereadywiththeirlessons,theycametoMissW---tosaythem.Shehadaremarkableknackofmakingthemfeelinterestedinwhatevertheyhadtolearn.Theysettotheirstudies,notastotasksordutiestobegotthrough,butwithahealthydesireandthirstforknowledge,ofwhichshehadmanagedtomakethemperceivetherelishingsavour.Theydidnotleaveoffreadingandlearningassoonasthecompulsorypressureofschoolwastakenaway.Theyhadbeentaughttothink,toanalyse,toreject,toappreciate.CharlotteBrontëwashappyinthechoicemadeforherofthesecondschooltowhichshewassent.Therewasarobustfreedomintheout-of-doorslifeofhercompanions.Theyplayedatmerrygamesinthefieldsroundthehouse:onSaturdayhalf-holidaystheywentlongscramblingwalksdownmysteriousshadylanes,thenclimbingtheuplands,andthusgainingextensiveviewsoverthecountry,aboutwhichsomuchhadtobetold,bothofitspastandpresenthistory.

MissW---musthavehadingreatperfectiontheFrenchart,“conter,”tojudgefromherpupil’srecollectionsofthetalessherelatedduringtheselongwalks,ofthisoldhouse,orthatnewmill,andofthestatesofsocietyconsequentonthechangesinvolvedbythesuggestivedatesofeitherbuilding.Sherememberedthetimeswhenwatchersorwakenersinthenightheardthedistantwordofcommand,andthemeasuredtrampofthousandsofsaddesperatemenreceivingasurreptitiousmilitarytraining,inpreparationforsomegreatdaywhichtheysawintheirvisions,whenrightshouldstrugglewithmightandcomeoffvictorious:whenthepeopleofEngland,representedbytheworkersofYorkshire,Lancashire,andNottinghamshire,shouldmaketheirvoiceheardinaterribleslogan,sincetheirtrueandpitifulcomplaintscouldfindnohearinginparliament.Weforget,now-a-days,sorapidhavebeenthechangesforthebetter,howcruelwastheconditionofnumbersoflabourersatthecloseofthegreatPeninsularwar.Thehalf-ludicrousnatureofsomeoftheirgrievanceshaslingeredonintradition;therealintensityoftheirsufferingshasbecomeforgotten.Theyweremaddenedanddesperate;andthecountry,intheopinionofmany,seemedtobeonthevergeofaprecipice,fromwhichitwasonlysavedbythepromptandresolutedecisionofafewinauthority.MissW---spokeofthosetimes;ofthemysteriousnightlydrillings;ofthousandsonlonelymoors;ofthemutteredthreatsofindividualstoocloselypresseduponbynecessitytobeprudent;oftheovertacts,inwhichtheburningofCartwright’smilltookaprominentplace;andthesethingssankdeepintothemindofone,atleast,amongherhearers.

Mr.CartwrightwastheownerofafactorycalledRawfolds,inLiversedge,notbeyondthedistanceofawalkfromRoeHead.Hehaddaredtoemploymachineryforthedressingofwoollencloth,whichwasanunpopularmeasurein1812,whenmanyothercircumstancesconspiredtomaketheconditionofthemill-handsunbearablefromthepressureofstarvationandmisery.Mr.Cartwrightwasaveryremarkableman,having,asIhavebeentold,someforeignbloodinhim,thetracesofwhichwereveryapparentinhistallfigure,darkeyesandcomplexion,andsingular,thoughgentlemanlybearing.Atanyratehehadbeenmuchabroad,andspokeFrenchwell,ofitselfasuspiciouscircumstancetothebigotednationalityofthosedays.Altogetherhewasanunpopularman,evenbeforehetookthelaststepofemployingshears,insteadofhands,todresshiswool.Hewasquiteawareofhisunpopularity,andoftheprobableconsequences.Hehadhismillpreparedforanassault.Hetookuphislodgingsinit;andthedoorswerestronglybarricadedatnight.Oneverystepofthestairstherewasplacedaroller,spikedwithbarbedpointsallround,soasto

impedetheascentoftherioters,iftheysucceededinforcingthedoors.

OnthenightofSaturdaythe11thofApril,1812,theassaultwasmade.Somehundredsofstarvingcloth-dressersassembledintheveryfieldnearKirkleesthatslopeddownfromthehousewhichMissW---afterwardsinhabited,andwerearmedbytheirleaderswithpistols,hatchets,andbludgeons,manyofwhichhadbeenextortedbythenightlybandsthatprowledaboutthecountry,fromsuchinhabitantsoflonelyhousesashadprovidedthemselveswiththesemeansofself-defence.Thesilentsullenmultitudemarchedinthedeadofthatspring-nighttoRawfolds,andgivingtonguewithagreatshout,rousedMr.Cartwrightuptotheknowledgethatthelong-expectedattackwascome.Hewaswithinwalls,itistrue;butagainstthefuryofhundredshehadonlyfourofhisownworkmenandfivesoldierstoassisthim.Thesetenmen,however,managedtokeepupsuchavigorousandwell-directedfireofmusketrythattheydefeatedallthedesperateattemptsofthemultitudeoutsidetobreakdownthedoors,andforceawayintothemill;and,afteraconflictoftwentyminutes,duringwhichtwooftheassailantswerekilledandseveralwounded,theywithdrewinconfusion,leavingMr.Cartwrightmasterofthefield,butsodizzyandexhausted,nowtheperilwaspast,thatheforgotthenatureofhisdefences,andinjuredhislegratherseriouslybyoneofthespikedrollers,inattemptingtogouphisownstaircase.Hisdwellingwasnearthefactory.Someoftheriotersvowedthat,ifhedidnotgivein,theywouldleavethis,andgotohishouse,andmurderhiswifeandchildren.Thiswasaterriblethreat,forhehadbeenobligedtoleavehisfamilywithonlyoneortwosoldierstodefendthem.Mrs.Cartwrightknewwhattheyhadthreatened;andonthatdreadfulnight,hearing,asshethought,stepsapproaching,shesnatcheduphertwoinfantchildren,andputtheminabasketupthegreatchimney,commoninold-fashionedYorkshirehouses.Oneofthetwochildrenwhohadbeenthusstowedawayusedtopointoutwithpride,aftershehadgrownuptowoman’sestate,themarksofmusketshot,andthetracesofgunpowderonthewallsofherfather’smill.Hewasthefirstthathadofferedanyresistancetotheprogressofthe“Luddites,”whohadbecomebythistimesonumerousasalmosttoassumethecharacterofaninsurrectionaryarmy.Mr.Cartwright’sconductwassomuchadmiredbytheneighbouringmill-ownersthattheyenteredintoasubscriptionforhisbenefitwhichamountedintheendto3,000l.

NotmuchmorethanafortnightafterthisattackonRawfolds,anothermanufacturerwhoemployedtheobnoxiousmachinerywasshotdowninbroaddaylight,ashewaspassingoverCrosslandMoor,whichwasskirtedbyasmall

plantationinwhichthemurdererslayhidden.Thereadersof“Shirley”willrecognisethesecircumstances,whichwererelatedtoMissBrontëyearsaftertheyoccurred,butontheveryspotswheretheytookplace,andbypersonswhorememberedfullwellthoseterribletimesofinsecuritytolifeandpropertyontheonehand,andofbitterstarvationandblindignorantdespairontheother.

Mr.Brontëhimselfhadbeenlivingamongsttheseverypeoplein1812,ashewasthenclergymanatHartshead,notthreemilesfromRawfolds;and,asIhavementioned,itwasintheseperiloustimesthathebeganhiscustomofcarryingaloadedpistolcontinuallyaboutwithhim.FornotonlyhisTorypolitics,buthisloveandregardfortheauthorityofthelaw,madehimdespisethecowardiceofthesurroundingmagistrates,who,intheirdreadoftheLuddites,refusedtointerferesoastopreventthedestructionofproperty.Theclergyofthedistrictwerethebravestmenbyfar.

TherewasaMr.RobersonofHeald’sHall,afriendofMr.Brontë’swhohasleftadeepimpressionofhimselfonthepublicmind.HelivednearHeckmondwike,alarge,straggling,dirtyvillage,nottwomilesfromRoeHead.Itwasprincipallyinhabitedbyblanketweavers,whoworkedintheirowncottages;andHeald’sHallisthelargesthouseinthevillage,ofwhichMr.Robersonwasthevicar.Athisowncost,hebuiltahandsomechurchatLiversedge,onahilloppositetheoneonwhichhishousestood,whichwasthefirstattemptintheWestRidingtomeetthewantsoftheovergrownpopulation,andmademanypersonalsacrificesforhisopinions,bothreligiousandpolitical,whichwereofthetrueold-fashionedTorystamp.Hehatedeverythingwhichhefanciedhadatendencytowardsanarchy.HewasloyalineveryfibretoChurchandKing;andwouldhaveproudlylaiddownhislife,anyday,forwhathebelievedtoberightandtrue.Buthewasamanofanimperialwill,andbyitheboredownopposition,tilltraditionrepresentshimashavingsomethinggrimlydemoniacabouthim.HewasintimatewithCartwright,andawareoftheattacklikelytobemadeonhismill;accordingly,itissaid,hearmedhimselfandhishousehold,andwaspreparedtocometotherescue,intheeventofasignalbeinggiventhataidwasneeded.Thusfarislikelyenough.Mr.Robersonhadplentyofwarlikespiritinhim,manofpeacethoughhewas.

But,inconsequenceofhishavingtakentheunpopularside,exaggerationsofhischaracterlingerastruthinthemindsofthepeople;andafabulousstoryistoldofhisforbiddinganyonetogivewatertothewoundedLuddites,leftinthemill-yard,whenherodeinthenextmorningtocongratulatehisfriendCartwrightonhissuccessfuldefence.Moreover,thisstern,fearlessclergymanhadthesoldiers

thatweresenttodefendtheneighbourhoodbilletedathishouse;andthisdeeplydispleasedtheworkpeople,whoweretobeintimidatedbythered-coats.Althoughnotamagistrate,hesparednopainstotrackouttheLudditesconcernedintheassassinationIhavementioned;andwassosuccessfulinhisacuteunflinchingenergy,thatitwasbelievedhehadbeensupernaturallyaided;andthecountrypeople,stealingintothefieldssurroundingHeald’sHallonduskywinterevenings,yearsafterthistime,declaredthatthroughthewindowstheysawParsonRobersondancing,inastrangeredlight,withblackdemonsallwhirlingandeddyingroundhim.Hekeptalargeboys’school;andmadehimselfbothrespectedanddreadedbyhispupils.Headdedagrimkindofhumourtohisstrengthofwill;andtheformerqualitysuggestedtohisfancystrangeout-of-the-waykindsofpunishmentforanyrefractorypupils:forinstance,hemadethemstandononeleginacorneroftheschoolroom,holdingaheavybookineachhand;andonce,whenaboyhadrunawayhome,hefollowedhimonhorseback,reclaimedhimfromhisparents,and,tyinghimbyaropetothestirrupofhissaddle,madehimrunalongsideofhishorseforthemanymilestheyhadtotraversebeforereachingHeald’sHall.

Oneotherillustrationofhischaractermaybegiven.HediscoveredthathisservantBettyhad“afollower;”and,watchinghistimetillRichardwasfoundinthekitchen,heorderedhimintothedining-room,wherethepupilswereallassembled.HethenquestionedRichardwhetherhehadcomeafterBetty;andonhisconfessingthetruth,Mr.Robersongavetheword,“Offwithhim,lads,tothepump!”Thepoorloverwasdraggedtothecourt-yard,andthepumpsettoplayuponhim;and,betweeneverydrenching,thequestionwasputtohim,“WillyoupromisenottocomeafterBettyagain?”ForalongtimeRichardbravelyrefusedtogivein;when“Pumpagain,lads!”wastheorder.But,atlast,thepoorsoaked“follower”wasforcedtoyield,andrenouncehisBetty.

TheYorkshirecharacterofMr.RobersonwouldbeincompleteifIdidnotmentionhisfondnessforhorses.Helivedtobeaveryoldman,dyingsometimenearerto1840than1830;andevenafterhewaseightyyearsofage,hetookgreatdelightinbreakingrefractorysteeds;ifnecessary,hewouldsitmotionlessontheirbacksforhalf-an-hourormoretobringthemto.Thereisastorycurrentthatonce,inapassion,heshothiswife’sfavouritehorse,andburieditnearaquarry,wheretheground,someyearsafter,miraculouslyopenedanddisplayedtheskeleton;buttherealfactis,thatitwasanactofhumanitytoputapooroldhorseoutofmisery;andthat,tospareitpain,heshotitwithhisownhands,andburieditwhere,thegroundsinkingafterwardsbytheworkingofacoal-pit,the

bonescametolight.Thetraditionalcolouringshowstheanimuswithwhichhismemoryisregardedbyonesetofpeople.Byanother,theneighbouringclergy,whorememberhimriding,inhisoldage,downthehillonwhichhishousestood,uponhisstrongwhitehorse—hisbearingproudanddignified,hisshovelhatbentoverandshadowinghiskeeneagleeyes—goingtohisSundaydutylikeafaithfulsoldierthatdiesinharness—whocanappreciatehisloyaltytoconscience,hissacrificestoduty,andhisstandbyhisreligion—hismemoryisvenerated.Inhisextremeoldage,arubricmeetingwasheld,atwhichhisclericalbrethrengladlysubscribedtopresenthimwithatestimonialoftheirdeeprespectandregard.

ThisisaspecimenofthestrongcharacternotseldommanifestedbytheYorkshireclergyoftheEstablishedChurch.Mr.RobersonwasafriendofCharlotteBrontë’sfather;livedwithinacoupleofmilesofRoeHeadwhileshewasatschoolthere;andwasdeeplyengagedintransactions,thememoryofwhichwasyetrecentwhensheheardofthem,andofthepartwhichhehadhadinthem.

ImaynowsayalittleonthecharacteroftheDissentingpopulationimmediatelysurroundingRoeHead;forthe“Toryandclergyman’sdaughter,”“takinginterestinpoliticseversinceshewasfiveyearsold,”andholdingfrequentdiscussionswithsuchofthegirlsaswereDissentersandRadicals,wassuretohavemadeherselfasmuchacquaintedasshecouldwiththeconditionofthosetowhomshewasopposedinopinion.

ThebulkofthepopulationwereDissenters,principallyIndependents.InthevillageofHeckmondwike,atoneendofwhichRoeHeadissituated,thereweretwolargechapelsbelongingtothatdenomination,andonetotheMethodists,allofwhichwerewellfilledtwoorthreetimesonaSunday,besideshavingvariousprayer-meetings,fullyattended,onweek-days.Theinhabitantswereachapel-goingpeople,verycriticalaboutthedoctrineoftheirsermons,tyrannicaltotheirministers,andviolentRadicalsinpolitics.Afriend,wellacquaintedwiththeplacewhenCharlotteBrontëwasatschool,hasdescribedsomeeventswhichoccurredthenamongthem:—

“Ascene,whichtookplaceattheLowerChapelatHeckmondwike,willgiveyousomeideaofthepeopleatthattime.Whenanewly-marriedcouplemadetheirappearanceatchapel,itwasthecustomtosingtheWeddingAnthem,justafterthelastprayer,andasthecongregationwasquittingthechapel.Thebandofsingerswhoperformedthisceremonyexpectedtohavemoneygiventhem,

andoftenpassedthefollowingnightindrinking;atleast,sosaidtheministeroftheplace;andhedeterminedtoputanendtothiscustom.Inthishewassupportedbymanymembersofthechapelandcongregation;butsostrongwasthedemocraticelement,thathemetwiththemostviolentopposition,andwasofteninsultedwhenhewentintothestreet.Abridewasexpectedtomakeherfirstappearance,andtheministertoldthesingersnottoperformtheanthem.Ontheirdeclaringtheywould,hehadthelargepewwhichtheyusuallyoccupiedlocked;theybrokeitopen:fromthepulpithetoldthecongregationthat,insteadoftheirsingingahymn,hewouldreadachapter;hardlyhadheutteredthefirstword,beforeuprosethesingers,headedbyatall,fierce-lookingweaver,whogaveoutahymn,andallsangitattheverytopoftheirvoices,aidedbythoseoftheirfriendswhowereinthechapel.Thosewhodisapprovedoftheconductofthesingers,andsidedwiththeminister,remainedseatedtillthehymnwasfinished.Thenhegaveoutthechapteragain,readit,andpreached.Hewasjustabouttoconcludewithprayer,whenupstartedthesingersandscreamedforthanotherhymn.Thesedisgracefulsceneswerecontinuedformanyweeks,andsoviolentwasthefeeling,thatthedifferentpartiescouldhardlykeepfromblowsastheycamethroughthechapel-yard.Theminister,atlast,lefttheplace,andalongwithhimwentmanyofthemosttemperateandrespectablepartofthecongregation,andthesingersremainedtriumphant.

“Ibelievethattherewassuchaviolentcontestrespectingthechoiceofapastor,aboutthistime,intheUpperChapelatHeckmondwike,thattheRiotActhadtobereadatachurch-meeting.”

Certainly,thesoi-disantChristianswhoforciblyejectedMr.RedheadatHaworth,tenortwelveyearsbefore,heldaveryheathenbrotherhoodwiththesoi-disantChristiansofHeckmondwike;thoughtheonesetmightbecalledmembersoftheChurchofEnglandandtheotherDissenters.

TheletterfromwhichIhavetakentheaboveextractrelatesthroughouttotheimmediateneighbourhoodoftheplacewhereCharlotteBrontëspentherschool-days,anddescribesthingsastheyexistedatthatverytime.Thewritersays,—“Havingbeenaccustomedtotherespectfulmannersofthelowerordersintheagriculturaldistricts,Iwasatfirst,muchdisgustedandsomewhatalarmedatthegreatfreedomdisplayedbytheworkingclassesofHeckmondwikeandGomersalltothoseinastationabovethem.Theterm‘lass,’wasasfreelyappliedtoanyyounglady,astheword‘wench’isinLancashire.Theextremelyuntidyappearanceofthevillagersshockedmenotalittle,thoughImustdothehousewivesthejusticetosaythatthecottagesthemselveswerenotdirty,andhad

anairofroughplentyaboutthem(exceptwhentradewasbad),thatIhadnotbeenaccustomedtoseeinthefarmingdistricts.Theheapofcoalsononesideofthehouse-door,andthebrewingtubsontheother,andthefrequentperfumeofmaltandhopsasyouwalkedalong,provedthatfireand‘home-brewed’weretobefoundatalmosteveryman’shearth.Norwashospitality,oneofthemainvirtuesofYorkshire,wanting.Oat-cake,cheese,andbeerwerefreelypresseduponthevisitor.

“Thereusedtobeayearlyfestival,half-religious,halfsocial,heldatHeckmondwike,called‘TheLecture.’IfancyithadcomedownfromthetimesoftheNonconformists.AsermonwaspreachedbysomestrangerattheLowerChapel,onaweek-dayevening,andthenextday,twosermonsinsuccessionweredeliveredattheUpperChapel.Ofcourse,theservicewasaverylongone,andasthetimewasJune,andtheweatheroftenhot,itusedtoberegardedbymyselfandmycompanionsasnopleasurablewayofpassingthemorning.Therestofthedaywasspentinsocialenjoyment;greatnumbersofstrangersflockedtotheplace;boothswereerectedforthesaleoftoysandgingerbread(asortof‘HolyFair’);andthecottages,havinghadalittleextrapaintandwhite-washing,assumedquiteaholidaylook.

“ThevillageofGomersall”(whereCharlotteBrontë’sfriend“Mary”livedwithherfamily),“whichwasamuchprettierplacethanHeckmondwike,containedastrange-lookingcottage,builtofroughunhewnstones,manyofthemprojectingconsiderably,withuncouthheadsandgrinningfacescarveduponthem;anduponastoneabovethedoorwascut,inlargeletters,‘SPITEHALL.’Itwaserectedbyamaninthevillage,oppositetothehouseofhisenemy,whohadjustfinishedforhimselfagoodhouse,commandingabeautifulviewdownthevalley,whichthishideousbuildingquiteshutout.”

Fearless—becausethispeoplewerequitefamiliartoallofthem—amidstsuchapopulation,livedandwalkedthegentleMissW---’seightorninepupils.Sheherselfwasbornandbredamongthisrough,strong,fierceset,andknewthedepthofgoodnessandloyaltythatlaybeneaththeirwildmannersandinsubordinateways.Andthegirlstalkedofthelittleworldaroundthem,asifitweretheonlyworldthatwas;andhadtheiropinionsandtheirparties,andtheirfiercediscussionsliketheirelders—possibly,theirbetters.Andamongthem,belovedandrespectedbyall,laughedatoccasionallybyafew,butalwaystoherface—lived,forayearandahalf,theplain,short-sighted,oddly-dressed,studiouslittlegirltheycalledCharlotteBrontë.

CHAPTERVII

MissBrontëleftRoeHeadin1832,havingwontheaffectionateregardbothofherteacherandherschool-fellows,andhavingformedtherethetwofastfriendshipswhichlastedherwholelifelong;theonewith“Mary,”whohasnotkeptherletters;theotherwith“E.,”whohaskindlyentrustedmewithalargeportionofMissBrontë’scorrespondencewithher.ThisshehasbeeninducedtodobyherknowledgeoftheurgentdesireonthepartofMr.Brontëthatthelifeofhisdaughtershouldbewritten,andincompliancewitharequestfromherhusbandthatIshouldbepermittedtohavetheuseoftheseletters,withoutwhichsuchataskcouldbebutveryimperfectlyexecuted.Inordertoshieldthisfriend,however,fromanyblameormisconstruction,itisonlyrighttostatethat,beforegrantingmethisprivilege,shethroughoutmostcarefullyandcompletelyeffacedthenamesofthepersonsandplaceswhichoccurredinthem;andalsothatsuchinformationasIhaveobtainedfromherbearsreferencesolelytoMissBrontëandhersisters,andnottoanyotherindividualswhomImayfinditnecessarytoalludetoinconnectionwiththem.

Inlookingovertheearlierportionofthiscorrespondence,Iamstruckafreshbytheabsenceofhope,whichformedsuchastrongcharacteristicinCharlotte.Atanagewhengirls,ingeneral,lookforwardtoaneternaldurationofsuchfeelingsastheyortheirfriendsentertain,andcanthereforeseenohindrancetothefulfilmentofanyengagementsdependentonthefuturestateoftheaffections,sheissurprisedthat“E.”keepsherpromisetowrite.Inafter-life,Iwaspainfullyimpressedwiththefact,thatMissBrontëneverdaredtoallowherselftolookforwardwithhope;thatshehadnoconfidenceinthefuture;andIthought,whenIheardofthesorrowfulyearsshehadpassedthrough,thatithadbeenthisthispressureofgriefwhichhadcrushedallbuoyancyofexpectationoutofher.Butitappearsfromtheletters,thatitmusthavebeen,sotospeak,constitutional;or,perhaps,thedeeppangoflosinghertwoeldersisterscombinedwithapermanentstateofbodilyweaknessinproducingherhopelessness.IfhertrustinGodhadbeenlessstrong,shewouldhavegivenwaytounboundedanxiety,atmanyaperiodofherlife.Asitwas,weshallsee,

shemadeagreatandsuccessfulefforttoleave“hertimesinHishands.”

Afterherreturnhome,sheemployedherselfinteachinghersisters,overwhomshehadhadsuperioradvantages.Shewritesthus,July21st,1832,ofhercourseoflifeattheparsonage:—

“Anaccountofonedayisanaccountofall.Inthemorning,fromnineo’clocktillhalf-pasttwelve,Iinstructmysisters,anddraw;thenwewalktilldinner-time.AfterdinnerIsewtilltea-time,andafterteaIeitherwrite,read,ordoalittlefancy-work,ordraw,asIplease.Thus,inonedelightful,thoughsomewhatmonotonouscourse,mylifeispassed.IhavebeenonlyouttwicetoteasinceIcamehome.Weareexpectingcompanythisafternoon,andonTuesdaynextweshallhaveallthefemaleteachersoftheSunday-schooltotea.”

ImayhereintroduceaquotationfromaletterwhichIhavereceivedfrom“Mary”sincethepublicationofthepreviouseditionsofthismemoir.

“SoonafterleavingschoolsheadmittedreadingsomethingofCobbett’s.‘Shedidnotlikehim,’shesaid;‘butallwasfishthatcametohernet.’Atthistimeshewrotetomethatreadinganddrawingweretheonlyamusementsshehad,andthathersupplyofbookswasverysmallinproportiontoherwants.Sheneverspokeofheraunt.WhenIsawMissBranwellshewasaverypreciseperson,andlookedveryodd,becauseherdress,&c.,wassoutterlyoutoffashion.Shecorrectedoneofusonceforusingtheword‘spit’or‘spitting.’ShemadeagreatfavouriteofBranwell.Shemadeherniecessew,withpurposeorwithout,andasfaraspossiblediscouragedanyotherculture.Sheusedtokeepthegirlssewingcharityclothing,andmaintainedtomethatitwasnotforthegoodoftherecipients,butofthesewers.‘Itwasproperforthemtodoit,’shesaid.Charlotteneverwas‘inwildexcitement’thatIknowof.Wheninhealthsheusedtotalkbetter,andindeedwheninlowspiritsneverspokeatall.Sheneededherbestspiritstosaywhatwasinherheart,foratothertimesshehadnotcourage.Shenevergavedecidedopinionsatsuchtimes...

“Charlottesaidshecouldgetonwithanyonewhohadabumpatthetopoftheirheads(meaningconscientiousness).IfoundthatIseldomdifferedfromher,exceptthatshewasfartootolerantofstupidpeople,iftheyhadagrainofkindnessinthem.”

ItwasaboutthistimethatMr.Brontëprovidedhischildrenwithateacherindrawing,whoturnedouttobeamanofconsiderabletalent,butverylittleprinciple.Althoughtheyneverattainedtoanythinglikeproficiency,theytook

greatinterestinacquiringthisart;evidently,fromaninstinctivedesiretoexpresstheirpowerfulimaginationsinvisibleforms.Charlottetoldme,thatatthisperiodofherlife,drawing,andwalkingoutwithhersisters,formedthetwogreatpleasuresandrelaxationsofherday.

Thethreegirlsusedtowalkupwardstowardthe“purple-black”moors,thesweepingsurfaceofwhichwasbrokenbyhereandthereastone-quarry;andiftheyhadstrengthandtimetogofarenough,theyreachedawaterfall,wherethebeckfelloversomerocksintothe“bottom.”Theyseldomwentdownwardsthroughthevillage.Theywereshyofmeetingevenfamiliarfaces,andwerescrupulousaboutenteringthehouseoftheverypoorestuninvited.TheyweresteadyteachersattheSunday-School,ahabitwhichCharlottekeptupveryfaithfully,evenaftershewasleftalone;buttheyneverfacedtheirkindvoluntary,andalwayspreferredthesolitudeandfreedomofthemoors.

*****

IntheSeptemberofthisyear,Charlottewenttopayherfirstvisittoherfriend“E.”IttookherintotheneighbourhoodofRoeHead,andbroughtherintopleasantcontactwithmanyofheroldschool-fellows.AfterthisvisitsheandherfriendseemtohaveagreedtocorrespondinFrench,forthesakeofimprovementinthelanguage.Butthisimprovementcouldnotbegreat,whenitcouldonlyamounttoagreaterfamiliaritywithdictionarywords,andwhentherewasnoonetoexplaintothemthataverbaltranslationofEnglishidiomshardlyconstitutedFrenchcomposition;buttheeffortwaslaudable,andofitselfshowshowwillingtheybothweretocarryontheeducationwhichtheyhadbegununderMissW-.Iwillgiveanextractwhich,whatevermaybethoughtofthelanguage,isgraphicenough,andpresentsuswithahappylittlefamilypicture;theeldestsisterreturninghometothetwoyounger,afterafortnight’sabsence.

“J’arrivaitàHaworthenparfaitesauvetésanslemoindreaccidentoumalheur.Mespetitessœurscouraienthorsdelamaisonpourmerencontreraussitôtquelavoituresefitvoir,etellesm’embrassaientavecautantd’empressementetdeplaisircommesij’avaisétéabsentepourplusd’an.MonPapa,maTante,etlemonsieurdentmenfrèreavoitparlé,furenttousassemblésdansleSalon,etenpeudetempsjem’yrendisaussi.C’estsouventl’ordreduCielquequandonaperduunplaisirilyenaunautreprêtàprendresaplace.Ainsijevenoisdepartirdetrès-chersamis,maistoutàl’heurejerevinsàdesparensaussichersetbondanslemoment.Mêmequevousmeperdiez(ose-jecroirequemondépartvousétaitunchagrin?)vousattenditesl’arrivéedevotrefrère,etdevotresœur.

J’aidonnéàmessœurslespommesquevousleurenvoyiezavectantdebonté;ellesdisentqu’ellessontsûrqueMademoiselleE.esttrès-aimableetbonne;l’uneetl’autresontextrêmementimpatientesdevousvoir;j’espèrequ’enpeudemoisellesaurontceplaisir.”

Butitwassometimeyetbeforethefriendscouldmeet,andmeanwhiletheyagreedtocorrespondonceamonth.TherewerenoeventstochronicleintheHaworthletters.Quietdays,occupiedinreaching,andfeminineoccupationsinthehouse,didnotpresentmuchtowriteabout;andCharlottewasnaturallydriventocriticisebooks.

Ofthesethereweremanyindifferentplights,andaccordingtotheirplight,keptindifferentplaces.Thewell-boundwererangedinthesanctuaryofMr.Brontë’sstudy;butthepurchaseofbookswasanecessaryluxurytohim,butasitwasoftenachoicebetweenbindinganoldone,orbuyinganewone,thefamiliarvolume,whichhadbeenhungrilyreadbyallthemembersofthefamily,wassometimesinsuchaconditionthatthebedroomshelfwasconsidereditsfittingplace.Upanddownthehouseweretobefoundmanystandardworksofasolidkind.SirWalterScott’swritings,Wordsworth’sandSouthey’spoemswereamongthelighterliterature;while,ashavingacharacteroftheirown—earnest,wild,andoccasionallyfanatical—maybenamedsomeofthebookswhichcamefromtheBranwellsideofthefamily—fromtheCornishfollowersofthesaintlyJohnWesley—andwhicharetouchedonintheaccountoftheworkstowhichCarolineHelstonehadaccessin“Shirley:”—“SomevenerableLady’sMagazines,thathadonceperformedavoyagewiththeirowner,andundergoneastorm”—(possiblypartoftherelicsofMrs.Brontë’spossessions,containedintheshipwreckedonthecoastofCornwall)—“andwhosepageswerestainedwithsaltwater;somemadMethodistMagazinesfullofmiraclesandapparitions,andpreternaturalwarnings,ominousdreams,andfrenziedfanaticisms;andtheequallymadlettersofMrs.ElizabethRowefromtheDeadtotheLiving.”

Mr.Brontëencouragedatasteforreadinginhisgirls;andthoughMissBranwellkeptitinduebounds,bythevarietyofhouseholdoccupations,inwhichsheexpectedthemnotmerelytotakeapart,buttobecomeproficients,therebyoccupyingregularlyagoodportionofeveryday,theywereallowedtogetbooksfromthecirculatinglibraryatKeighley;andmanyahappywalk,upthoselongfourmiles,musttheyhavehad,burdenedwithsomenewbook,intowhichtheypeepedastheyhurriedhome.Notthatthebookswerewhatwouldgenerallybecallednew;inthebeginningof1833,thetwofriendsseemalmostsimultaneouslytohavefallenupon“Kenilworth,”andCharlottewritesas

followsaboutit:—

“Iamgladyoulike‘Kenilworth;’itiscertainlymoreresemblingaromancethananovel:inmyopinion,oneofthemostinterestingworksthateveremanatedfromthegreatSirWalter’spen.Varneyiscertainlythepersonificationofconsummatevillainy;andinthedelineationofhisdarkandprofoundlyartfulmind,Scottexhibitsawonderfulknowledgeofhumannature,aswellasasurprisingskillinembodyinghisperceptions,soastoenableotherstobecomeparticipatorsinthatknowledge.”

Commonplaceasthisextractmayseem,itisnoteworthyontwoorthreeaccounts:inthefirstplace,insteadofdiscussingtheplotorstory,sheanalysesthecharacterofVarney;andnext,she,knowingnothingoftheworld,bothfromheryouthandherisolatedposition,hasyetbeensoaccustomedtohear“humannature”distrusted,astoreceivethenotionofintenseandartfulvillainywithoutsurprise.

Whatwasformalandsetinherwayofwritingto“E.”diminishedastheirpersonalacquaintanceincreased,andaseachcametoknowthehomeoftheother;sothatsmalldetailsconcerningpeopleandplaceshadtheirinterestandtheirsignificance.Inthesummerof1833,shewrotetoinviteherfriendtocomeandpayheravisit.“Auntthoughtitwouldbebetter”(shesays)“todeferituntilaboutthemiddleofsummer,asthewinter,andeventhespringseasons,areremarkablycoldandbleakamongourmountains.”

Thefirstimpressionmadeonthevisitorbythesistersofherschool-friendwas,thatEmilywasatall,long-armedgirl,morefullygrownthanhereldersister;extremelyreservedinmanner.Idistinguishreservefromshyness,becauseIimagineshynesswouldplease,ifitknewhow;whereas,reserveisindifferentwhetheritpleasesornot.Anne,likehereldestsister,wasshy;Emilywasreserved.

Branwellwasratherahandsomeboy,with“tawny”hair,touseMissBrontë’sphraseforamoreobnoxiouscolour.Allwereveryclever,original,andutterlydifferenttoanypeopleorfamily“E.”hadeverseenbefore.But,onthewhole,itwasahappyvisittoallparties.Charlottesays,inwritingto“E.,”justafterherreturnhome—“WereItotellyouoftheimpressionyouhavemadeoneveryonehere,youwouldaccusemeofflattery.Papaandauntarecontinuallyadducingyouasanexampleformetoshapemyactionsandbehaviourby.EmilyandAnnesay‘theyneversawanyonetheylikedsowellasyou.’AndTabby,whom

youhaveabsolutelyfascinated,talksagreatdealmorenonsenseaboutyourladyshipthanIcaretorepeat.Itisnowsodarkthat,notwithstandingthesingularpropertyofseeinginthenight-time,whichtheyoungladiesatRoeHeadusedtoattributetome,Icanscribblenolonger.”

Toavisitorattheparsonage,itwasagreatthingtohaveTabby’sgoodword.ShehadaYorkshirekeennessofperceptionintocharacter,anditwasnoteverybodysheliked.

Haworthisbuiltwithanutterdisregardofallsanitaryconditions:thegreatoldchurchyardliesaboveallthehouses,anditisterribletothinkhowtheverywater-springsofthepumpsbelowmustbepoisoned.Butthiswinterof1833-4wasparticularlywetandrainy,andtherewereanunusualnumberofdeathsinthevillage.Adrearyseasonitwastothefamilyintheparsonage:theirusualwalksobstructedbythespongystateofthemoors—thepassingandfuneralbellssofrequentlytolling,andfillingtheheavyairwiththeirmournfulsound—and,whentheywerestill,the“chip,chip,”ofthemason,ashecutthegrave-stonesinashedcloseby.Inmany,living,asitwere,inachurchyard,andwithallthesightsandsoundsconnectedwiththelastofficestothedeadthingsofeverydayoccurrence,theveryfamiliaritywouldhavebredindifference.ButitwasotherwisewithCharlotteBrontë.Oneofherfriendssays:—“Ihaveseenherturnpaleandfeelfaintwhen,inHartsheadchurch,someoneaccidentallyremarkedthatwewerewalkingovergraves.Charlottewascertainlyafraidofdeath.Notonlyofdeadbodies,ordyingpeople.Shedreadeditassomethinghorrible.Shethoughtwedidnotknowhowlongthe‘momentofdissolution’mightreallybe,orhowterrible.Thiswasjustsuchaterrorasonlyhypochondriacscanprovideforthemselves.Shetoldmelongagothatamisfortunewasoftenprecededbythedreamfrequentlyrepeatedwhichshegivesto‘JaneEyre,’ofcarryingalittlewailingchild,andbeingunabletostillit.Shedescribedherselfashavingthemostpainfulsenseofpityforthelittlething,lyinginert,assickchildrendo,whileshewalkedaboutinsomegloomyplacewithit,suchastheaisleofHaworthChurch.Themisfortunesshementionedwerenotalwaystoherself.Shethoughtsuchsensitivenesstoomenswaslikethecholera,presenttosusceptiblepeople,—somefeelingmore,someless.”

Aboutthebeginningof1834,“E.”wenttoLondonforthefirsttime.Theideaofherfriend’svisitseemstohavestirredCharlottestrangely.Sheappearstohaveformedhernotionsofitsprobableconsequencesfromsomeofthepapersinthe“BritishEssayists,”“TheRambler,”“TheMirror,”or“TheLounger,”whichmayhavebeenamongtheEnglishclassicsontheparsonagebookshelves;forshe

evidentlyimaginesthatanentirechangeofcharacterfortheworseistheusualeffectofavisitto“thegreatmetropolis,”andisdelightedtofindthat“E.”is“E.”still.And,asherfaithinherfriend’sstabilityisrestored,herownimaginationisdeeplymovedbytheideaofwhatgreatwondersaretobeseeninthatvastandfamouscity.

“Haworth,February20th,1834.

“Yourlettergavemerealandheartfeltpleasure,mingledwithnosmallshareofastonishment.MaryhadpreviouslyinformedmeofyourdepartureforLondon,andIhadnotventuredtocalculateonanycommunicationfromyouwhilesurroundedbythesplendoursandnoveltiesofthatgreatcity,whichhasbeencalledthemercantilemetropolisofEurope.Judgingfromhumannature,Ithoughtthatalittlecountrygirl,forthefirsttimeinasituationsowellcalculatedtoexcitecuriosity,andtodistractattention,wouldloseallremembrance,foratimeatleast,ofdistantandfamiliarobjects,andgiveherselfupentirelytothefascinationofthosesceneswhichwerethenpresentedtoherview.Yourkind,interesting,andmostwelcomeepistleshowedme,however,thatIhadbeenbothmistakenanduncharitableinthesesuppositions.Iwasgreatlyamusedatthetoneofnonchalancewhichyouassumed,whiletreatingofLondonanditswonders.DidyounotfeelawedwhilegazingatSt.Paul’sandWestminsterAbbey?Hadyounofeelingofintenseandardentinterest,wheninSt.James’syousawthepalacewheresomanyofEngland’skingshaveheldtheircourts,andbeheldtherepresentationsoftheirpersonsonthewalls?Youshouldnotbetoomuchafraidofappearingcountry-bred;themagnificenceofLondonhasdrawnexclamationsofastonishmentfromtravelledmen,experiencedintheworld,itswondersandbeauties.HaveyouyetseenanythingofthegreatpersonageswhomthesittingofParliamentnowdetainsinLondon—theDukeofWellington,SirRobertPeel,EarlGrey,Mr.Stanley,Mr.O’Connell?IfIwereyou,Iwouldnotbetooanxioustospendmytimeinreadingwhilstintown.Makeuseofyourowneyesforthepurposesofobservationnow,and,foratimeatleast,layasidethespectacleswithwhichauthorswouldfurnishus.”

Inapostscriptsheadds:—

“WillyoubekindenoughtoinformmeofthenumberofperformersintheKing’smilitaryband?”

Andinsomethingofthesamestrainshewriteson

“June19th.“MyownDearE.,

“Imayrightfullyandtrulycallyousonow.YouhavereturnedorarereturningfromLondon—fromthegreatcitywhichistomeasapocryphalasBabylon,orNineveh,orancientRome.Youarewithdrawingfromtheworld(asitiscalled),andbringingwithyou—ifyourlettersenablemetoformacorrectjudgment—aheartasunsophisticated,asnatural,astrue,asthatyoucarriedthere.Iamslow,veryslow,tobelievetheprotestationsofanother;Iknowmyownsentiments,Icanreadmyownmind,butthemindsoftherestofmanandwomankindaretomesealedvolumes,hieroglyphicalscrolls,whichIcannoteasilyeitherunsealordecipher.Yettime,carefulstudy,longacquaintance,overcomemostdifficulties;and,inyourcase,Ithinktheyhavesucceededwellinbringingtolightandconstruingthathiddenlanguage,whoseturnings,windings,inconsistencies,andobscurities,sofrequentlybaffletheresearchesofthehonestobserverofhumannature...Iamtrulygratefulforyourmindfulnessofsoobscureapersonasmyself,andIhopethepleasureisnotaltogetherselfish;Itrustitispartlyderivedfromtheconsciousnessthatmyfriend’scharacterisofahigher,amoresteadfastorderthanIwasonceperfectlyawareof.Fewgirlswouldhavedoneasyouhavedone—wouldhavebeheldtheglare,andglitter,anddazzlingdisplayofLondonwithdispositionssounchanged,heartsouncontaminated.Iseenoaffectationinyourletters,notrifling,nofrivolouscontemptofplain,andweakadmirationofshowypersonsandthings.”

Inthesedaysofcheaprailwaytrips,wemaysmileattheideaofashortvisittoLondonhavinganygreateffectuponthecharacter,whateveritmayhaveupontheintellect.ButherLondon—hergreatapocryphalcity—wasthe“town”ofacenturybefore,towhichgiddydaughtersdraggedunwillingpapas,orwentwithinjudiciousfriends,tothedetrimentofalltheirbetterqualities,andsometimestotheruinoftheirfortunes;itwastheVanityFairofthe“Pilgrim’sProgress”toher.

Butseethejustandadmirablesensewithwhichshecantreatasubjectofwhichsheisabletooverlookallthebearings.

“Haworth,July4th,1834.

“Inyourlast,yourequestmetotellyouofyourfaults.Now,really,howcanyoubesofoolish!Iwon’ttellyouofyourfaults,becauseIdon’tknowthem.Whatacreaturewouldthatbe,who,afterreceivinganaffectionateandkindletterfromabelovedfriend,shouldsitdownandwriteacatalogueofdefectsbywayofanswer!Imaginemedoingso,andthenconsiderwhatepithetsyouwouldbestowonme.Conceited,dogmatical,hypocritical,littlehumbug,Ishouldthink,wouldbethemildest.Why,child!I’veneithertimenorinclinationtoreflectonyourfaultswhenyouaresofarfromme,andwhen,besides,kindlettersandpresents,andsoforth,arecontinuallybringingforthyourgoodnessinthemostprominentlight.Then,too,therearejudiciousrelationsalwaysroundyou,whocanmuchbetterdischargethatunpleasantoffice.Ihavenodoubttheiradviceiscompletelyatyourservice;whythenshouldIintrudemine?Ifyouwillnothearthem,itwillbevainthoughoneshouldrisefromthedeadtoinstructyou.Letushavenomorenonsense,ifyouloveme.Mr.---isgoingtobemarried,ishe?Well,hiswifeelectappearedtometobeacleverandamiablelady,asfarasIcouldjudgefromthelittleIsawofher,andfromyouraccount.NowtothatflatteringsentencemustItackonalistofherfaults?Yousayitisincontemplationforyoutoleave---.Iamsorryforit.---isapleasantspot,oneoftheoldfamilyhallsofEngland,surroundedbylawnandwoodland,speakingofpasttimes,andsuggesting(tomeatleast)happyfeelings.M.thoughtyougrownless,didshe?Iamnotgrownabit,butasshortanddumpyasever.Youaskmetorecommendyousomebooksforyourperusal.IwilldosoinasfewwordsasIcan.Ifyoulikepoetry,letitbefirst-rate;Milton,Shakspeare,Thomson,Goldsmith,Pope(ifyouwill,thoughIdon’tadmirehim),Scott,Byron,Campbell,Wordsworth,andSouthey.Nowdon’tbestartledatthenamesofShakspeareandByron.Boththeseweregreatmen,andtheirworksarelikethemselves.Youwillknowhowtochoosethegood,andtoavoidtheevil;thefinestpassagesarealwaysthepurest,thebadareinvariablyrevolting;youwillneverwishtoreadthemovertwice.OmitthecomediesofShakspeare,andtheDonJuan,perhapstheCain,ofByron,thoughthelatterisamagnificentpoem,andreadtherestfearlessly;thatmustindeedbeadepravedmindwhichcangatherevilfromHenryVIII.,fromRichardIII.,fromMacbeth,andHamlet,andJuliusCæsar.Scott’ssweet,wild,romanticpoetrycandoyounoharm.NorcanWordsworth’s,norCampbell’s,norSouthey’s—thegreatestpartatleastofhis;someiscertainlyobjectionable.Forhistory,readHume,Rollin,andtheUniversalHistory,ifyoucan;Ineverdid.Forfiction,readScottalone;allnovelsafterhisareworthless.Forbiography,read

Johnson’sLivesofthePoets,Boswell’sLifeofJohnson,Southey’sLifeofNelson,Lockhart’sLifeofBurns,Moore’sLifeofSheridan,Moore’sLifeofByron,Wolfe’sRemains.Fornaturalhistory,readBewickandAudubon,andGoldsmithandWhite’shistoryofSelborne.Fordivinity,yourbrotherwilladviseyouthere.Icanonlysay,adheretostandardauthors,andavoidnovelty.”

Fromthislist,weseethatshemusthavehadagoodrangeofbooksfromwhichtochooseherownreading.Itisevident,thatthewomanlyconsciencesofthesetwocorrespondentswereanxiouslyalivetomanyquestionsdiscussedamongthestricterreligionists.ThemoralityofShakspeareneededtheconfirmationofCharlotte’sopiniontothesensitive“E.;”andalittlelater,sheinquiredwhetherdancingwasobjectionable,whenindulgedinforanhourortwoinpartiesofboysandgirls.Charlottereplies,“IshouldhesitatetoexpressadifferenceofopinionfromMr.---,orfromyourexcellentsister,butreallythematterseemstometostandthus.Itisallowedonallhands,thatthesinofdancingconsistsnotinthemereactionof‘shakingtheshanks’(astheScotchsay),butintheconsequencesthatusuallyattendit;namely,frivolityandwasteoftime;whenitisusedonly,asinthecaseyoustate,fortheexerciseandamusementofanhouramongyoungpeople(whosurelymaywithoutanybreachofGod’scommandmentsbeallowedalittlelight-heartedness),theseconsequencescannotfollow.Ergo(accordingtomymannerofarguing),theamusementisatsuchtimesperfectlyinnocent.”

AlthoughthedistancebetweenHaworthandB---wasbutseventeenmiles,itwasdifficulttogostraightfromtheonetotheotherwithouthiringagigorvehicleofsomekindforthejourney.HenceavisitfromCharlotterequiredagooddealofpre-arrangement.TheHaworthgigwasnotalwaystobehad;andMr.BrontëwasoftenunwillingtofallintoanyarrangementformeetingatBradfordorotherplaces,whichwouldoccasiontroubletoothers.Thewholefamilyhadanampleshareofthatsensitivepridewhichledthemtodreadincurringobligations,andtofear“outstayingtheirwelcome”whenonanyvisit.IamnotsurewhetherMr.Brontëdidnotconsiderdistrustofothersasapartofthatknowledgeofhumannatureonwhichhepiquedhimself.Hispreceptstothiseffect,combinedwithCharlotte’slackofhope,madeheralwaysfearfuloflovingtoomuch;ofwearyingtheobjectsofheraffection;andthusshewasoftentryingtorestrainherwarmfeelings,andwasevercharyofthatpresencesoinvariablywelcometohertruefriends.Accordingtothismodeofacting,whenshewasinvitedforamonth,shestayedbutafortnightamidst“E.’s”family,towhomeveryvisitonlyendearedherthemore,andbywhomshewasreceivedwiththatkindofquietgladnesswithwhichtheywouldhavegreetedasister.

Shestillkeptupherchildishinterestinpolitics.InMarch,1835,shewrites:“Whatdoyouthinkofthecoursepoliticsaretaking?Imakethisenquiry,becauseInowthinkyoutakeawholesomeinterestinthematter;formerlyyoudidnotcaregreatlyaboutit.B.,yousee,istriumphant.Wretch!Iamahearty

hater,andifthereisanyoneIthoroughlyabhor,itisthatman.ButtheOppositionisdivided,Red-hots,andLuke-warms;andtheDuke(parexcellencetheDuke)andSirRobertPeelshownosignsofinsecurity,thoughtheyhavebeentwicebeat;so‘Courage,monamie,’astheoldchevaliersusedtosay,beforetheyjoinedbattle.”

Inthemiddleofthesummerof1835,agreatfamilyplanwasmootedattheparsonage.Thequestionwas,towhattradeorprofessionshouldBranwellbebroughtup?Hewasnownearlyeighteen;itwastimetodecide.Hewasveryclever,nodoubt;perhapstobeginwith,thegreatestgeniusinthisrarefamily.Thesistershardlyrecognisedtheirown,oreachothers’powers,buttheyknewhis.Thefather,ignorantofmanyfailingsinmoralconduct,didproudhomagetothegreatgiftsofhisson;forBranwell’stalentswerereadilyandwillinglybroughtoutfortheentertainmentofothers.Popularadmirationwassweettohim.Andthisledtohispresencebeingsoughtat“arvills”andallthegreatvillagegatherings,fortheYorkshiremenhaveakeenrelishforintellect;anditlikewiseprocuredhimtheundesirabledistinctionofhavinghiscompanyrecommendedbythelandlordoftheBlackBulltoanychancetravellerwhomighthappentofeelsolitaryordulloverhisliquor.“Doyouwantsomeonetohelpyouwithyourbottle,sir?Ifyoudo,I’llsendupforPatrick”(sothevillagerscalledhimtillthedayofhisdeath,thoughinhisownfamilyhewasalways“Branwell”).Andwhilethemessengerwent,thelandlordentertainedhisguestwithaccountsofthewonderfultalentsoftheboy,whoseprecociouscleverness,andgreatconversationalpowers,weretheprideofthevillage.TheattacksofillhealthtowhichMr.Brontëhadbeensubjectoflateyears,rendereditnotonlynecessarythatheshouldtakehisdinneralone(forthesakeofavoidingtemptationstounwholesomediet),butmadeitalsodesirablethatheshouldpassthetimedirectlysucceedinghismealsinperfectquiet.Andthisnecessity,combinedwithdueattentiontohisparochialduties,madehimpartiallyignoranthowhissonemployedhimselfoutoflesson-time.HisownyouthhadbeenspentamongpeopleofthesameconventionalrankasthoseintowhosecompanionshipBranwellwasnowthrown;buthehadhadastrongwill,andanearnestandperseveringambition,andaresolutenessofpurposewhichhisweakersonwanted.

Itissingularhowstrongayearningthewholefamilyhadtowardstheartofdrawing.Mr.Brontëhadbeenverysolicitoustogetthemgoodinstruction;thegirlsthemselveslovedeverythingconnectedwithit—alldescriptionsorengravingsofgreatpictures;and,indefaultofgoodones,theywouldtakeand

analyseanyprintordrawingwhichcameintheirway,andfindouthowmuchthoughthadgonetoitscomposition,whatideasitwasintendedtosuggest,andwhatitdidsuggest.Inthesamespirit,theylabouredtodesignimaginationsoftheirown;theylackedthepowerofexecution,notofconception.Atonetime,Charlottehadthenotionofmakingherlivingasanartist,andweariedhereyesindrawingwithpre-Raphaeliteminuteness,butnotwithpre-Raphaeliteaccuracy,forshedrewfromfancyratherthanfromnature.

ButtheyallthoughttherecouldbenodoubtaboutBranwell’stalentfordrawing.Ihaveseenanoilpaintingofhis,doneIknownotwhen,butprobablyaboutthistime.Itwasagroupofhissisters,life-size,three-quarters’length;notmuchbetterthansign-painting,astomanipulation;butthelikenesseswere,Ishouldthink,admirable.Icouldonlyjudgeofthefidelitywithwhichtheothertwoweredepicted,fromthestrikingresemblancewhichCharlotte,upholdingthegreatframeofcanvas,andconsequentlystandingrightbehindit,boretoherownrepresentation,thoughitmusthavebeentenyearsandmoresincetheportraitsweretaken.Thepicturewasdivided,almostinthemiddle,byagreatpillar.Onthesideofthecolumnwhichwaslightedbythesun,stoodCharlotte,inthewomanlydressofthatdayofgigotsleevesandlargecollars.Onthedeeplyshadowedside,wasEmily,withAnne’sgentlefacerestingonhershoulder.Emily’scountenancestruckmeasfullofpower;Charlotte’sofsolicitude;Anne’softenderness.Thetwoyoungerseemedhardlytohaveattainedtheirfullgrowth,thoughEmilywastallerthanCharlotte;theyhadcroppedhair,andamoregirlishdress.Irememberlookingonthosetwosad,earnest,shadowedfaces,andwonderingwhetherIcouldtracethemysteriousexpressionwhichissaidtoforetellanearlydeath.Ihadsomefondsuperstitioushopethatthecolumndividedtheirfatesfromhers,whostoodapartinthecanvas,asinlifeshesurvived.Ilikedtoseethatthebrightsideofthepillarwastowardsher—thatthelightinthepicturefellonher:Imightmoretrulyhavesoughtinherpresentment—nay,inherlivingface—forthesignofdeath—inherprime.Theyweregoodlikenesses,howeverbadlyexecuted.FromthenceIshouldguesshisfamilyauguredtrulythat,ifBranwellhadbuttheopportunity,and,alas!hadbutthemoralqualities,hemightturnoutagreatpainter.

ThebestwayofpreparinghimtobecomesoappearedtobetosendhimasapupiltotheRoyalAcademy.Idaresayhelongedandyearnedtofollowthispath,principallybecauseitwouldleadhimtothatmysteriousLondon—thatBabylonthegreat—whichseemstohavefilledtheimaginationsandhauntedthemindsofalltheyoungermembersofthisreclusefamily.ToBranwellitwas

morethanavividimagination,itwasanimpressedreality.Bydintofstudyingmaps,hewasaswellacquaintedwithit,evendowntoitsby-ways,asifhehadlivedthere.Poormisguidedfellow!thiscravingtoseeandknowLondon,andthatstrongercravingafterfame,werenevertobesatisfied.Hewastodieattheendofashortandblightedlife.Butinthisyearof1835,allhishomekindredwerethinkinghowtheycouldbestforwardhisviews,andhowhelphimuptothepinnaclewherehedesiredtobe.Whattheirplanswere,letCharlotteexplain.Thesearenotthefirstsisterswhohavelaidtheirlivesasasacrificebeforetheirbrother’sidolizedwish.WouldtoGodtheymightbethelastwhometwithsuchamiserablereturn!

“Haworth,July6th,1835.

“IhadhopedtohavehadtheextremepleasureofseeingyouatHaworththissummer,buthumanaffairsaremutable,andhumanresolutionsmustbendtothecourseofevents.Weareallabouttodivide,breakup,separate.Emilyisgoingtoschool,BranwellisgoingtoLondon,andIamgoingtobeagoverness.ThislastdeterminationIformedmyself,knowingthatIshouldhavetotakethestepsometime,‘andbettersuneassyne,’tousetheScotchproverb;andknowingwellthatpapawouldhaveenoughtodowithhislimitedincome,shouldBranwellbeplacedattheRoyalAcademy,andEmilyatRoeHead.WhereamIgoingtoreside?youwillask.Withinfourmilesofyou,ataplaceneitherofusisunacquaintedwith,beingnootherthantheidenticalRoeHeadmentionedabove.Yes!IamgoingtoteachintheveryschoolwhereIwasmyselftaught.MissW---mademetheoffer,andIpreferredittooneortwoproposalsofprivategoverness-ship,whichIhadbeforereceived.Iamsad—verysad—atthethoughtsofleavinghome;butduty—necessity—thesearesternmistresses,whowillnotbedisobeyed.DidInotoncesayyououghttobethankfulforyourindependence?IfeltwhatIsaidatthetime,andIrepeatitnowwithdoubleearnestness;ifanythingwouldcheerme,itistheideaofbeingsonearyou.Surely,youandPollywillcomeandseeme;itwouldbewronginmetodoubtit;youwereneverunkindyet.EmilyandIleavehomeonthe27thofthismonth;theideaofbeingtogetherconsolesusbothsomewhat,and,truth,sinceImustenterasituation,‘Mylineshavefalleninpleasantplaces.’IbothloveandrespectMissW-.”

CHAPTERVIII

Onthe29thofJuly,1835,Charlotte,nowalittlemorethannineteenyearsold,wentasteachertoMissW---’s.Emilyaccompaniedherasapupil;butshebecameliterallyillfromhome-sickness,andcouldnotsettletoanything,andafterpassingonlythreemonthsatRoeHead,returnedtotheparsonageandthebelovedmoors.

MissBrontëgivesthefollowingreasonsasthosewhichpreventedEmily’sremainingatschool,andcausedthesubstitutionofheryoungersisterinherplaceatMissW---’s:—

“MysisterEmilylovedthemoors.Flowersbrighterthantherosebloomedintheblackestoftheheathforher;—outofasullenhollowinalividhill-side,hermindcouldmakeanEden.Shefoundinthebleaksolitudemanyanddeardelights;andnottheleastandbest-lovedwas—liberty.LibertywasthebreathofEmily’snostrils;withoutitsheperished.Thechangefromherownhometoaschool,andfromherownverynoiseless,verysecluded,butunrestrictedandunartificialmodeoflife,tooneofdisciplinedroutine(thoughunderthekindestauspices),waswhatshefailedinenduring.Hernatureprovedheretoostrongforherfortitude.Everymorning,whenshewoke,thevisionofhomeandthemoorsrushedonher,anddarkenedandsaddenedthedaythatlaybeforeher.Nobodyknewwhatailedherbutme.Iknewonlytoowell.Inthisstruggleherhealthwasquicklybroken:herwhiteface,attenuatedform,andfailingstrength,threatenedrapiddecline.Ifeltinmyheartshewoulddie,ifshedidnotgohome,andwiththisconvictionobtainedherrecall.Shehadonlybeenthreemonthsatschool;anditwassomeyearsbeforetheexperimentofsendingherfromhomewasagainventuredon.”

ThisphysicalsufferingonEmily’spartwhenabsentfromHaworth,afterrecurringseveraltimesundersimilarcircumstances,becameatlengthsomuchanacknowledgedfact,thatwhicheverwasobligedtoleavehome,thesistersdecidedthatEmilymustremainthere,wherealoneshecouldenjoyanythinglikegoodhealth.Sheleftittwiceagaininherlife;oncegoingasteachertoaschool

inHalifaxforsixmonths,andafterwardsaccompanyingCharlottetoBrusselsforten.Whenathome,shetooktheprincipalpartofthecookinguponherself,anddidallthehouseholdironing;andafterTabbygrewoldandinfirm,itwasEmilywhomadeallthebreadforthefamily;andanyonepassingbythekitchen-door,mighthaveseenherstudyingGermanoutofanopenbook,proppedupbeforeher,asshekneadedthedough;butnostudy,howeverinteresting,interferedwiththegoodnessofthebread,whichwasalwayslightandexcellent.Bookswere,indeed,averycommonsightinthatkitchen;thegirlsweretaughtbytheirfathertheoretically,andbytheiraunt,practically,thattotakeanactivepartinallhouseholdworkwas,intheirposition,woman’ssimpleduty;butintheircarefulemploymentoftime,theyfoundmanyanoddfiveminutesforreadingwhilewatchingthecakes,andmanagedtheunionoftwokindsofemploymentbetterthanKingAlfred.

Charlotte’slifeatMissW---’swasaveryhappyone,untilherhealthfailed.Shesincerelylovedandrespectedtheformerschoolmistress,towhomshewasnowbecomebothcompanionandfriend.Thegirlswerehardlystrangerstoher,someofthembeingyoungersistersofthosewhohadbeenherownplaymates.Thoughthedutiesofthedaymightbetediousandmonotonous,therewerealwaystwoorthreehappyhourstolookforwardtointheevening,whensheandMissW---sattogether—sometimeslateintothenight—andhadquietpleasantconversations,orpausesofsilenceasagreeable,becauseeachfeltthatassoonasathoughtorremarkoccurredwhichtheywishedtoexpress,therewasanintelligentcompanionreadytosympathise,andyettheywerenotcompelledto“maketalk.”

MissW---wasalwaysanxioustoaffordMissBrontëeveryopportunityofrecreationinherpower;butthedifficultyoftenwastopersuadehertoavailherselfoftheinvitationswhichcame,urginghertospendSaturdayandSundaywith“E.”and“Mary,”intheirrespectivehomes,thatlaywithinthedistanceofawalk.Shewastooapttoconsider,thatallowingherselfaholidaywasaderelictionofduty,andtorefuseherselfthenecessarychange,fromsomethingofanover-asceticspirit,betokeningalossofhealthybalanceineitherbodyormind.Indeed,itisclearthatsuchwasthecase,fromapassage,referringtothistime,intheletterof“Mary”fromwhichIhavebeforegivenextracts.

“Threeyearsafter—”(theperiodwhentheywereatschooltogether)—“IheardthatshehadgoneasteachertoMissW---’s.Iwenttoseeher,andaskedhowshecouldgivesomuchforsolittlemoney,whenshecouldlivewithoutit.Sheownedthat,afterclothingherselfandAnne,therewasnothingleft,thoughshe

hadhopedtobeabletosavesomething.Sheconfesseditwasnotbrilliant,butwhatcouldshedo?Ihadnothingtoanswer.Sheseemedtohavenointerestorpleasurebeyondthefeelingofduty,and,whenshecouldget,usedtositalone,and‘makeout.’Shetoldmeafterwards,thatoneeveningshehadsatinthedressing-roomuntilitwasquitedark,andthenobservingitallatonce,hadtakensuddenfright.”NodoubtsherememberedthiswellwhenshedescribedasimilarterrorgettingholduponJaneEyre.Shesaysinthestory,“Isatlookingatthewhitebedandovershadowedwalls—occasionallyturningafascinatedeyetowardsthegleamingmirror—IbegantorecallwhatIhadheardofdeadmentroubledintheirgraves...Iendeavouredtobefirm;shakingmyhairfrommyeyes,Iliftedmyheadandtriedtolookboldlythroughthedarkroom;atthismoment,arayfromthemoonpenetratedsomeapertureintheblind.No!moonlightwasstill,andthisstirred...preparedasmymindwasforhorror,shakenasmynerveswerebyagitation,Ithoughttheswift-dartingbeamwasaheraldofsomecomingvisionfromanotherworld.Myheartbeatthick,myheadgrewhot;asoundfilledmyearswhichIdeemedtherustlingofwings;somethingseemednearme.”{4}

“Fromthattime,”Maryadds,“herimaginationsbecamegloomyorfrightful;shecouldnothelpit,norhelpthinking.Shecouldnotforgetthegloom,couldnotsleepatnight,norattendintheday.

“Shetoldmethatonenight,sittingalone,aboutthistime,sheheardavoicerepeattheselines:

“‘Comethouhighandholyfeeling,Shineo’ermountain,flito’erwave,Gleamlikelighto’erdomeandshielding.’

“TherewereeightortenmorelineswhichIforget.Sheinsistedthatshehadnotmadethem,thatshehadheardavoicerepeatthem.Itispossiblethatshehadreadthem,andunconsciouslyrecalledthem.Theyarenotinthevolumeofpoemswhichthesisterspublished.SherepeatedaverseofIsaiah,whichshesaidhadinspiredthem,andwhichIhaveforgotten.Whetherthelineswererecollectedorinvented,thetaleprovessuchhabitsofsedentary,monotonoussolitudeofthoughtaswouldhaveshakenafeeblermind.”

Ofcourse,thestateofhealththusdescribedcameongradually,andisnottobetakenasapictureofherconditionin1836.Yeteventhenthereisadespondencyinsomeofherexpressions,thattoosadlyremindsoneofsomeofCowper’s

letters.Anditisremarkablehowdeeplyhispoemsimpressedher.Hiswords,hisverses,camemorefrequentlytohermemory,Iimagine,thanthoseofanyotherpoet.

“Mary”says:“Cowper’spoem,‘TheCastaway,’wasknowntothemall,andtheyallattimesappreciated,oralmostappropriatedit.CharlottetoldmeoncethatBranwellhaddoneso;andthoughhisdepressionwastheresultofhisfaults,itwasinnootherrespectdifferentfromhers.Bothwerenotmentalbutphysicalillnesses.Shewaswellawareofthis,andwouldaskhowthatmendedmatters,asthefeelingwasthereallthesame,andwasnotremovedbyknowingthecause.Shehadalargerreligioustolerationthanapersonwouldhavewhohadneverquestioned,andthemannerofrecommendingreligionwasalwaysthatofofferingcomfort,notfiercelyenforcingaduty.OnetimeImentionedthatsomeonehadaskedmewhatreligionIwasof(withtheviewofgettingmeforapartizan),andthatIhadsaidthatthatwasbetweenGodandme;—Emily(whowaslyingonthehearth-rug)exclaimed,‘That’sright.’ThiswasallIeverheardEmilysayonreligioussubjects.Charlottewasfreefromreligiousdepressionwhenintolerablehealth;whenthatfailed,herdepressionreturned.Youhaveprobablyseensuchinstances.Theydon’tgetovertheirdifficulties;theyforgetthem,whentheirstomach(orwhateverorganitisthatinflictssuchmiseryonsedentarypeople)willletthem.IhaveheardhercondemnSocinianism,Calvinism,andmanyother‘isms’inconsistentwithChurchofEnglandism.Iusedtowonderatheracquaintancewithsuchsubjects.”

“May10th,1836.

“Iwasstruckwiththenoteyousentmewiththeumbrella;itshowedadegreeofinterestinmyconcernswhichIhavenorighttoexpectfromanyearthlycreature.Iwon’tplaythehypocrite;Iwon’tansweryourkind,gentle,friendlyquestionsinthewayyouwishmeto.Don’tdeceiveyourselfbyimaginingIhaveabitofrealgoodnessaboutme.Mydarling,ifIwerelikeyou,IshouldhavemyfaceZion-ward,thoughprejudiceanderrormightoccasionallyflingamistoverthegloriousvisionbeforeme—butIamnotlikeyou.Ifyouknewmythoughts,thedreamsthatabsorbme,andthefieryimaginationthatattimeseatsmeup,andmakesmefeelsociety,asitis,wretchedlyinsipid,youwouldpityandIdaresaydespiseme.ButIknowthetreasuresoftheBible;Iloveandadorethem.IcanseetheWellofLifeinallitsclearnessandbrightness;butwhenIstoopdowntodrinkofthepurewaterstheyflyfrommylipsasifIwereTantalus.

“Youarefartookindandfrequentinyourinvitations.Youpuzzleme.Ihardlyknowhowtorefuse,anditisstillmoreembarrassingtoaccept.Atanyrate,Icannotcomethisweek,forweareintheverythickestmeléeoftheRepetitions.Iwashearingtheterriblefifthsectionwhenyournotearrived.ButMissWoolersaysImustgotoMarynextFriday,asshepromisedformeonWhit-Sunday;andonSundaymorningIwilljoinyouatchurch,ifitbeconvenient,andstaytillMonday.There’safreeandeasyproposal!MissW---hasdrivenmetoit.Shesayshercharacterisimplicated.”

Good,kindMissW---!howevermonotonousandtryingwerethedutiesCharlottehadtoperformunderherroof,therewasalwaysagenialandthoughtfulfriendwatchingoverher,andurginghertopartakeofanylittlepieceofinnocentrecreationthatmightcomeinherway.AndinthoseMidsummerholidaysof1836,herfriendE.cametostaywithheratHaworth,sotherewasonehappytimesecured.

Herefollowsaseriesofletters,notdated,butbelongingtothelatterportionofthisyear;andagainwethinkofthegentleandmelancholyCowper.

“MydeardearE.,

“Iamatthismomenttremblingalloverwithexcitement,afterreadingyournote;itiswhatIneverreceivedbefore—itistheunrestrainedpouringoutofawarm,gentle,generousheart...Ithankyouwithenergyforthiskindness.Iwillnolongershrinkfromansweringyourquestions.IdowishtobebetterthanIam.Iprayferventlysometimestobemadeso.Ihavestingsofconscience,visitingsofremorse,glimpsesofholy,ofinexpressiblethings,whichformerlyIusedtobeastrangerto;itmayalldieaway,andImaybeinuttermidnight,butIimploreamercifulRedeemer,that,ifthisbethedawnofthegospel,itmaystillbrightentoperfectday.Donotmistakeme—donotthinkIamgood;Ionlywishtobeso.Ionlyhatemyformerflippancyandforwardness.Oh!IamnobetterthaneverIwas.Iaminthatstateofhorrid,gloomyuncertaintythat,atthismoment,Iwouldsubmittobeold,grey-haired,tohavepassedallmyyouthfuldaysofenjoyment,andtobesettlingonthevergeofthegrave,ifIcouldonlytherebyensuretheprospectofreconciliationtoGod,andredemptionthroughhisSon’smerits.Ineverwasexactlycarelessofthesematters,butIhavealwaystakenacloudedandrepulsiveviewofthem;andnow,ifpossible,thecloudsaregatheringdarker,andamoreoppressivedespondencyweighsonmy

spirits.Youhavecheeredme,mydarling;foronemoment,foranatomoftime,IthoughtImightcallyoumyownsisterinthespirit;buttheexcitementispast,andIamnowaswretchedandhopelessasever.ThisverynightIwillprayasyouwishme.MaytheAlmightyhearmecompassionately!andIhumblyhopehewill,foryouwillstrengthenmypollutedpetitionswithyourownpurerequests.Allisbustleandconfusionroundme,theladiespressingwiththeirsumsandtheirlessons...Ifyouloveme,do,do,docomeonFriday:Ishallwatchandwaitforyou,andifyoudisappointmeIshallweep.IwishyoucouldknowthethrillofdelightwhichIexperienced,when,asIstoodatthedining-roomwindow,Isaw---,ashewhirledpast,tossyourlittlepacketoverthewall.”

Huddersfieldmarket-daywasstillthegreatperiodforeventsatRoeHead.Thengirls,runningroundthecornerofthehouseandpeepingbetweentree-stems,andupashadowylane,couldcatchaglimpseofafatherorbrotherdrivingtomarketinhisgig;might,perhaps,exchangeawaveofthehand;orsee,asCharlotteBrontëdidfromthewindow,awhitepackettossedovertheavailbycomeswiftstrongmotionofanarm,therestofthetraveller’sbodyunseen.

“Wearywithaday’shardwork...IamsittingdowntowriteafewlinestomydearE.ExcusemeifIsaynothingbutnonsense,formymindisexhaustedanddispirited.Itisastormyevening,andthewindisutteringacontinualmoaningsound,thatmakesmefeelverymelancholy.Atsuchtimes—insuchmoodsasthese—itismynaturetoseekreposeinsomecalmtranquilidea,andIhavenowsummonedupyourimagetogivemerest.Thereyousit,uprightandstillinyourblackdress,andwhitescarf,andpalemarble-likeface—justlikereality.Iwishyouwouldspeaktome.Ifweshouldbeseparated—ifitshouldbeourlottoliveatagreatdistance,andnevertoseeeachotheragain—inoldage,howIshouldconjureupthememoryofmyyouthfuldays,andwhatamelancholypleasureIshouldfeelindwellingontherecollectionofmyearlyfriend!...Ihavesomequalitiesthatmakemeverymiserable,somefeelingsthatyoucanhavenoparticipationin—thatfew,veryfew,peopleintheworldcanatallunderstand.Idon’tpridemyselfonthesepeculiarities.IstrivetoconcealandsuppressthemasmuchasIcan;buttheyburstoutsometimes,andthenthosewhoseetheexplosiondespiseme,andIhatemyselffordaysafterwards...Ihavejustreceivedyourepistleandwhataccompaniedit.Ican’ttellwhatshouldinduceyouandyoursisterstowasteyourkindnessonsuchaoneasme.I’mobligedtothem,andIhopeyou’lltellthemso.I’mobligedtoyoualso,moreforyournotethanforyourpresent.Thefirstgavemepleasure,thelast

somethinglikepain.”

*****

Thenervousdisturbance,whichisstatedtohavetroubledherwhileshewasatMissW---’s,seemstohavebeguntodistressheraboutthistime;atleast,sheherselfspeaksofherirritablecondition,whichwascertainlyonlyatemporaryailment.

“Youhavebeenverykindtomeoflate,andhavesparedmeallthoselittlesalliesofridicule,which,owingtomymiserableandwretchedtouchinessofcharacter,usedformerlytomakemewince,asifIhadbeentouchedwithahotiron;thingsthatnobodyelsecaresfor,enterintomymindandrankletherelikevenom.Iknowthesefeelingsareabsurd,andthereforeItrytohidethem,buttheyonlystingthedeeperforconcealment.”

Comparethisstateofmindwiththegentleresignationwithwhichshehadsubmittedtobeputasideasuseless,ortoldofheruglinessbyherschool-fellows,onlythreeyearsbefore.

“MylifesinceIsawyouhaspassedasmonotonouslyandunbrokenasever;nothingbutteach,teach,teach,frommorningtillnight.ThegreatestvarietyIeverhaveisaffordedbyaletterfromyou,orbymeetingwithapleasantnewbook.The‘LifeofOberlin,’and‘LeighRichmond’sDomesticPortraiture,’arethelastofthisdescription.Thelatterworkstronglyattractedandstrangelyfascinatedmyattention.Beg,borrow,orstealitwithoutdelay;andreadthe‘MemoirofWilberforce,’—thatshortrecordofabriefuneventfullife;Ishallneverforgetit;itisbeautiful,notonaccountofthelanguageinwhichitiswritten,notonaccountoftheincidentsitdetails,butbecauseofthesimplenarrativeitgivesofayoungtalentedsincereChristian.”

*****

AboutthistimeMissW---removedherschoolfromthefine,open,breezysituationofRoeHead,toDewsburyMoor,onlytwoorthreemilesdistant.Hernewresidencewasonalowersite,andtheairwaslessexhilaratingtoonebredinthewildhill-villageofHaworth.EmilyhadgoneasteachertoaschoolatHalifax,wheretherewerenearlyfortypupils.

“Ihavehadoneletterfromhersinceherdeparture,”writesCharlotte,onOctober2nd,1836:“itgivesanappallingaccountofherduties;hardlabourfrom

sixinthemorningtoelevenatnight,withonlyonehalf-hourofexercisebetween.Thisisslavery.Ifearshecanneverstandit.”

*****

WhenthesistersmetathomeintheChristmasholidays,theytalkedovertheirlives,andtheprospectwhichtheyaffordedofemploymentandremuneration.Theyfeltthatitwasadutytorelievetheirfatheroftheburdenoftheirsupport,ifnotentirely,orthatofallthree,atleastthatofoneortwo;and,naturally,thelotdevolvedupontheelderonestofindsomeoccupationwhichwouldenablethemtodothis.Theyknewthattheywereneverlikelytoinheritmuchmoney.Mr.Brontëhadbutasmallstipend,andwasbothcharitableandliberal.Theiraunthadanannuityof50l.,butitrevertedtoothersatherdeath,andhernieceshadnoright,andwerethelastpersonsintheworldtoreckonuponhersavings.Whatcouldtheydo?CharlotteandEmilyweretryingteaching,and,asitseemed,withoutmuchsuccess.Theformer,itistrue,hadthehappinessofhavingafriendforheremployer,andofbeingsurroundedbythosewhoknewherandlovedher;buthersalarywastoosmallforhertosaveoutofit;andhereducationdidnotentitlehertoalarger.Thesedentaryandmonotonousnatureofthelife,too,waspreyinguponherhealthandspirits,although,withnecessity“ashermistress,”shemighthardlyliketoacknowledgethiseventoherself.ButEmily—thatfree,wild,untameablespirit,neverhappynorwellbutonthesweepingmoorsthatgatheredroundherhome—thathaterofstrangers,doomedtoliveamongstthem,andnotmerelytolivebuttoslaveintheirservice—whatCharlottecouldhavebornepatientlyforherself,shecouldnotbearforhersister.Andyetwhattodo?Shehadoncehopedthatsheherselfmightbecomeanartist,andsoearnherlivelihood;buthereyeshadfailedherintheminuteanduselesslabourwhichshehadimposeduponherselfwithaviewtothisend.

Itwasthehouseholdcustomamongthesegirlstosewtillnineo’clockatnight.Atthathour,MissBranwellgenerallywenttobed,andhernieces’dutiesforthedaywereaccounteddone.Theyputawaytheirwork,andbegantopacetheroombackwardsandforwards,upanddown,—asoftenwiththecandlesextinguished,foreconomy’ssake,asnot,—theirfiguresglancingintothefire-light,andoutintotheshadow,perpetually.Atthistime,theytalkedoverpastcaresandtroubles;theyplannedforthefuture,andconsultedeachotherastotheirplans.Inafteryearsthiswasthetimefordiscussingtogethertheplotsoftheirnovels.Andagain,stilllater,thiswasthetimeforthelastsurvivingsistertowalkalone,fromoldaccustomedhabit,roundandroundthedesolateroom,thinkingsadlyuponthe“daysthatwerenomore.”ButthisChristmasof1836

wasnotwithoutitshopesanddaringaspirations.Theyhadtriedtheirhandsatstory-writing,intheirminiaturemagazine,longago;theyallofthem“madeout”perpetually.Theyhadlikewiseattemptedtowritepoetry;andhadamodestconfidencethattheyhadachievedatolerablesuccess.Buttheyknewthattheymightdeceivethemselves,andthatsisters’judgmentsofeachother’sproductionswerelikelytobetoopartialtobedependedupon.SoCharlotte,astheeldest,resolvedtowritetoSouthey.Ibelieve(fromanexpressioninalettertobenoticedhereafter),thatshealsoconsultedColeridge;butIhavenotmetwithanypartofthatcorrespondence.

OnDecember29th,herlettertoSoutheywasdespatched;andfromanexcitementnotunnaturalinagirlwhohasworkedherselfuptothepitchofwritingtoaPoetLaureateandaskinghisopinionofherpoems,sheusedsomehigh-flownexpressionswhich,probably,gavehimtheideathatshewasaromanticyounglady,unacquaintedwiththerealitiesoflife.

This,mostlikely,wasthefirstofthoseadventurouslettersthatpassedthroughthelittlepost-officeofHaworth.Morningaftermorningoftheholidaysslippedaway,andtherewasnoanswer;thesistershadtoleavehome,andEmilytoreturntoherdistastefulduties,withoutknowingevenwhetherCharlotte’sletterhadeverreacheditsdestination.

Notdispirited,however,bythedelay,Branwelldeterminedtotryasimilarventure,andaddressedthefollowinglettertoWordsworth.ItwasgivenbythepoettoMr.Quillinanin1850,afterthenameofBrontëhadbecomeknownandfamous.IhavenomeansofascertainingwhatanswerwasreturnedbyMr.Wordsworth;butthatheconsideredtheletterremarkablemay,Ithink,beinferredbothfromitspreservation,anditsrecurrencetohismemorywhentherealnameofCurrerBellwasmadeknowntothepublic.

“Haworth,nearBradford,“Yorkshire,January19,1837.

“Sir,—ImostearnestlyentreatyoutoreadandpassyourjudgmentuponwhatIhavesentyou,becausefromthedayofmybirthtothisthenineteenthyearofmylife,Ihavelivedamongsecludedhills,whereIcouldneitherknowwhatIwas,orwhatIcoulddo.IreadforthesamereasonthatIateordrank;becauseitwasarealcravingofnature.IwroteonthesameprincipleasIspoke—outoftheimpulseandfeelingsofthemind;norcouldIhelpit,forwhatcame,cameout,andtherewastheendofit.Foras

toself-conceit,thatcouldnotreceivefoodfromflattery,sincetothishour,nothalfadozenpeopleintheworldknowthatIhaveeverpennedaline.

“Butachangehastakenplacenow,sir:andIamarrivedatanagewhereinImustdosomethingformyself:thepowersIpossessmustbeexercisedtoadefiniteend,andasIdon’tknowthemmyselfImustaskofotherswhattheyareworth.Yetthereisnotoneheretotellme;andstill,iftheyareworthless,timewillhenceforthbetooprecioustobewastedonthem.

“Dopardonme,sir,thatIhaveventuredtocomebeforeonewhoseworksIhavemostlovedinourliterature,andwhomosthasbeenwithmeadivinityofthemind,layingbeforehimoneofmywritings,andaskingofhimajudgmentofitscontents.Imustcomebeforesomeonefromwhosesentencethereisnoappeal;andsuchaoneishewhohasdevelopedthetheoryofpoetryaswellasitspractice,andbothinsuchawayastoclaimaplaceinthememoryofathousandyearstocome.

“Myaim,sir,istopushoutintotheopenworld,andforthisItrustnotpoetryalone—thatmightlaunchthevessel,butcouldnotbearheron;sensibleandscientificprose,boldandvigorouseffortsinmywalkinlife,wouldgiveafarthertitletothenoticeoftheworld;andthenagainpoetryoughttobrightenandcrownthatnamewithglory;butnothingofallthiscanbeeverbegunwithoutmeans,andasIdon’tpossessthese,Imustineveryshapestrivetogainthem.Surely,inthisday,whenthereisnotawritingpoetworthasixpence,thefieldmustbeopen,ifabettermancanstepforward.

“WhatIsendyouisthePrefatorySceneofamuchlongersubject,inwhichIhavestriventodevelopstrongpassionsandweakprinciplesstrugglingwithahighimaginationandacutefeelings,till,asyouthhardenstowardsage,evildeedsandshortenjoymentsendinmentalmiseryandbodilyruin.Now,tosendyouthewholeofthiswouldbeamockuponyourpatience;whatyousee,doesnotevenpretendtobemorethanthedescriptionofanimaginativechild.Butreadit,sir;and,asyouwouldholdalighttooneinutterdarkness—asyouvalueyourownkindheartedness—returnmeananswer,ifbutoneword,tellingmewhetherIshouldwriteon,orwritenomore.Forgiveunduewarmth,becausemyfeelingsinthismattercannotbecool;andbelieveme,sir,withdeeprespect,

“Yourreallyhumbleservant,

“P.B.Brontë”

Thepoetryenclosedseemstomebynomeansequaltopartsoftheletter;but,aseveryonelikestojudgeforhimself,Icopythesixopeningstanzas—aboutathirdofthewhole,andcertainlynottheworst.

Sowherehereignsinglorybright,Abovethosestarryskiesofnight,AmidhisParadiseoflightOh,whymayInotbe?

OftwhenawakeonChristmasmorn,Insleeplesstwilightlaidforlorn,Strangethoughtshaveo’ermymindbeenborne,Howhehasdiedforme.

Andoftwithinmychamberlying,HaveIawakedmyselfwithcryingFromdreams,whereIbeheldHimdyingUpontheaccursedTree.

Andoftenhasmymothersaid,WhileonherlapIlaidmyhead,ShefearedfortimeIwasnotmade,ButforEternity.

So“Icanreadmytitleclear,Tomansionsintheskies,Andletmebidfarewelltofear,Andwipemyweepingeyes.”

I’lllaymedownonthismarblestone,Andsettheworldaside,ToseeuponherebonthroneTheMooningloryride.

SoonafterCharlottereturnedtoDewsburyMoor,shewasdistressedbyhearingthatherfriend“E.”waslikelytoleavetheneighbourhoodforaconsiderablelengthoftime.

“Feb.20th.

“WhatshallIdowithoutyou?Howlongarewelikelytobeseparated?Whyarewetobedeniedeachother’ssociety?Itisaninscrutablefatality.Ilongtobewithyou,becauseitseemsasiftwoorthreedays,orweeks,spentinyourcompanywouldbeyondmeasurestrengthenmeintheenjoymentofthosefeelingswhichIhavesolatelybeguntocherish.YoufirstpointedouttomethatwayinwhichIamsofeeblyendeavouringtotravel,andnowIcannotkeepyoubymyside,Imustproceedsorrowfullyalone.Whyarewetobedivided?Surely,itmustbebecauseweareindangeroflovingeachothertoowell—oflosingsightoftheCreatorinidolatryofthecreature.Atfirst,Icouldnotsay‘Thywillbedone!’Ifeltrebellious,butIknewitwaswrongtofeelso.Beingleftamomentalonethismorning,IprayedferventlytobeenabledtoresignmyselftoeverydecreeofGod’swill,thoughitshouldbedealtforthbyafarsevererhandthanthepresentdisappointment;sincethenIhavefeltcalmerandhumbler,andconsequentlyhappier.LastSundayItookupmyBibleinagloomystateofmind:Ibegantoread—afeelingstoleovermesuchasIhavenotknownformanylongyears—asweet,placidsensation,likethose,Iremember,whichusedtovisitmewhenIwasalittlechild,and,onSundayeveningsinsummer,stoodbytheopenwindowreadingthelifeofacertainFrenchnobleman,whoattainedapurerandhigherdegreeofsanctitythanhasbeenknownsincethedaysoftheearlymartyrs.”

“E.’s”residencewasequallywithinawalkfromDewsburyMoorasithadbeenfromRoeHead;andonSaturdayafternoonsboth“Mary”andsheusedtocalluponCharlotte,andoftenendeavouredtopersuadehertoreturnwiththem,andbetheguestofoneofthemtillMondaymorning;butthiswascomparativelyseldom.Marysays:—“ShevisitedustwiceorthricewhenshewasatMissW---’s.Weusedtodisputeaboutpoliticsandreligion.She,aToryandclergyman’sdaughter,wasalwaysinaminorityofoneinourhouseofviolentDissentandRadicalism.Sheusedtohearoveragain,deliveredwithauthority,allthelecturesIhadbeenusedtogiveheratschoolondespoticaristocracy,mercenarypriesthood,&c.Shehadnotenergytodefendherself;sometimessheownedtoalittletruthinit,butgenerallysaidnothing.Herfeeblehealthgaveherheryieldingmanner,forshecouldneveropposeanyonewithoutgatheringupallherstrengthforthestruggle.Thusshewouldletmeadviseandpatronisemostimperiously,sometimespickingoutanygrainofsensetheremightbeinwhatIsaid,butneverallowinganyonemateriallytointerferewithherindependenceofthoughtandaction.Thoughhersilencesometimesleftoneundertheimpressionthatsheagreedwhenshedidnot,shenevergaveaflatteringopinion,andthus

herwordsweregolden,whetherforpraiseorblame.”

“Mary’s”fatherwasamanofremarkableintelligence,butofstrong,nottosayviolentprejudices,allrunninginfavourofRepublicanismandDissent.NoothercountybutYorkshirecouldhaveproducedsuchaman.HisbrotherhadbeenadétenuinFrance,andhadafterwardsvoluntarilytakenuphisresidencethere.Mr.T.himselfhadbeenmuchabroad,bothonbusinessandtoseethegreatcontinentalgalleriesofpaintings.HespokeFrenchperfectly,Ihavebeentold,whenneedwas;butdelightedusuallyintalkingthebroadestYorkshire.Heboughtsplendidengravingsofthepictureswhichheparticularlyadmired,andhishousewasfullofworksofartandofbooks;butheratherlikedtopresenthisroughsidetoanystrangerornew-comer;hewouldspeakhisbroadest,bringouthisopinionsonChurchandStateintheirmoststartlingforms,and,byandby,ifhefoundhishearercouldstandtheshock,hewouldinvoluntarilyshowhiswarmkindheart,andhistruetaste,andrealrefinement.HisfamilyoffoursonsandtwodaughterswerebroughtuponRepublicanprinciples;independenceofthoughtandactionwasencouraged;no“shams”tolerated.Theyarescatteredfarandwide:Martha,theyoungerdaughter,sleepsintheProtestantcemeteryatBrussels;MaryisinNewZealand;Mr.T.isdead.Andsolifeanddeathhavedispersedthecircleof“violentRadicalsandDissenters”intowhich,twentyyearsago,thelittle,quiet,resoluteclergyman’sdaughterwasreceived,andbywhomshewastrulylovedandhonoured.

JanuaryandFebruaryof1837hadpassedaway,andstilltherewasnoreplyfromSouthey.Probablyshehadlostexpectationandalmosthopewhenatlength,inthebeginningofMarch,shereceivedtheletterinsertedinMr.C.C.Southey’slifeofhisFather,vol.iv.p.327.

Afteraccountingforhisdelayinreplyingtohersbythefactofalongabsencefromhome,duringwhichhislettershadaccumulated,whence“ithaslainunansweredtillthelastofanumerousfile,notfromdisrespectorindifferencetoitscontents,butbecauseintruthitisnotaneasytasktoanswerit,norapleasantonetocastadampoverthehighspiritsandthegenerousdesiresofyouth,”hegoesontosay:“WhatyouareIcanonlyinferfromyourletter,whichappearstobewritteninsincerity,thoughImaysuspectthatyouhaveusedafictitioussignature.Bethatasitmay,theletterandtheversesbearthesamestamp,andIcanwellunderstandthestateofmindtheyindicate.

*****

“Itisnotmyadvicethatyouhaveaskedastothedirectionofyourtalents,butmyopinionofthem,andyettheopinionmaybeworthlittle,andtheadvicemuch.Youevidentlypossess,andinnoinconsiderabledegree,whatWordsworthcallsthe‘facultyofverse.’IamnotdepreciatingitwhenIsaythatinthesetimesitisnotrare.Manyvolumesofpoemsarenowpublishedeveryyearwithoutattractingpublicattention,anyoneofwhichifithadappearedhalfacenturyago,wouldhaveobtainedahighreputationforitsauthor.Whoever,therefore,isambitiousofdistinctioninthiswayoughttobepreparedfordisappointment.

“Butitisnotwithaviewtodistinctionthatyoushouldcultivatethistalent,ifyouconsultyourownhappiness.I,whohavemadeliteraturemyprofession,anddevotedmylifetoit,andhaveneverforamomentrepentedofthedeliberatechoice,thinkmyself,nevertheless,boundindutytocautioneveryyoungmanwhoappliesasanaspiranttomeforencouragementandadvice,againsttakingsoperilousacourse.Youwillsaythatawomanhasnoneedofsuchacaution;therecanbenoperilinitforher.Inacertainsensethisistrue;butthereisadangerofwhichIwould,withallkindnessandallearnestness,warnyou.Thedaydreamsinwhichyouhabituallyindulgearelikelytoinduceadistemperedstateofmind;andinproportionasalltheordinaryusesoftheworldseemtoyouflatandunprofitable,youwillbeunfittedforthemwithoutbecomingfittedforanythingelse.Literaturecannotbethebusinessofawoman’slife,anditoughtnottobe.Themoresheisengagedinherproperduties,thelessleisurewillshehaveforit,evenasanaccomplishmentandarecreation.Tothosedutiesyouhavenotyetbeencalled,andwhenyouareyouwillbelesseagerforcelebrity.Youwillnotseekinimaginationforexcitement,ofwhichthevicissitudesofthislife,andtheanxietiesfromwhichyoumustnothopetobeexempted,beyourstatewhatitmay,willbringwiththembuttoomuch.

“ButdonotsupposethatIdisparagethegiftwhichyoupossess;northatIwoulddiscourageyoufromexercisingit.Ionlyexhortyousotothinkofit,andsotouseit,astorenderitconducivetoyourownpermanentgood.Writepoetryforitsownsake;notinaspiritofemulation,andnotwithaviewtocelebrity;thelessyouaimatthatthemorelikelyyouwillbetodeserveandfinallytoobtainit.Sowritten,itiswholesomebothfortheheartandsoul;itmaybemadethesurestmeans,nexttoreligion,ofsoothingthemindandelevatingit.Youmayembodyinityourbestthoughtsandyourwisestfeelings,andinsodoingdisciplineandstrengthenthem.

“Farewell,madam.ItisnotbecauseIhaveforgottenthatIwasonceyoung

myself,thatIwritetoyouinthisstrain;butbecauseIrememberit.Youwillneitherdoubtmysinceritynormygoodwill;andhoweverillwhathasherebeensaidmayaccordwithyourpresentviewsandtemper,thelongeryoulivethemorereasonableitwillappeartoyou.ThoughImaybebutanungraciousadviser,youwillallowme,therefore,tosubscribemyself,withthebestwishesforyourhappinesshereandhereafter,yourtruefriend,

“ROBERTSOUTHEY.”

*****

IwaswithMissBrontëwhenshereceivedMr.CuthbertSouthey’snote,requestingherpermissiontoinserttheforegoingletterinhisfather’slife.Shesaidtome,“Mr.Southey’sletterwaskindandadmirable;alittlestringent,butitdidmegood.”

ItispartlybecauseIthinkitsoadmirable,andpartlybecauseittendstobringouthercharacter,asshowninthefollowingreply,thatIhavetakenthelibertyofinsertingtheforegoingextractsfromit.

“Sir,March16th.

“IcannotresttillIhaveansweredyourletter,eventhoughbyaddressingyouasecondtimeIshouldappearalittleintrusive;butImustthankyouforthekindandwiseadviceyouhavecondescendedtogiveme.Ihadnotventuredtohopeforsuchareply;soconsiderateinitstone,sonobleinitsspirit.ImustsuppresswhatIfeel,oryouwillthinkmefoolishlyenthusiastic.

“Atthefirstperusalofyourletter,IfeltonlyshameandregretthatIhadeverventuredtotroubleyouwithmycruderhapsody;IfeltapainfulheatrisetomyfacewhenIthoughtofthequiresofpaperIhadcoveredwithwhatoncegavemesomuchdelight,butwhichnowwasonlyasourceofconfusion;butafterIhadthoughtalittleandreaditagainandagain,theprospectseemedtoclear.Youdonotforbidmetowrite;youdonotsaythatwhatIwriteisutterlydestituteofmerit.Youonlywarnmeagainstthefollyofneglectingrealdutiesforthesakeofimaginativepleasures;ofwritingfortheloveoffame;fortheselfishexcitementofemulation.Youkindlyallowmetowritepoetryforitsownsake,providedIleaveundonenothingwhichIoughttodo,inordertopursuethatsingle,absorbing,exquisitegratification.Iamafraid,sir,youthinkmeveryfoolish.Iknow

thefirstletterIwrotetoyouwasallsenselesstrashfrombeginningtoend;butIamnotaltogethertheidledreamingbeingitwouldseemtodenote.Myfatherisaclergymanoflimited,thoughcompetentincome,andIamtheeldestofhischildren.Heexpendedquiteasmuchinmyeducationashecouldaffordinjusticetotherest.Ithoughtitthereforemyduty,whenIleftschool,tobecomeagoverness.InthatcapacityIfindenoughtooccupymythoughtsalldaylong,andmyheadandhandstoo,withouthavingamoment’stimeforonedreamoftheimagination.Intheevenings,Iconfess,Idothink,butInevertroubleanyoneelsewithmythoughts.Icarefullyavoidanyappearanceofpreoccupationandeccentricity,whichmightleadthoseIliveamongsttosuspectthenatureofmypursuits.Followingmyfather’sadvice—whofrommychildhoodhascounselledme,justinthewiseandfriendlytoneofyourletter—Ihaveendeavourednotonlyattentivelytoobserveallthedutiesawomanoughttofulfil,buttofeeldeeplyinterestedinthem.Idon’talwayssucceed,forsometimeswhenI’mteachingorsewingIwouldratherbereadingorwriting;butItrytodenymyself;andmyfather’sapprobationamplyrewardedmefortheprivation.Oncemoreallowmetothankyouwithsinceregratitude.ItrustIshallnevermorefeelambitioustoseemynameinprint:ifthewishshouldrise,I’lllookatSouthey’sletter,andsuppressit.ItishonourenoughformethatIhavewrittentohim,andreceivedananswer.Thatletterisconsecrated;nooneshalleverseeit,butpapaandmybrotherandsisters.AgainIthankyou.Thisincident,Isuppose,willberenewednomore;ifIlivetobeanoldwoman,Ishallrememberitthirtyyearshenceasabrightdream.Thesignaturewhichyoususpectedofbeingfictitiousismyrealname.Again,therefore,Imustsignmyself,

“C.Brontë.

“P.S.—Pray,sir,excusemeforwritingtoyouasecondtime;Icouldnothelpwriting,partlytotellyouhowthankfulIamforyourkindness,andpartlytoletyouknowthatyouradviceshallnotbewasted;howeversorrowfullyandreluctantlyitmaybeatfirstfollowed.

“C.B.”

IcannotdenymyselfthegratificationofinsertingSouthey’sreply:—

“Keswick,March22,1837.

“DearMadam,

“Yourletterhasgivenmegreatpleasure,andIshouldnotforgivemyselfifIdidnottellyouso.Youhavereceivedadmonitionasconsideratelyandaskindlyasitwasgiven.Letmenowrequestthat,ifyouevershouldcometotheseLakeswhileIamlivinghere,youwillletmeseeyou.Youwouldthenthinkofmeafterwardswiththemoregood-will,becauseyouwouldperceivethatthereisneitherseveritynormorosenessinthestateofmindtowhichyearsandobservationhavebroughtme.

“Itis,byGod’smercy,inourpowertoattainadegreeofself-government,whichisessentialtoourownhappiness,andcontributesgreatlytothatofthosearoundus.Takecareofover-excitement,andendeavourtokeepaquietmind(evenforyourhealthitisthebestadvicethatcanbegivenyou):yourmoralandspiritualimprovementwillthenkeeppacewiththecultureofyourintellectualpowers.

“Andnow,madam,Godblessyou!

“Farewell,andbelievemetobeyoursincerefriend,

“ROBERTSOUTHEY.

Ofthissecondletter,also,shespoke,andtoldmethatitcontainedaninvitationforhertogoandseethepoetifevershevisitedtheLakes.“Buttherewasnomoneytospare,”saidshe,“noranyprospectofmyeverearningmoneyenoughtohavethechanceofsogreatapleasure,soIgaveupthinkingofit.”AtthetimeweconversedtogetheronthesubjectwewereattheLakes.ButSoutheywasdead.

This“stringent”lettermadeherputaside,foratime,allideaofliteraryenterprise.Shebentherwholeenergytowardsthefulfilmentofthedutiesinhand;butheroccupationwasnotsufficientfoodforhergreatforcesofintellect,andtheycriedoutperpetually,“Give,give,”whilethecomparativelylessbreezyairofDewsburyMoortolduponherhealthandspiritsmoreandmore.OnAugust27,1837,shewrites:—

“IamagainatDewsbury,engagedintheoldbusiness,—teach,teach,teach...Whenwillyoucomehome?Makehaste!YouhavebeenatBathlongenoughforallpurposes;bythistimeyouhaveacquiredpolishenough,Iamsure;ifthevarnishislaidonmuchthicker,Iamafraidthegoodwood

underneathwillbequiteconcealed,andyourYorkshirefriendswon’tstandthat.Come,come.Iamgettingreallytiredofyourabsence.SaturdayafterSaturdaycomesround,andIcanhavenohopeofhearingyourknockatthedoor,andthenbeingtoldthat‘MissE.iscome.’Oh,dear!inthismonotonouslifeofmine,thatwasapleasantevent.Iwishitwouldrecuragain;butitwilltaketwoorthreeinterviewsbeforethestiffness—theestrangementofthislongseparation—willwearaway.”

Aboutthistimesheforgottoreturnawork-bagshehadborrowed,byamessenger,andinrepairinghererrorshesays:—“TheseaberrationsofmemorywarnmeprettyintelligiblythatIamgettingpastmyprime.”AEtat21!Andthesametoneofdespondencyrunsthroughthefollowingletter:—

“IwishexceedinglythatIcouldcometoyoubeforeChristmas,butitisimpossible;anotherthreeweeksmustelapsebeforeIshallagainhavemycomforterbesideme,undertheroofofmyowndearquiethome.IfIcouldalwayslivewithyou,anddailyreadtheBiblewithyou—ifyourlipsandminecouldatthesametimedrinkthesamedraught,fromthesamepurefountainofmercy—Ihope,Itrust,Imightonedaybecomebetter,farbetterthanmyevil,wanderingthoughts,mycorruptheart,coldtothespiritandwarmtotheflesh,willnowpermitmetobe.Ioftenplanthepleasantlifewhichwemightleadtogether,strengtheningeachotherinthatpowerofself-denial,thathallowedandglowingdevotion,whichthefirstsaintsofGodoftenattainedto.MyeyesfillwithtearswhenIcontrasttheblissofsuchastate,brightenedbyhopesofthefuture,withthemelancholystateInowlivein,uncertainthatIeverfelttruecontrition,wanderinginthoughtanddeed,longingforholiness,whichIshallnever,neverobtain,smittenattimestotheheartwiththeconvictionthatghastlyCalvinisticdoctrinesaretrue—darkened,inshort,bytheveryshadowsofspiritualdeath.IfChristianperfectionbenecessarytosalvation,Ishallneverbesaved;myheartisaveryhotbedforsinfulthoughts,andwhenIdecideonanactionIscarcelyremembertolooktomyRedeemerfordirection.Iknownothowtopray;Icannotbendmylifetothegrandendofdoinggood;Igoonconstantlyseekingmyownpleasure,pursuingthegratificationofmyowndesires.IforgetGod,andwillnotGodforgetme?And,meantime,IknowthegreatnessofJehovah;IacknowledgetheperfectionofHisword;IadorethepurityoftheChristianfaith;mytheoryisright,mypracticehorriblywrong.”

TheChristmasholidayscame,andsheandAnnereturnedtotheparsonage,andtothathappyhomecircleinwhichalonetheirnaturesexpanded;amongstallotherpeopletheyshrivelledupmoreorless.Indeed,therewereonlyoneortwostrangerswhocouldbeadmittedamongthesisterswithoutproducingthesameresult.EmilyandAnnewereboundupintheirlivesandinterestsliketwins.Theformerfromreserve,thelatterfromtimidity,avoidedallfriendshipsandintimaciesbeyondtheirfamily.Emilywasimpervioustoinfluence;shenevercameincontactwithpublicopinion,andherowndecisionofwhatwasrightandfittingwasalawforherconductandappearance,withwhichsheallowednoonetointerfere.HerlovewaspouredoutonAnne,asCharlotte’swasonher.Buttheaffectionamongallthethreewasstrongerthaneitherdeathorlife.

“E.”waseagerlywelcomedbyCharlotte,freelyadmittedbyEmily,andkindlyreceivedbyAnne,whenevershecouldvisitthem;andthisChristmasshehadpromisedtodoso,buthercominghadtobedelayedonaccountofalittledomesticaccidentdetailedinthefollowingletter:—

“Dec.29,1837.

“Iamsureyouwillhavethoughtmeveryremissinnotsendingmypromisedletterlongbeforenow;butIhaveasufficientandverymelancholyexcuseinanaccidentthatbefellouroldfaithfulTabby,afewdaysaftermyreturnhome.Shewasgoneoutintothevillageonsomeerrand,when,asshewasdescendingthesteepstreet,herfootslippedontheice,andshefell;itwasdark,andnoonesawhermischance,tillafteratimehergroansattractedtheattentionofapasser-by.Shewasliftedupandcarriedintothedruggist’snear;and,aftertheexamination,itwasdiscoveredthatshehadcompletelyshatteredanddislocatedoneleg.Unfortunately,thefracturecouldnotbesettillsixo’clockthenextmorning,asnosurgeonwastobehadbeforethattime,andshenowliesatourhouseinaverydoubtfulanddangerousstate.Ofcourseweareallexceedinglydistressedatthecircumstance,forshewaslikeoneofourownfamily.Sincetheeventwehavebeenalmostwithoutassistance—apersonhasdroppedinnowandthentodothedrudgery,butwehaveasyetbeenabletoprocurenoregularservant;andconsequently,thewholeworkofthehouse,aswellastheadditionaldutyofnursingTabby,fallsonourselves.UnderthesecircumstancesIdarenotpressyourvisithere,atleastuntilsheispronouncedoutofdanger;itwouldbetooselfishofme.Auntwishedmetogiveyouthisinformationbefore,butpapaandalltherestwereanxiousI

shoulddelayuntilwesawwhethermatterstookamoresettledaspect,andImyselfkeptputtingitofffromdaytoday,mostbitterlyreluctanttogiveupallthepleasureIhadanticipatedsolong.However,rememberingwhatyoutoldme,namely,thatyouhadcommendedthemattertoahigherdecisionthanours,andthatyouwereresolvedtosubmitwithresignationtothatdecision,whateveritmightbe,Iholditmydutytoyieldalso,andtobesilent;itmaybeallforthebest.Ifear,ifyouhadbeenhereduringthissevereweather,yourvisitwouldhavebeenofnoadvantagetoyou,forthemoorsareblockadedwithsnow,andyouwouldneverhavebeenabletogetout.Afterthisdisappointment,Ineverdarereckonwithcertaintyontheenjoymentofapleasureagain;itseemsasifsomefatalitystoodbetweenyouandme.Iamnotgoodenoughforyou,andyoumustbekeptfromthecontaminationoftoointimatesociety.Iwouldurgeyourvisityet—Iwouldentreatandpressit—butthethoughtcomesacrossme,shouldTabbydiewhileyouareinthehouse,Ishouldneverforgivemyself.No!itmustnotbe,andinathousandwaystheconsciousnessofthatmortifiesanddisappointsmemostkeenly,andIamnottheonlyonewhoisdisappointed.Allinthehousewerelookingtoyourvisitwitheagerness.Papasayshehighlyapprovesofmyfriendshipwithyou,andhewishesmetocontinueitthroughlife.”

AgoodneighbouroftheBrontës—aclever,intelligentYorkshirewoman,whokeepsadruggist’sshopinHaworth,andfromheroccupation,herexperience,andexcellentsense,holdsthepositionofvillagedoctressandnurse,and,assuch,hasbeenafriend,inmanyatimeoftrial,andsickness,anddeath,inthehouseholdsround—toldmeacharacteristiclittleincidentconnectedwithTabby’sfracturedleg.Mr.Brontëistrulygenerousandregardfulofalldeservingclaims.Tabbyhadlivedwiththemfortenortwelveyears,andwas,asCharlotteexpressedit,“oneofthefamily.”Butontheotherhand,shewaspasttheageforanyveryactiveservice,beingnearerseventythansixtyatthetimeoftheaccident;shehadasisterlivinginthevillage;andthesavingsshehadaccumulated,duringmanyyears’service,formedacompetencyforoneinherrankoflife.Orif,inthistimeofsickness,shefellshortofanycomfortswhichherstaterenderednecessary,theparsonagecouldsupplythem.SoreasonedMissBranwell,theprudent,nottosayanxiousaunt;lookingtothelimitedcontentsofMr.Brontë’spurse,andtheunprovided-for-futureofhernieces;whowere,moreover,losingtherelaxationoftheholidays,incloseattendanceuponTabby.

MissBranwellurgedherviewsuponMr.Brontëassoonastheimmediatedangertotheoldservant’slifewasover.Herefusedatfirsttolistentothecarefuladvice;itwasrepugnanttohisliberalnature.ButMissBranwellpersevered;urgedeconomicalmotives;pressedonhisloveforhisdaughters.Hegaveway.Tabbywastoberemovedtohersister’s,andtherenursedandcaredfor,Mr.Brontëcominginwithhisaidwhenherownresourcesfellshort.Thisdecisionwascommunicatedtothegirls.Thereweresymptomsofaquiet,butsturdyrebellion,thatwinterafternoon,inthesmallprecinctsofHaworthparsonage.Theymadeoneunanimousandstiffremonstrance.Tabbyhadtendedthemintheirchildhood;they,andnoneother,shouldtendherinherinfirmityandage.Attea-time,theyweresadandsilent,andthemealwentawayuntouchedbyanyofthethree.Soitwasatbreakfast;theydidnotwastemanywordsonthesubject,buteachwordtheydidutterwasweighty.They“struck”eatingtilltheresolutionwasrescinded,andTabbywasallowedtoremainahelplessinvalidentirelydependentuponthem.HereinwasthestrongfeelingofDutybeingparamounttopleasure,whichlayatthefoundationofCharlotte’scharacter,mademostapparent;forwehaveseenhowsheyearnedforherfriend’scompany;butitwastobeobtainedonlybyshrinkingfromwhatsheesteemedright,andthatsheneverdid,whatevermightbethesacrifice.

ShehadanotherweightonhermindthisChristmas.IhavesaidthattheairofDewsburyMoordidnotagreewithher,thoughsheherselfwashardlyawarehowmuchherlifetherewasaffectingherhealth.ButAnnehadbeguntosufferjustbeforetheholidays,andCharlottewatchedoverheryoungersisterswiththejealousvigilanceofsomewildcreature,thatchangesherverynatureifdangerthreatensheryoung.Annehadaslightcough,apainatherside,adifficultyofbreathing.MissW---considereditaslittlemorethanacommoncold;butCharlottefelteveryindicationofincipientconsumptionasastabatherheart,rememberingMariaandElizabeth,whoseplacesonceknewthem,andshouldknowthemnomore.

Stungbyanxietyforthislittlesister,sheupbraidedMissW---forherfanciedindifferencetoAnne’sstateofhealth.MissW---feltthesereproacheskeenly,andwrotetoMr.Brontëaboutthem.Heimmediatelyrepliedmostkindly,expressinghisfearthatCharlotte’sapprehensionsandanxietiesrespectinghersisterhadledhertogiveutterancetoover-excitedexpressionsofalarm.ThroughMissW---’skindconsideration,Annewasayearlongeratschoolthanherfriendsintended.Atthecloseofthehalf-yearMissW---soughtfortheopportunityofanexplanationofeachother’swords,andtheissueprovedthat

“thefallingoutoffaithfulfriends,renewingisoflove.”Andsoendedthefirst,last,andonlydifferenceCharlotteeverhadwithgood,kindMissW---.

StillherhearthadreceivedashockintheperceptionofAnne’sdelicacy;andalltheseholidaysshewatchedoverherwiththelonging,fondanxiety,whichissofullofsuddenpangsoffear.

EmilyhadgivenuphersituationintheHalifaxschool,attheexpirationofsixmonthsofarduoustrial,onaccountofherhealth,whichcouldonlybere-establishedbythebracingmoorlandairandfreelifeofhome.Tabby’sillnesshadpreyedonthefamilyresources.IdoubtwhetherBranwellwasmaintaininghimselfatthistime.Forsomeunexplainedreason,hehadgivenuptheideaofbecomingastudentofpaintingattheRoyalAcademy,andhisprospectsinlifewereuncertain,andhadyettobesettled.SoCharlottehadquietlytotakeupherburdenofteachingagain,andreturntoherpreviousmonotonouslife.

Braveheart,readytodieinharness!Shewentbacktoherwork,andmadenocomplaint,hopingtosubduetheweaknessthatwasgaininggrounduponher.Aboutthistime,shewouldturnsickandtremblingatanysuddennoise,andcouldhardlyrepressherscreamswhenstartled.Thisshowedafearfuldegreeofphysicalweaknessinonewhowasgenerallysoself-controlled;andthemedicalman,whomatlength,throughMissW---’sentreaty,shewasledtoconsult,insistedonherreturntotheparsonage.Shehadledtoosedentaryalife,hesaid;andthesoftsummerair,blowingroundherhome,thesweetcompanyofthosesheloved,therelease,thefreedomoflifeinherownfamily,wereneeded,tosaveeitherreasonorlife.So,asOnehigherthanshehadover-ruledthatforatimeshemightrelaxherstrain,shereturnedtoHaworth;andafteraseasonofutterquiet,herfathersoughtforhertheenliveningsocietyofhertwofriends,MaryandMarthaT.Attheconclusionofthefollowingletter,writtentothethenabsentE.,thereis,Ithink,asprettyaglimpseofamerrygroupofyoungpeopleasneedbe;andlikealldescriptionsofdoing,asdistinctfromthinkingorfeeling,inletters,itsaddensoneinproportiontothevivacityofthepictureofwhatwasonce,andisnowutterlysweptaway.

“Haworth,June9,1838.

“IreceivedyourpacketofdespatchesonWednesday;itwasbroughtmebyMaryandMartha,whohavebeenstayingatHaworthforafewdays;theyleaveusto-day.Youwillbesurprisedatthedateofthisletter.IoughttobeatDewsburyMoor,youknow;butIstayedaslongasIwasable,andat

lengthIneithercouldnordaredstayanylonger.Myhealthandspiritshadutterlyfailedme,andthemedicalmanwhomIconsultedenjoinedme,asIvaluedmylife,togohome.SohomeIwent,andthechangehasatoncerousedandsoothedme;andIamnow,Itrust,fairlyinthewaytobemyselfagain.

“Acalmandevenmindlikeyourscannotconceivethefeelingsoftheshatteredwretchwhoisnowwritingtoyou,when,afterweeksofmentalandbodilyanguishnottobedescribed,somethinglikepeacebegantodawnagain.Maryisfarfromwell.Shebreathesshort,hasapaininherchest,andfrequentflushingsoffever.Icannottellyouwhatagonythesesymptomsgiveme;theyremindmetoostronglyofmytwosisters,whomnopowerofmedicinecouldsave.Marthaisnowverywell;shehaskeptinacontinualflowofgoodhumourduringherstayhere,andhasconsequentlybeenveryfascinating...”

“TheyaremakingsuchanoiseaboutmeIcannotwriteanymore.Maryisplayingonthepiano;Marthaischatteringasfastasherlittletonguecanrun;andBranwellisstandingbeforeher,laughingathervivacity.”

Charlottegrewmuchstrongerinthisquiet,happyperiodathome.Shepaidoccasionalvisitstohertwogreatfriends,andtheyinreturncametoHaworth.Atoneoftheirhouses,Isuspect,shemetwiththepersontowhomthefollowingletterrefers—someonehavingaslightresemblancetothecharacterof“St.John,”inthelastvolumeof“JaneEyre,”and,likehim,inholyorders.

“March12,1839.

...“Ihadakindlyleaningtowardshim,becauseheisanamiableandwell-disposedman.YetIhadnot,andcouldnothave,thatintenseattachmentwhichwouldmakemewillingtodieforhim;andifeverImarry,itmustbeinthatlightofadorationthatIwillregardmyhusband.TentooneIshallneverhavethechanceagain;butn’importe.Moreover,Iwasawarethatheknewsolittleofmehecouldhardlybeconscioustowhomhewaswriting.Why!itwouldstartlehimtoseemeinmynaturalhomecharacter;hewouldthinkIwasawild,romanticenthusiastindeed.Icouldnotsitalldaylongmakingagravefacebeforemyhusband.Iwouldlaugh,andsatirize,andsaywhatevercameintomyheadfirst.Andifhewereacleverman,andlovedme,thewholeworld,weighedinthebalanceagainsthissmallestwish,shouldbelightasair.”

Sothat—herfirstproposalofmarriage—wasquietlydeclinedandputononeside.Matrimonydidnotenterintotheschemeofherlife,butgood,sound,earnestlabourdid;thequestion,however,wasasyetundecidedinwhatdirectionsheshouldemployherforces.Shehadbeendiscouragedinliterature;hereyesfailedherintheminutekindofdrawingwhichshepractisedwhenshewantedtoexpressanidea;teachingseemedtoheratthistime,asitdoestomostwomenatalltimes,theonlywayofearninganindependentlivelihood.Butneithershenorhersisterswerenaturallyfondofchildren.Thehieroglyphicsofchildhoodwereanunknownlanguagetothem,fortheyhadneverbeenmuchwiththoseyoungerthanthemselves.Iaminclinedtothink,too,thattheyhadnotthehappyknackofimpartinginformation,whichseemstobeaseparategiftfromthefacultyofacquiringit;akindofsympathetictact,whichinstinctivelyperceivesthedifficultiesthatimpedecomprehensioninachild’smind,andthatyetaretoovagueandunformedforit,withitshalf-developedpowersofexpression,toexplainbywords.Consequently,teachingveryyoungchildrenwasanythingbuta“delightfultask”tothethreeBrontësisters.Witholdergirls,vergingonwomanhood,theymighthavedonebetter,especiallyifthesehadanydesireforimprovement.Buttheeducationwhichthevillageclergyman’sdaughtershadreceived,didnotasyetqualifythemtoundertakethechargeofadvancedpupils.TheyknewbutlittleFrench,andwerenotproficientsinmusic;IdoubtwhetherCharlottecouldplayatall.Buttheywereallstrongagain,and,atanyrate,CharlotteandAnnemustputtheirshoulderstothewheel.Onedaughterwasneededathome,tostaywithMr.BrontëandMissBranwell;tobetheyoungandactivememberinahouseholdoffour,whereofthree—thefather,theaunt,andfaithfulTabby—werepastmiddleage.AndEmily,whosufferedanddroopedmorethanhersisterswhenawayfromHaworth,wastheoneappointedtoremain.Annewasthefirsttomeetwithasituation.

“April15th,1839.

“Icouldnotwritetoyouintheweekyourequested,asaboutthattimewewereverybusyinpreparingforAnne’sdeparture.Poorchild!sheleftuslastMonday;noonewentwithher;itwasherownwishthatshemightbeallowedtogoalone,asshethoughtshecouldmanagebetterandsummonmorecourageifthrownentirelyuponherownresources.Wehavehadoneletterfromhersinceshewent.Sheexpressesherselfverywellsatisfied,andsaysthatMrs.---isextremelykind;thetwoeldestchildrenaloneareunderhercare,therestareconfinedtothenursery,withwhichanditsoccupantsshehasnothingtodo...Ihopeshe’lldo.Youwouldbe

astonishedwhatasensible,cleverlettershewrites;itisonlythetalkingpartthatIfear.ButIdoseriouslyapprehendthatMrs.---willsometimesconcludethatshehasanaturalimpedimentinherspeech.Formyownpart,Iamasyet‘wantingasituation,’likeahousemaidoutofplace.Bytheway,IhavelatelydiscoveredIhavequiteatalentforcleaning,sweepinguphearths,dustingrooms,makingbeds,&c.;so,ifeverythingelsefails,Icanturnmyhandtothat,ifanybodywillgivemegoodwagesforlittlelabour.Iwon’tbeacook;Ihatesoothing.Iwon’tbeanurserymaid,noralady’s-maid,farlessalady’scompanion,oramantua-maker,orastraw-bonnetmaker,orataker-inofplainwork.Iwon’tbeanythingbutahousemaid...WithregardtomyvisittoG.,Ihaveasyetreceivednoinvitation;butifIshouldbeasked,thoughIshouldfeelitagreatactofself-denialtorefuse,yetIhavealmostmadeupmymindtodoso,thoughthesocietyoftheT.’sisoneofthemostrousingpleasuresIhaveeverknown.Good-bye,mydarlingE.,&c.

“P.S.—Strikeoutthatword‘darling;’itishumbug.Where’stheuseofprotestations?We’veknowneachother,andlikedeachother,agoodwhile;that’senough.”

Notmanyweeksafterthiswaswritten,Charlottealsobecameengagedasagoverness.Iintendcarefullytoabstainfromintroducingthenamesofanylivingpeople,respectingwhomImayhavetotellunpleasanttruths,ortoquotesevereremarksfromMissBrontë’sletters;butitisnecessarythatthedifficultiesshehadtoencounterinhervariousphasesoflife,shouldbefairlyandfranklymadeknown,beforetheforce“ofwhatwasresisted”canbeatallunderstood.Iwasoncespeakingtoherabout“AgnesGrey”—thenovelinwhichhersisterAnneprettyliterallydescribesherownexperienceasagoverness—andalludingmoreparticularlytotheaccountofthestoningofthelittlenestlingsinthepresenceoftheparentbirds.Shesaidthatnonebutthosewhohadbeeninthepositionofagovernesscouldeverrealisethedarksideof“respectable”humannature;undernogreattemptationtocrime,butdailygivingwaytoselfishnessandill-temper,tillitsconducttowardsthosedependentonitsometimesamountstoatyrannyofwhichonewouldratherbethevictimthantheinflicter.Wecanonlytrustinsuchcasesthattheemployerserrratherfromadensityofperceptionandanabsenceofsympathy,thanfromanynaturalcrueltyofdisposition.Amongseveralthingsofthesamekind,whichIwellremember,shetoldmewhathadonceoccurredtoherself.Shehadbeenentrustedwiththecareofalittleboy,threeorfouryearsold,duringtheabsenceofhisparentsonaday’sexcursion,andparticularlyenjoinedtokeephimoutofthestable-yard.Hiselderbrother,aladofeightornine,andnotapupilofMissBrontë’s,temptedthelittlefellowintotheforbiddenplace.Shefollowed,andtriedtoinducehimtocomeaway;but,instigatedbyhisbrother,hebeganthrowingstonesather,andoneofthemhithersosevereablowonthetemplethattheladswerealarmedintoobedience.Thenextday,infullfamilyconclave,themotheraskedMissBrontëwhatoccasionedthemarkonherforehead.Shesimplyreplied,“Anaccident,ma’am,”andnofurtherinquirywasmade;butthechildren(bothbrothersandsisters)hadbeenpresent,andhonouredherfornot“tellingtales.”Fromthattime,shebegantoobtaininfluenceoverall,moreorless,accordingtotheirdifferentcharacters;andassheinsensiblygainedtheiraffection,herowninterestinthemwasincreasing.Butoneday,atthechildren’sdinner,thesmalltruantofthestable-yard,inalittledemonstrativegush,said,puttinghishandinhers,“Ilove‘ou,MissBrontë.”Whereupon,themotherexclaimed,beforeallthechildren,“Lovethegoverness,mydear!”

“Thefamilyintowhichshefirstenteredwas,Ibelieve,thatofawealthyYorkshiremanufacturer.Thefollowingextractsfromhercorrespondenceatthistimewillshowhowpainfullytherestraintofhernewmodeoflifepressedupon

her.ThefirstisfromalettertoEmily,beginningwithoneofthetenderexpressionsinwhich,inspiteof‘humbug,’sheindulgedherself.‘Minedearlove,’‘Mine-bonnielove,’arehertermsofaddresstothisbelovedsister.

“June8th,1839.

“Ihavestrivenhardtobepleasedwithmynewsituation.Thecountry,thehouseandthegroundsare,asIhavesaid,divine;but,alack-a-day!thereissuchathingasseeingallbeautifularoundyou—pleasantwoods,whitepaths,greenlawns,andbluesunshinysky—andnothavingafreemomentorafreethoughtlefttoenjoythem.Thechildrenareconstantlywithme.Asforcorrectingthem,Iquicklyfoundthatwasoutofthequestion;theyaretodoastheylike.Acomplainttothemotheronlybringsblacklooksonmyself,andunjust,partialexcusestoscreenthechildren.Ihavetriedthatplanonce,andsucceededsonotably,Ishalltrynomore.IsaidinmylastletterthatMrs.---didnotknowme.Inowbegintofindshedoesnotintendtoknowme;thatshecaresnothingaboutme,excepttocontrivehowthegreatestpossiblequantityoflabourmaybegotoutofme;andtothatendsheoverwhelmsmewithoceansofneedle-work;yardsofcambrictohem,muslinnightcapstomake,and,aboveallthings,dollstodress.Idonotthinkshelikesmeatall,becauseIcan’thelpbeingshyinsuchanentirelynovelscene,surroundedasIhavehithertobeenbystrangeandconstantlychangingfaces...IusedtothinkIshouldliketobeinthestirofgrandfolks’society;butIhavehadenoughofit—itisdrearyworktolookonandlisten.IseemoreclearlythanIhaveeverdonebefore,thataprivategovernesshasnoexistence,isnotconsideredasalivingrationalbeing,exceptasconnectedwiththewearisomedutiesshehastofulfil...OneofthepleasantestafternoonsIhavespenthere—indeed,theonlyoneatallpleasant—waswhenMr.---walkedoutwithhischildren,andIhadorderstofollowalittlebehind.Ashestrolledonthroughhisfields,withhismagnificentNewfoundlanddogathisside,helookedverylikewhatafrank,wealthy,Conservativegentlemanoughttobe.Hespokefreelyandunaffectedlytothepeoplehemet,and,thoughheindulgedhischildrenandallowedthemtoteasehimselffartoomuch,hewouldnotsufferthemgrosslytoinsultothers.”

(WRITTENINPENCILTOAFRIEND.)

“July,1839.

“Icannotprocureink,withoutgoingintothedrawing-room,whereIdonotwishtogo...Ishouldhavewrittentoyoulongsince,andtoldyoueverydetailofthe

utterlynewsceneintowhichIhavelatelybeencast,hadInotbeendailyexpectingaletterfromyourself,andwonderingandlamentingthatyoudidnotwrite;foryouwillrememberitwasyourturn.Imustnotbotheryoutoomuchwithmysorrows,ofwhich,Ifear,youhaveheardanexaggeratedaccount.Ifyouwerenearme,perhapsImightbetemptedtotellyouall,togrowegotistical,andpouroutthelonghistoryofaprivategoverness’strialsandcrossesinherfirstsituation.Asitis,Iwillonlyaskyoutoimaginethemiseriesofareservedwretchlikeme,thrownatonceintothemidstofalargefamily,atatimewhentheywereparticularlygay—whenthehousewasfilledwithcompany—allstrangers—peoplewhosefacesIhadneverseenbefore.InthisstateIhadchargegivenmeofasetofpampered,spoilt,turbulentchildren,whomIwasexpectedconstantlytoamuse,aswellastoinstruct.Isoonfoundthattheconstantdemandonmystockofanimalspiritsreducedthemtotheloweststateofexhaustion;attimesIfelt—and,Isuppose,seemed—depressed.Tomyastonishment,IwastakentotaskonthesubjectbyMrs.---withasternnessofmannerandaharshnessoflanguagescarcelycredible;likeafool,Icriedmostbitterly.Icouldnothelpit;myspiritsquitefailedmeatfirst.IthoughtIhaddonemybest—strainedeverynervetopleaseher;andtobetreatedinthatway,merelybecauseIwasshyandsometimesmelancholy,wastoobad.AtfirstIwasforgivingallupandgoinghome.But,afteralittlereflection,IdeterminedtosummonwhatenergyIhad,andtoweatherthestorm.Isaidtomyself,‘Ihaveneveryetquittedaplacewithoutgainingafriend;adversityisagoodschool;thepoorareborntolabour,andthedependenttoendure.’Iresolvedtobepatient,tocommandmyfeelings,andtotakewhatcame;theordeal,Ireflected,wouldnotlastmanyweeks,andItrusteditwoulddomegood.Irecollectedthefableofthewillowandtheoak;Ibentquietly,andnow,Itrust,thestormisblowingoverme.Mrs.---isgenerallyconsideredanagreeablewoman;sosheis,Idoubtnot,ingeneralsociety.Shebehavessomewhatmorecivillytomenowthanshedidatfirst,andthechildrenarealittlemoremanageable;butshedoesnotknowmycharacter,andshedoesnotwishtoknowit.Ihaveneverhadfiveminutes’conversationwithhersinceIcame,exceptwhileshewasscoldingme.Ihavenowishtobepitied,exceptbyyourself;ifIweretalkingtoyouIcouldtellyoumuchmore.”

(TOEMILY,ABOUTTHISTIME.)

“Minebonnielove,Iwasasgladofyourletterastonguecanexpress:itisareal,genuinepleasuretohearfromhome;athingtobesavedtillbedtime,whenonehasamoment’squietandresttoenjoyitthoroughly.Writewheneveryoucan.I

couldliketobeathome.Icouldliketoworkinamill.Icouldliketofeelsomementalliberty.Icouldlikethisweightofrestrainttobetakenoff.Buttheholidayswillcome.Coraggio.”

HertemporaryengagementinthisuncongenialfamilyendedintheJulyofthisyear;notbeforetheconstantstrainuponherspiritsandstrengthhadagainaffectedherhealth;butwhenthisdelicacybecameapparentinpalpitationsandshortnessofbreathing,itwastreatedasaffectation—asaphaseofimaginaryindisposition,whichcouldbedissipatedbyagoodscolding.ShehadbeenbroughtupratherinaschoolofSpartanendurancethaninoneofmaudlinself-indulgence,andcouldbearmanyapainandrelinquishmanyahopeinsilence.

Aftershehadbeenathomeaboutaweek,herfriendproposedthatsheshouldaccompanyherinsomelittleexcursion,havingpleasurealoneforitsobject.Shecaughtattheideamosteagerlyatfirst;butherhopestoodstill,waned,andhadalmostdisappearedbefore,aftermanydelays,itwasrealised.Initsfulfilmentatlast,itwasafavourablespecimenofmanyasimilarair-bubbledancingbeforehereyesinherbriefcareer,inwhichsternrealities,ratherthanpleasures,formedtheleadingincidents.

“July26th,1839.

“Yourproposalhasalmostdrivenme‘cleandaft’—ifyoudon’tunderstandthatladylikeexpression,youmustaskmewhatitmeanswhenIseeyou.Thefactis,anexcursionwithyouanywhere,—whethertoCleathorpeorCanada,—justbyourselves,wouldbetomemostdelightful.Ishould,indeed,liketogo;butIcan’tgetleaveofabsenceforlongerthanaweek,andI’mafraidthatwouldnotsuityou—mustIthengiveitupentirely?IfeelasifIcouldnot;Ineverhadsuchachanceofenjoymentbefore;Idowanttoseeyouandtalktoyou,andbewithyou.Whendoyouwishtogo?CouldImeetyouatLeeds?TotakeagigfromHaworthtoB.,wouldbetomeaveryseriousincreaseofexpense,andIhappentobeverylowincash.Oh!richpeopleseemtohavemanypleasuresattheircommandwhichwearedebarredfrom!However,norepining.

“Saywhenyougo,andIshallbeableinmyanswertosaydecidedlywhetherIcanaccompanyyouornot.Imust—Iwill—I’msetuponit—I’llbeobstinateandbeardownallopposition.

“P.S.—Sincewritingtheabove,IfindthatauntandpapahavedeterminedtogotoLiverpoolforafortnight,andtakeusallwiththem.Itisstipulated,

however,thatIshouldgiveuptheCleathorpescheme.Iyieldreluctantly.”

Ifancythat,aboutthistime,Mr.Brontëfounditnecessary,eitherfromfailinghealthortheincreasedpopulousnessoftheparish,toengagetheassistanceofacurate.Atleast,itisinaletterwrittenthissummerthatIfindmentionofthefirstofasuccessionofcurates,whohenceforwardrevolvedroundHaworthParsonage,andmadeanimpressiononthemindofoneofitsinmateswhichshehasconveyedprettydistinctlytotheworld.TheHaworthcuratebroughthisclericalfriendsandneighboursabouttheplace,andforatimetheincursionsofthese,neartheparsonagetea-time,formedoccurrencesbywhichthequietnessofthelifetherewasvaried,sometimespleasantly,sometimesdisagreeably.Thelittleadventurerecordedattheendofthefollowingletterisuncommoninthelotofmostwomen,andisatestimonyinthiscasetotheunusualpowerofattraction—thoughsoplaininfeature—whichCharlottepossessed,whensheletherselfgointhehappinessandfreedomofhome.

“August4th,1839.

“TheLiverpooljourneyisyetamatteroftalk,asortofcastleintheair;but,betweenyouandme,Ifancyitisverydoubtfulwhetheritwilleverassumeamoresolidshape.Aunt—likemanyotherelderlypeople—likestotalkofsuchthings;butwhenitcomestoputtingthemintoactualexecution,sheratherfallsoff.Suchbeingthecase,IthinkyouandIhadbetteradheretoourfirstplanofgoingsomewheretogetherindependentlyofotherpeople.Ihavegotleavetoaccompanyyouforaweek—attheutmostafortnight—butnomore.Wheredoyouwishtogo?Burlington,Ishouldthink,fromwhatM.says,wouldbeaseligibleaplaceasany.Whendoyousetoff?Arrangeallthesethingsaccordingtoyourconvenience;Ishallstartnoobjections.Theideaofseeingthesea—ofbeingnearit—watchingitschangesbysunrise,sunset,moonlight,andnoon-day—incalm,perhapsinstorm—fillsandsatisfiesmymind.Ishallbediscontentedatnothing.AndthenIamnottobewithasetofpeoplewithwhomIhavenothingincommon—whowouldbenuisancesandbores:butwithyou,whomIlikeandknow,andwhoknowsme.

“Ihaveanoddcircumstancetorelatetoyou:prepareforaheartylaugh!Theotherday,Mr.---,avicar,cametospendthedaywithus,bringingwithhimhisowncurate.Thelattergentleman,bynameMr.B.,isayoungIrishclergyman,freshfromDublinUniversity.Itwasthefirsttimewehadanyofusseenhim,but,however,afterthemannerofhiscountrymen,hesoon

madehimselfathome.Hischaracterquicklyappearedinhisconversation;witty,lively,ardent,clevertoo;butdeficientinthedignityanddiscretionofanEnglishman.Athome,youknow,Italkwithease,andamnevershy—neverweigheddownandoppressedbythatmiserablemauvaisehontewhichtormentsandconstrainsmeelsewhere.SoIconversedwiththisIrishman,andlaughedathisjests;and,thoughIsawfaultsinhischaracter,excusedthembecauseoftheamusementhisoriginalityafforded.Icooledalittle,indeed,anddrewintowardsthelatterpartoftheevening,becausehebegantoseasonhisconversationwithsomethingofHibernianflattery,whichIdidnotquiterelish.However,theywentaway,andnomorewasthoughtaboutthem.Afewdaysafter,Igotaletter,thedirectionofwhichpuzzledme,itbeinginahandIwasnotaccustomedtosee.Evidently,itwasneitherfromyounorMary,myonlycorrespondents.Havingopenedandreadit,itprovedtobeadeclarationofattachmentandproposalofmatrimony,expressedintheardentlanguageofthesapientyoungIrishman!Ihopeyouarelaughingheartily.Thisisnotlikeoneofmyadventures,isit?ItmorenearlyresemblesMartha’s.Iamcertainlydoomedtobeanoldmaid.Nevermind.ImadeupmymindtothatfateeversinceIwastwelveyearsold.

“Well!thoughtI,Ihaveheardofloveatfirstsight,butthisbeatsall!Ileaveyoutoguesswhatmyanswerwouldbe,convincedthatyouwillnotdometheinjusticeofguessingwrong.”

Onthe14thofAugustshestillwritesfromHaworth:—

“Ihaveinvainpackedmybox,andpreparedeverythingforouranticipatedjourney.ItsohappensthatIcangetnoconveyancethisweekorthenext.TheonlygigletouttohireinHaworth,isatHarrowgate,andlikelytoremainthere,foraughtIcanhear.Papadecidedlyobjectstomygoingbythecoach,andwalkingtoB.,thoughIamsureIcouldmanageit.Auntexclaimsagainsttheweather,andtheroads,andthefourwindsofheaven,soIaminafix,and,whatisworse,soareyou.Onreadingover,forthesecondorthirdtime,yourlastletter(which,bytheby,waswritteninsuchhieroglyphicsthat,atthefirsthastyperusal,Icouldhardlymakeouttwoconsecutivewords),IfindyouintimatethatifIleavethisjourneytillThursdayIshallbetoolate.IgrievethatIshouldhavesoinconveniencedyou;butIneednottalkofeitherFridayorSaturdaynow,forIratherimaginethereissmallchanceofmyevergoingatall.Theeldersofthe

househavenevercordiallyacquiescedinthemeasure;andnowthatimpedimentsseemtostartupateverystep,oppositiongrowsmoreopen.Papa,indeed,wouldwillinglyindulgeme,butthisverykindnessofhismakesmedoubtwhetherIoughttodrawuponit;so,thoughIcouldbattleoutaunt’sdiscontent,Iyieldtopapa’sindulgence.Hedoesnotsayso,butIknowhewouldratherIstayedathome;andauntmeantwelltoo,Idaresay,butIamprovokedthatshereservedtheexpressionofherdecideddisapprovaltillallwassettledbetweenyouandmyself.Reckononmenomore;leavemeoutinyourcalculations:perhapsIought,inthebeginning,tohavehadprudencesufficienttoshutmyeyesagainstsuchaprospectofpleasure,soastodenymyselfthehopeofit.Beasangryasyoupleasewithmefordisappointingyou.Ididnotintendit,andhaveonlyonethingmoretosay—ifyoudonotgoimmediatelytothesea,willyoucometoseeusatHaworth?Thisinvitationisnotmineonly,butpapa’sandaunt’s.”

However,alittlemorepatience,alittlemoredelay,andsheenjoyedthepleasureshehadwishedforsomuch.SheandherfriendwenttoEastonforafortnightinthelatterpartofSeptember.Itwashereshereceivedherfirstimpressionsofthesea.

“Oct.24th.

“Haveyouforgottentheseabythistime,E.?Isitgrowndiminyourmind?Orcanyoustillseeit,dark,blue,andgreen,andfoam-white,andhearitroaringroughlywhenthewindishigh,orrushingsoftlywhenitiscalm?...Iamaswellasneedbe,andveryfat.IthinkofEastonveryoften,andofworthyMr.H.,andhiskind-heartedhelpmate,andofourpleasantwalkstoH---Wood,andtoBoynton,ourmerryevenings,ourrompswithlittleHancheon,&c.,&c.Ifwebothlive,thisperiodofourliveswilllongbeathemeforpleasantrecollection.Didyouchance,inyourlettertoMr.H.,tomentionmyspectacles?Iamsadlyinconveniencedbythewantofthem.Icanneitherread,write,nordrawwithcomfortintheirabsence.IhopeMadamewon’trefusetogivethemup...Excusethebrevityofthisletter,forIhavebeendrawingallday,andmyeyesaresotireditisquitealabourtowrite.”

But,asthevividremembranceofthispleasurediedaway,anaccidentoccurredtomaketheactualdutiesoflifepresssomewhatheavilyforatime.

“December21st,1839

“Weareatpresent,andhavebeenduringthelastmonth,ratherbusy,as,forthatspaceoftime,wehavebeenwithoutaservant,exceptalittlegirltorunerrands.PoorTabbybecamesolamethatshewasatlengthobligedtoleaveus.Sheisresidingwithhersister,inalittlehouseofherown,whichsheboughtwithhersavingsayearortwosince.Sheisverycomfortable,andwantsnothing;assheisnear,weseeherveryoften.Inthemeantime,EmilyandIaresufficientlybusy,asyoumaysuppose:Imanagetheironing,andkeeptheroomsclean;Emilydoesthebaking,andattendstothekitchen.Wearesuchoddanimals,thatwepreferthismodeofcontrivancetohavinganewfaceamongstus.Besides,wedonotdespairofTabby’sreturn,andsheshallnotbesupplantedbyastrangerinherabsence.Iexcitedaunt’swrathverymuchbyburningtheclothes,thefirsttimeIattemptedtoiron;butIdobetternow.Humanfeelingsarequeerthings;Iammuchhappierblack-leadingthestoves,makingthebeds,andsweepingthefloorsathome,thanIshouldbelivinglikeafineladyanywhereelse.ImustindeeddropmysubscriptiontotheJews,becauseIhavenomoneytokeepitup.Ioughttohaveannouncedthisintentiontoyoubefore,butIquiteforgotIwasasubscriber.IintendtoforcemyselftotakeanothersituationwhenIcangetone,thoughIhateandabhortheverythoughtsofgoverness-ship.ButImustdoit;and,therefore,IheartilywishIcouldhearofafamilywheretheyneedsuchacommodityasagoverness.”

CHAPTERIX

Theyear1840foundalltheBrontëslivingathome,exceptAnne.AsIhavealreadyintimated,forsomereasonwithwhichIamunacquainted,theplanofsendingBranwelltostudyattheRoyalAcademyhadbeenrelinquished;probablyitwasfound,oninquiry,thattheexpensesofsuchalife,weregreaterthanhisfather’sslenderfinancescouldafford,evenwiththehelpwhichCharlotte’slaboursatMissW---’sgave,byprovidingforAnne’sboardandeducation.IgatherfromwhatIhaveheard,thatBranwellmusthavebeenseverelydisappointedwhentheplanfellthrough.Histalentswerecertainlyverybrilliant,andofthishewasfullyconscious,andferventlydesired,bytheiruse,eitherinwritingordrawing,tomakehimselfaname.Atthesametime,hewouldprobablyhavefoundhisstrongloveofpleasureandirregularhabitsagreatimpedimentinhispathtofame;buttheseblemishesinhischaracterwereonlyadditionalreasonswhyheyearnedafteraLondonlife,inwhichheimaginedhecouldobtaineverystimulanttohisalreadyvigorousintellect,whileatthesametimehewouldhavealicenseofactiontobefoundonlyincrowdedcities.Thushiswholenaturewasattractedtowardsthemetropolis;andmanyanhourmusthehavespentporingoverthemapofLondon,tojudgefromananecdotewhichhasbeentoldme.SometravellerforaLondonhouseofbusinesscametoHaworthforanight;andaccordingtotheunfortunatehabitoftheplace,thebrilliant“Patrick”wassentfortotheinn,tobeguiletheeveningbyhisintellectualconversationandhisflashesofwit.TheybegantotalkofLondon;ofthehabitsandwaysoflifethere;oftheplacesofamusement;andBranwellinformedtheLondonerofoneortwoshortcutsfrompointtopoint,upnarrowlanesorbackstreets;anditwasonlytowardstheendoftheeveningthatthetravellerdiscovered,fromhiscompanion’svoluntaryconfession,thathehadneversetfootinLondonatall.

Atthistimetheyoungmanseemedtohavehisfateinhisownhands.Hewasfullofnobleimpulses,aswellasofextraordinarygifts;notaccustomedtoresisttemptation,itistrue,fromanyhighermotivethanstrongfamilyaffection,butshowingsomuchpowerofattachmenttoallabouthimthattheytookpleasurein

believingthat,afteratime,hewould“righthimself,”andthattheyshouldhaveprideanddelightintheusehewouldthenmakeofhissplendidtalents.Hisauntespeciallymadehimhergreatfavourite.Therearealwayspeculiartrialsinthelifeofanonlyboyinafamilyofgirls.Heisexpectedtoactapartinlife;todo,whiletheyareonlytobe;andthenecessityoftheirgivingwaytohiminsomethings,istoooftenexaggeratedintotheirgivingwaytohiminall,andthusrenderinghimutterlyselfish.InthefamilyaboutwhomIamwriting,whiletherestwerealmostasceticintheirhabits,Branwellwasallowedtogrowupself-indulgent;but,inearlyyouth,hispowerofattractingandattachingpeoplewassogreat,thatfewcameincontactwithhimwhowerenotsomuchdazzledbyhimastobedesirousofgratifyingwhateverwishesheexpressed.Ofcourse,hewascarefulenoughnottorevealanythingbeforehisfatherandsistersofthepleasuresheindulgedin;buthistoneofthoughtandconversationbecamegraduallycoarser,and,foratime,hissisterstriedtopersuadethemselvesthatsuchcoarsenesswasapartofmanliness,andtoblindthemselvesbylovetothefactthatBranwellwasworsethanotheryoungmen.Atpresent,thoughhehad,theywereaware,fallenintosomeerrors,theexactnatureofwhichtheyavoidedknowing,stillhewastheirhopeandtheirdarling;theirpride,whoshouldsometimebringgreatglorytothenameofBrontë.

HeandhissisterCharlottewerebothslightandsmallofstature,whiletheothertwowereoftallerandlargermake.IhaveseenBranwell’sprofile;itiswhatwouldbegenerallyesteemedveryhandsome;theforeheadismassive,theeyewellset,andtheexpressionofitfineandintellectual;thenosetooisgood;buttherearecoarselinesaboutthemouth,andthelips,thoughofhandsomeshape,arelooseandthick,indicatingself-indulgence,whiletheslightlyretreatingchinconveysanideaofweaknessofwill.Hishairandcomplexionweresandy.HehadenoughofIrishbloodinhimtomakehismannersfrankandgenial,withakindofnaturalgallantryaboutthem.InafragmentofoneofhismanuscriptswhichIhaveread,thereisajustnessandfelicityofexpressionwhichisverystriking.Itisthebeginningofatale,andtheactorsinitaredrawnwithmuchofthegraceofcharacteristicportrait-painting,inperfectlypureandsimplelanguagewhichdistinguishessomanyofAddison’spapersinthe“Spectator.”Thefragmentistooshorttoaffordthemeansofjudgingwhetherhehadmuchdramatictalent,asthepersonsofthestoryarenotthrownintoconversation.Butaltogethertheeleganceandcomposureofstylearesuchasonewouldnothaveexpectedfromthisvehementandill-fatedyoungman.Hehadastrongerdesireforliteraryfameburninginhisheart,thaneventhatwhichoccasionallyflashedupinhissisters’.Hetriedvariousoutletsforhistalents.Hewroteandsent

poemstoWordsworthandColeridge,whobothexpressedkindandlaudatoryopinions,andhefrequentlycontributedversestotheLeedsMercury.In1840,hewaslivingathome,employinghimselfinoccasionalcompositionofvariouskinds,andwaitingtillsomeoccupation,forwhichhemightbefittedwithoutanyexpensivecourseofpreliminarytraining,shouldturnup;waiting,notimpatiently;forhesawsocietyofonekind(probablywhathecalled“life”)attheBlackBull;andathomehewasasyetthecherishedfavourite.

MissBranwellwasunawareofthefermentationofunoccupiedtalentgoingonaroundher.Shewasnothernieces’confidante—perhapsnoonesomucholdercouldhavebeen;buttheirfather,fromwhomtheyderivednotalittleoftheiradventurousspirit,wassilentlycognisantofmuchofwhichshetooknonote.Nexttohernephew,thedocile,pensiveAnnewasherfavourite.Ofhershehadtakenchargefromherinfancy;shewasalwayspatientandtractable,andwouldsubmitquietlytooccasionaloppression,evenwhenshefeltitkeenly.Notsohertwoeldersisters;theymadetheiropinionsknown,whenrousedbyanyinjustice.Atsuchtimes,EmilywouldexpressherselfasstronglyasCharlotte,althoughperhapslessfrequently.But,ingeneral,notwithstandingthatMissBranwellmightbeoccasionallyunreasonable,sheandhernieceswentonsmoothlyenough;andthoughtheymightnowandthenbeannoyedbypettytyranny,shestillinspiredthemwithsincererespect,andnotalittleaffection.Theywere,moreover,gratefultoherformanyhabitsshehadenforceduponthem,andwhichintimehadbecomesecondnature:order,method,neatnessineverything;aperfectknowledgeofallkindsofhouseholdwork;anexactpunctuality,andobediencetothelawsoftimeandplace,ofwhichnoonebutthemselves,IhaveheardCharlottesay,couldtellthevalueinafter-life;withtheirimpulsivenatures,itwaspositivereposetohavelearntimplicitobediencetoexternallaws.PeopleinHaworthhaveassuredmethat,accordingtothehourofday—nay,theveryminute—couldtheyhavetoldwhattheinhabitantsoftheparsonagewereabout.Atcertaintimesthegirlswouldbesewingintheiraunt’sbedroom—thechamberwhich,informerdays,beforetheyhadoutstrippedherintheirlearning,hadservedthemasaschoolroom;atcertain(early)hourstheyhadtheirmeals;fromsixtoeight,MissBranwellreadaloudtoMr.Brontë;atpunctualeight,thehouseholdassembledtoeveningprayersinhisstudy;andbyninehe,theaunt,andTabby,wereallinbed,—thegirlsfreetopaceupanddown(likerestlesswildanimals)intheparlour,talkingoverplansandprojects,andthoughtsofwhatwastobetheirfuturelife.

AtthetimeofwhichIwrite,thefavouriteideawasthatofkeepingaschool.

Theythoughtthat,byalittlecontrivance,andaverylittleadditionalbuilding,asmallnumberofpupils,fourorsix,mightbeaccommodatedintheparsonage.Asteachingseemedtheonlyprofessionopentothem,andasitappearedthatEmilyatleastcouldnotliveawayfromhome,whiletheothersalsosufferedmuchfromthesamecause,thisplanofschool-keepingpresenteditselfasmostdesirable.Butitinvolvedsomeoutlay;andtothistheirauntwasaverse.Yettherewasnoonetowhomtheycouldapplyforaloanoftherequisitemeans,exceptMissBranwell,whohadmadeasmallstoreoutofhersavings,whichsheintendedforhernephewandnieceseventually,butwhichshedidnotliketorisk.Still,thisplanofschool-keepingremaineduppermost;andintheeveningsofthiswinterof1839-40,thealterationsthatwouldbenecessaryinthehouse,andthebestwayofconvincingtheirauntofthewisdomoftheirproject,formedtheprincipalsubjectoftheirconversation.

Thisanxietyweighedupontheirmindsratherheavily,duringthemonthsofdarkanddrearyweather.Norwereexternalevents,amongthecircleoftheirfriends,ofacheerfulcharacter.InJanuary,1840,Charlotteheardofthedeathofayounggirlwhohadbeenapupilofhers,andaschoolfellowofAnne’s,atthetimewhenthesistersweretogetheratRoeHead;andhadattachedherselfverystronglytothelatter,who,inreturn,bestoweduponhermuchquietaffection.Itwasasaddaywhentheintelligenceofthisyoungcreature’sdeatharrived.CharlottewrotethusonJanuary12th,1840:—

“Yourletter,whichIreceivedthismorning,wasoneofpainfulinterest.AnneC.,itseems,isdead;whenIsawherlast,shewasayoung,beautiful,andhappygirl;andnow‘life’sfitfulfever’isoverwithher,andshe‘sleepswell.’Ishallneverseeheragain.Itisasorrowfulthought;forshewasawarm-hearted,affectionatebeing,andIcaredforher.WhereverIseekforhernowinthisworld,shecannotbefound,nomorethanafloweroraleafwhichwitheredtwentyyearsago.Abereavementofthiskindgivesoneaglimpseofthefeelingthosemusthavewhohaveseenalldroproundthem,friendafterfriend,andarelefttoendtheirpilgrimagealone.Buttearsarefruitless,andItrynottorepine.”

Duringthiswinter,Charlotteemployedherleisurehoursinwritingastory.Somefragmentsofthemanuscriptyetremain,butitisintoosmallahandtobereadwithoutgreatfatiguetotheeyes;andonecaresthelesstoreadit,assheherselfcondemnedit,intheprefacetothe“Professor,”bysayingthatinthisstoryshehadgotoversuchtasteasshemightoncehavehadforthe“ornamental

andredundantincomposition.”Thebeginning,too,assheacknowledges,wasonascalecommensuratewithoneofRichardson’snovels,ofsevenoreightvolumes.Igathersomeoftheseparticularsfromacopyofaletter,apparentlyinreplytoonefromWordsworth,towhomshehadsentthecommencementofthestory,sometimeinthesummerof1840.

“Authorsaregenerallyverytenaciousoftheirproductions,butIamnotsomuchattachedtothisbutthatIcangiveitupwithoutmuchdistress.Nodoubt,ifIhadgoneon,IshouldhavemadequiteaRichardsonianconcernofit...Ihadmaterialsinmyheadforhalf-a-dozenvolumes...Ofcourse,itiswithconsiderableregretIrelinquishanyschemesocharmingastheoneIhavesketched.Itisveryedifyingandprofitabletocreateaworldoutofyourownbrains,andpeopleitwithinhabitants,whoaresomanyMelchisedecs,andhavenofathernormotherbutyourownimagination...IamsorryIdidnotexistfiftyorsixtyyearsago,whenthe‘Ladies’Magazine’wasflourishinglikeagreenbay-tree.Inthatcase,Imakenodoubt,myaspirationsafterliteraryfamewouldhavemetwithdueencouragement,andIshouldhavehadthepleasureofintroducingMessrs.PercyandWestintotheverybestsociety,andrecordingalltheirsayingsanddoingsindouble-columnedclose-printedpages...Irecollect,whenIwasachild,gettingholdofsomeantiquatedvolumes,andreadingthembystealthwiththemostexquisitepleasure.YougiveacorrectdescriptionofthepatientGriselsofthosedays.Myauntwasoneofthem;andtothisdayshethinksthetalesofthe‘Ladies’Magazine’infinitelysuperiortoanytrashofmodernliterature.SodoI;forIreadtheminchildhood,andchildhoodhasaverystrongfacultyofadmiration,butaveryweakoneofcriticism...IampleasedthatyoucannotquitedecidewhetherIamanattorney’sclerkoranovel-readingdress-maker.Iwillnothelpyouatallinthediscovery;andastomyhandwriting,ortheladyliketouchesinmystyleandimagery,youmustnotdrawanyconclusionfromthat—Imayemployanamanuensis.Seriously,sir,Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforyourkindandcandidletter.Ialmostwonderyoutookthetroubletoreadandnoticethenoveletteofananonymousscribe,whohadnoteventhemannerstotellyouwhetherhewasamanorawoman,orwhetherhis‘C.T.’meantCharlesTimmsorCharlotteTomkins.”

Therearetwoorthreethingsnoticeableintheletterfromwhichtheseextractsaretaken.Thefirstistheinitialswithwhichshehadevidentlysignedtheformeronetowhichshealludes.Aboutthistime,tohermorefamiliarcorrespondents,

sheoccasionallycallsherself“CharlesThunder,”makingakindofpseudonymforherselfoutofherChristianname,andthemeaningofherGreeksurname.Inthenextplace,thereisatouchofassumedsmartness,verydifferentfromthesimple,womanly,dignifiedletterwhichshehadwrittentoSouthey,undernearlysimilarcircumstances,threeyearsbefore.Iimaginethecauseofthisdifferencetobetwofold.Southey,inhisreplytoherfirstletter,hadappealedtothehigherpartsofhernature,incallinghertoconsiderwhetherliteraturewas,orwasnot,thebestcourseforawomantopursue.Butthepersontowhomsheaddressedthisonehadevidentlyconfinedhimselftopurelyliterarycriticisms,besideswhich,hersenseofhumourwastickledbytheperplexitywhichhercorrespondentfeltastowhetherhewasaddressingamanorawoman.Sheratherwishedtoencouragetheformeridea;and,inconsequence,possibly,assumedsomethingoftheflippancywhichveryprobablyexistedinherbrother’sstyleofconversation,fromwhomshewouldderivehernotionsofyoungmanhood,notlikely,asfarasrefinementwasconcerned,tobeimprovedbytheotherspecimensshehadseen,suchasthecurateswhomsheafterwardsrepresentedin“Shirley.”

Thesecurateswerefullofstrong,High-Churchfeeling.Belligerentbynature,itwaswellfortheirprofessionalcharacterthattheyhad,asclergymen,sufficientscopefortheexerciseoftheirwarlikepropensities.Mr.Brontë,withallhiswarmregardforChurchandState,hadagreatrespectformentalfreedom;and,thoughhewasthelastmanintheworldtoconcealhisopinions,helivedinperfectamitywithalltherespectablepartofthosewhodifferedfromhim.Notsothecurates.Dissentwasschism,andschismwascondemnedintheBible.IndefaultofturbanedSaracens,theyenteredonacrusadeagainstMethodistsinbroadcloth;andtheconsequencewasthattheMethodistsandBaptistsrefusedtopaythechurch-rates.MissBrontëthusdescribesthestateofthingsatthistime:—

“LittleHaworthhasbeenallinabustleaboutchurch-rates,sinceyouwerehere.Wehadastirringmeetingintheschoolroom.Papatookthechair,andMr.C.andMr.W.actedashissupporters,oneoneachside.Therewasviolentopposition,whichsetMr.C.’sIrishbloodinaferment,andifpapahadnotkepthimquiet,partlybypersuasionandpartlybycompulsion,hewouldhavegiventheDissenterstheirkalethroughthereek—aScotchproverb,whichIwillexplaintoyouanothertime.HeandMr.W.bothbottleduptheirwrathforthattime,butitwasonlytoexplodewithredoubledforceatafutureperiod.Wehadtwosermonsondissent,andits

consequences,preachedlastSunday—oneintheafternoonbyMr.W.,andoneintheeveningbyMr.C.AlltheDissenterswereinvitedtocomeandhear,andtheyactuallyshutuptheirchapels,andcameinabody;ofcoursethechurchwascrowded.Mr.W.deliveredanoble,eloquent,High-Church,Apostolical-Successiondiscourse,inwhichhebangedtheDissentersmostfearlesslyandunflinchingly.Ithoughttheyhadgotenoughforonewhile,butitwasnothingtothedosethatwasthrustdowntheirthroatsintheevening.Akeener,cleverer,bolder,andmoreheart-stirringharanguethanthatwhichMr.C.deliveredfromHaworthpulpit,lastSundayevening,Ineverheard.Hedidnotrant;hedidnotcant;hedidnotwhine;hedidnotsniggle;hejustgotupandspokewiththeboldnessofamanwhowasimpressedwiththetruthofwhathewassaying,whohasnofearofhisenemies,andnodreadofconsequences.Hissermonlastedanhour,yetIwassorrywhenitwasdone.IdonotsaythatIagreeeitherwithhim,orwithMr.W.,eitherinallorinhalftheiropinions.Iconsiderthembigoted,intolerant,andwhollyunjustifiableonthegroundofcommonsense.MyconsciencewillnotletmebeeitheraPuseyiteoraHookist;mais,ifIwereaDissenter,Iwouldhavetakenthefirstopportunityofkicking,orofhorse-whippingboththegentlemenfortheirstern,bitterattackonmyreligionanditsteachers.Butinspiteofallthis,Iadmiredthenobleintegritywhichcoulddictatesofearlessanoppositionagainstsostronganantagonist.

“P.S.—Mr.W.hasgivenanotherlectureattheKeighleyMechanics’Institution,andpapahasalsogivenalecture;botharespokenofveryhighlyinthenewspapers,anditismentionedasamatterofwonderthatsuchdisplaysofintellectshouldemanatefromthevillageofHaworth,‘situatedamongthebogsandmountains,and,untilverylately,supposedtobeinastateofsemi-barbarism.’Sucharethewordsofthenewspaper.”

Tofilluptheaccountofthisoutwardlyeventlessyear,Imayaddafewmoreextractsfromthelettersentrustedtome.

“May15th,1840.

“Donotbeover-persuadedtomarryamanyoucanneverrespect—Idonotsaylove;because,Ithink,ifyoucanrespectapersonbeforemarriage,moderateloveatleastwillcomeafter;andastointensepassion,Iamconvincedthatthatisnodesirablefeeling.Inthefirstplace,itseldomornevermeetswitharequital;and,inthesecondplace,ifitdid,thefeelingwouldbeonlytemporary:itwouldlastthehoneymoon,andthen,perhaps,

giveplacetodisgust,orindifference,worse,perhaps,thandisgust.Certainlythiswouldbethecaseontheman’spart;andonthewoman’s—Godhelpher,ifsheislefttolovepassionatelyandalone.

“IamtolerablywellconvincedthatIshallnevermarryatall.Reasontellsmeso,andIamnotsoutterlytheslaveoffeelingbutthatIcanoccasionallyhearhervoice.”

“June2nd,1840.

“M.isnotyetcometoHaworth;butsheistocomeontheconditionthatIfirstgoandstayafewdaysthere.Ifallbewell,IshallgonextWednesday.ImaystayatG---untilFridayorSaturday,andtheearlypartofthefollowingweekIshallpasswithyou,ifyouwillhaveme—whichlastsentenceindeedisnonsense,forasIshallbegladtoseeyou,soIknowyouwillbegladtoseeme.Thisarrangementwillnotallowmuchtime,butitistheonlypracticableonewhich,consideringallthecircumstances,Icaneffect.Donoturgemetostaymorethantwoorthreedays,becauseIshallbeobligedtorefuseyou.IintendtowalktoKeighley,theretotakethecoachasfarasB---,thentogetsomeonetocarrymybox,andtowalktherestofthewaytoG-.IfImanagethis,IthinkIshallcontriveverywell.IshallreachB.byaboutfiveo’clock,andthenIshallhavethecooloftheeveningforthewalk.IhavecommunicatedthewholearrangementtoM.Idesireexceedinglytoseebothherandyou.Good-bye.

C.B.C.B.C.B.C.B.

“IfyouhaveanybetterplantosuggestIamopentoconviction,providedyourplanispracticable.”

“August20th,1840.

“HaveyouseenanythingofMissH.lately?Iwishthey,orsomebodyelse,wouldgetmeasituation.Ihaveansweredadvertisementswithoutnumber,butmyapplicationshavemetwithnosuccess.

“IhavegotanotherbaleofFrenchbooksfromG.containingupwardsoffortyvolumes.Ihavereadabouthalf.Theyareliketherest,clever,

wicked,sophistical,andimmoral.Thebestofitis,theygiveoneathoroughideaofFranceandParis,andarethebestsubstituteforFrenchconversationthatIhavemetwith.

“Ipositivelyhavenothingmoretosaytoyou,forIaminastupidhumour.Youmustexcusethisletternotbeingquiteaslongasyourown.Ihavewrittentoyousoon,thatyoumightnotlookafterthepostmaninvain.Preservethiswritingasacuriosityincaligraphy—Ithinkitisexquisite—allbrilliantblackblots,andutterlyillegibleletters.‘CALIBAN.’

“‘Thewindblowethwhereitlisteth.Thouhearestthesoundthereof,butcanstnottellwhenceitcometh,norwhitheritgoeth.’That,Ibelieve,isScripture,thoughinwhatchapterorbook,orwhetheritbecorrectlyquoted,Ican’tpossiblysay.However,itbehovesmetowritealettertoayoungwomanofthenameofE.,withwhomIwasonceacquainted,‘inlife’smorningmarch,whenmyspiritwasyoung.’Thisyoungwomanwishedmetowritetohersometimesince,thoughIhavenothingtosay—Ie’enputitoff,daybyday,tillatlast,fearingthatshewill‘cursemebyhergods,’Ifeelconstrainedtositdownandtackafewlinestogether,whichshemaycallaletterornotasshepleases.Nowiftheyoungwomanexpectssenseinthisproduction,shewillfindherselfmiserablydisappointed.Ishalldressheradishofsalmagundi—Ishallcookahash—compoundastew—tossupanomelettesoufflèeàlaFrançaise,andsenditherwithmyrespects.Thewind,whichisveryhighupinourhillsofJudea,though,Isuppose,downinthePhilistineflatsofB.parishitisnothingtospeakof,hasproducedthesameeffectsonthecontentsofmyknowledge-boxthataquaighofusquebaughdoesuponthoseofmostotherbipeds.Iseeeverythingcouleurderose,andamstronglyinclinedtodanceajig,ifIknewhow.IthinkImustpartakeofthenatureofapigoranass—bothwhichanimalsarestronglyaffectedbyahighwind.FromwhatquarterthewindblowsIcannottell,forInevercouldinmylife;butIshouldverymuchliketoknowhowthegreatbrewing-tubofBridlingtonBayworks,andwhatsortofyeastyfrothrisesjustnowonthewaves.

“AwomanofthenameofMrs.B.,itseems,wantsateacher.Iwishshewouldhaveme;andIhavewrittentoMissW.totellherso.Verily,itisadelightfulthingtolivehereathome,atfulllibertytodojustwhatonepleases.ButIrecollectsomescrubbyoldfableaboutgrasshoppersandants,byascrubbyoldknaveycleptÆsop;thegrasshopperssangallthesummer,andstarvedallthewinter.

“Adistantrelationofmine,onePatrickBranwell,hassetofftoseekhisfortuneinthewild,wandering,adventurous,romantic,knight-errant-likecapacityofclerkontheLeedsandManchesterRailroad.LeedsandManchester—wherearethey?Citiesinthewilderness,likeTadmor,aliasPalmyra—aretheynot?

“ThereisonelittletraitrespectingMr.W.whichlatelycametomyknowledge,whichgivesaglimpseofthebettersideofhischaracter.LastSaturdaynighthehadbeensittinganhourintheparlourwithPapa;and,ashewentaway,IheardPapasaytohim‘Whatisthematterwithyou?Youseeminverylowspiritsto-night.’‘Oh,Idon’tknow.I’vebeentoseeapooryounggirl,who,I’mafraid,isdying.’‘Indeed;whatishername?’‘SusanBland,thedaughterofJohnBland,thesuperintendent.’NowSusanBlandismyoldestandbestscholarintheSunday-school;and,whenIheardthat,IthoughtIwouldgoassoonasIcouldtoseeher.IdidgoonMondayafternoon,andfoundheronherwaytothat‘bournwhencenotravellerreturns.’Aftersittingwithhersometime,Ihappenedtoaskhermother,ifshethoughtalittleportwinewoulddohergood.Sherepliedthatthedoctorhadrecommendedit,andthatwhenMr.W.waslastthere,hehadbroughtthemabottleofwineandjarofpreserves.Sheadded,thathewasalwaysgood-naturedtopoorfolks,andseemedtohaveadealoffeelingandkindheartednessabouthim.Nodoubt,therearedefectsinhischaracter,buttherearealsogoodqualities...Godblesshim!Iwonderwho,withhisadvantages,wouldbewithouthisfaults.Iknowmanyofhisfaultyactions,manyofhisweakpoints;yet,whereIam,heshallalwaysfindratheradefenderthananaccuser.Tobesure,myopinionwillgobutaverylittlewaytodecidehischaracter;whatofthat?Peopleshoulddorightasfarastheirabilityextends.Youarenottosuppose,fromallthis,thatMr.W.andIareonveryamiableterms;wearenotatall.Wearedistant,cold,andreserved.Weseldomspeak;andwhenwedo,itisonlytoexchangethemosttrivialandcommon-placeremarks.”

TheMrs.B.alludedtointhisletter,asinwantofagoverness,enteredintoacorrespondencewithMissBrontë,andexpressedherselfmuchpleasedwiththelettersshereceivedfromher,withthe“styleandcandouroftheapplication,”inwhichCharlottehadtakencaretotellher,thatifshewantedashowy,elegant,orfashionableperson,hercorrespondentwasnotfittedforsuchasituation.ButMrs.B.requiredhergovernesstogiveinstructionsinmusicandsinging,forwhichCharlottewasnotqualified:and,accordingly,thenegotiationfell

through.ButMissBrontëwasnotonetositdownindespairafterdisappointment.Muchasshedislikedthelifeofaprivategoverness,itwasherdutytorelieveherfatheroftheburdenofhersupport,andthiswastheonlywayopentoher.Soshesettoadvertisingandinquiringwithfreshvigour.

Inthemeantime,alittleoccurrencetookplace,describedinoneofherletters,whichIshallgive,asitshowsherinstinctiveaversiontoaparticularclassofmen,whosevicessomehavesupposedshelookeduponwithindulgence.Theextracttellsallthatneedbeknown,forthepurposeIhaveinview,ofthemiserablepairtowhomitrelates.

“YourememberMr.andMrs.---?Mrs.---cameheretheotherday,withamostmelancholytaleofherwretchedhusband’sdrunken,extravagant,profligatehabits.SheaskedPapa’sadvice;therewasnothingshesaidbutruinbeforethem.Theyoweddebtswhichtheycouldneverpay.SheexpectedMr.---’sinstantdismissalfromhiscuracy;sheknew,frombitterexperience,thathisviceswereutterlyhopeless.Hetreatedherandherchildsavagely;withmuchmoretothesameeffect.Papaadvisedhertoleavehimforever,andgohome,ifshehadahometogoto.Shesaid,thiswaswhatshehadlongresolvedtodo;andshewouldleavehimdirectly,assoonasMr.B.dismissedhim.Sheexpressedgreatdisgustandcontempttowardshim,anddidnotaffecttohavetheshadowofregardinanyway.Idonotwonderatthis,butIdowondersheshouldevermarryamantowardswhomherfeelingsmustalwayshavebeenprettymuchthesameastheyarenow.IammorallycertainnodecentwomancouldexperienceanythingbutaversiontowardssuchamanasMr.---.BeforeIknew,orsuspectedhischaracter,andwhenIratherwonderedathisversatiletalents,Ifeltitinanuncontrollabledegree.Ihatedtotalkwithhim—hatedtolookathim;thoughasIwasnotcertainthattherewassubstantialreasonforsuchadislike,andthoughtitabsurdtotrusttomereinstinct,IbothconcealedandrepressedthefeelingasmuchasIcould;and,onalloccasions,treatedhimwithasmuchcivilityasIwasmistressof.IwasstruckwithMary’sexpressionofasimilarfeelingatfirstsight;shesaid,whenwelefthim,‘Thatisahideousman,Charlotte!’Ithought‘Heisindeed.’”

CHAPTERX

EarlyinMarch,1841,MissBrontëobtainedhersecondandlastsituationasagoverness.Thistimesheesteemedherselffortunateinbecomingamemberofakind-heartedandfriendlyhousehold.Themasterofit,sheespeciallyregardedasavaluablefriend,whoseadvicehelpedtoguideherinoneveryimportantstepofherlife.Butasherdefiniteacquirementswerefew,shehadtoekethemoutbyemployingherleisuretimeinneedlework;andaltogetherherpositionwasthatof“bonne”ornurserygoverness,liabletorepeatedandnever-endingcallsuponhertime.Thisdescriptionofuncertain,yetperpetualemployment,subjecttotheexerciseofanotherperson’swillatallhoursoftheday,waspeculiarlytryingtoonewhoselifeathomehadbeenfullofabundantleisure.Idlesheneverwasinanyplace,butofthemultitudeofsmalltalks,plans,duties,pleasures,&c.,thatmakeupmostpeople’sdays,herhomelifewasnearlydestitute.Thismadeitpossibleforhertogothroughlonganddeephistoriesoffeelingandimagination,forwhichothers,oddasitsounds,haverarelytime.Thismadeitinevitablethat—lateron,inhertooshortcareer—theintensityofherfeelingshouldwearoutherphysicalhealth.Thehabitof“makingout,”whichhadgrownwithhergrowth,andstrengthenedwithherstrength,hadbecomeapartofhernature.Yetallexerciseofherstrongestandmostcharacteristicfacultieswasnowoutofthequestion.Shecouldnot(aswhileshewasatMissW---’s)feel,amidsttheoccupationsoftheday,thatwheneveningcame,shemightemployherselfinmorecongenialways.Nodoubt,allwhoenteruponthecareerofagovernesshavetorelinquishmuch;nodoubt,itmusteverbealifeofsacrifice;buttoCharlotteBrontëitwasaperpetualattempttoforceallherfacultiesintoadirectionforwhichthewholeofherpreviouslifehadunfittedthem.Moreover,thelittleBrontëshadbeenbroughtupmotherless;andfromknowingnothingofthegaietyandthesportivenessofchildhood—fromneverhavingexperiencedcaressesorfondattentionsthemselves—theywereignorantoftheverynatureofinfancy,orhowtocalloutitsengagingqualities.Childrenweretothemthetroublesomenecessitiesofhumanity;theyhadneverbeendrawnintocontactwiththeminanyotherway.Yearsafterwards,whenMissBrontëcametostaywithus,shewatchedourlittlegirls

perpetually;andIcouldnotpersuadeherthattheywereonlyaveragespecimensofwellbroughtupchildren.Shewassurprisedandtouchedbyanysignofthoughtfulnessforothers,ofkindnesstoanimals,orofunselfishnessontheirpart:andconstantlymaintainedthatshewasintheright,andIinthewrong,whenwedifferedonthepointoftheirunusualexcellence.Allthismustbeborneinmindwhilereadingthefollowingletters.Anditmustlikewisebeborneinmind—bythosewho,survivingher,lookbackuponherlifefromtheirmountofobservation—hownodistaste,nosufferingevermadehershrinkfromanycoursewhichshebelievedittobeherdutytoengagein.

“March3rd,1841.

“Itoldsometimesince,thatImeanttogetasituation,andwhenIsaidsomyresolutionwasquitefixed.IfeltthathoweveroftenIwasdisappointed,Ihadnointentionofrelinquishingmyefforts.Afterbeingseverelybaffledtwoorthreetimes,—afteraworldoftrouble,inthewayofcorrespondenceandinterviews,—Ihaveatlengthsucceeded,andamfairlyestablishedinmynewplace.

*****

“Thehouseisnotverylarge,butexceedinglycomfortableandwellregulated;thegroundsarefineandextensive.Intakingtheplace,Ihavemadealargesacrificeinthewayofsalary,inthehopeofsecuringcomfort,—bywhichwordIdonotmeantoexpressgoodeatinganddrinking,orwarmfire,orasoftbed,butthesocietyofcheerfulfaces,andmindsandheartsnotdugoutofalead-mine,orcutfromamarblequarry.Mysalaryisnotreallymorethan16l.perannum,thoughitisnominally20l.,buttheexpenseofwashingwillbedeductedtherefrom.Mypupilsaretwoinnumber,agirlofeight,andaboyofsix.Astomyemployers,youwillnotexpectmetosaymuchabouttheircharacterswhenItellyouthatIonlyarrivedhereyesterday.Ihavenotthefacultyoftellinganindividual’sdispositionatfirstsight.BeforeIcanventuretopronounceonacharacter,Imustseeitfirstundervariouslightsandfromvariouspointsofview.AllIcansaythereforeis,bothMr.andMrs.---seemtomegoodsortofpeople.Ihaveasyethadnocausetocomplainofwantofconsideratenessorcivility.Mypupilsarewildandunbroken,butapparentlywell-disposed.IwishImaybeabletosayasmuchnexttimeIwritetoyou.Myearnestwishandendeavourwillbetopleasethem.IfIcanbutfeelthatIam

givingsatisfaction,andifatthesametimeIcankeepmyhealth,Ishall,Ihope,bemoderatelyhappy.Butnoonebutmyselfcantellhowhardagoverness’sworkistome—fornoonebutmyselfisawarehowutterlyaversemywholemindandnaturearefortheemployment.DonotthinkthatIfailtoblamemyselfforthis,orthatIleaveanymeansunemployedtoconquerthisfeeling.Someofmygreatestdifficultieslieinthingsthatwouldappeartoyoucomparativelytrivial.Ifinditsohardtorepeltherudefamiliarityofchildren.IfinditsodifficulttoaskeitherservantsormistressforanythingIwant,howevermuchIwantit.Itislesspainformetoendurethegreatestinconveniencethantogointothekitchentorequestitsremoval.Iamafool.HeavenknowsIcannothelpit!

“Nowcanyoutellmewhetheritisconsideredimproperforgovernessestoasktheirfriendstocomeandseethem.Idonotmean,ofcourse,tostay,butjustforacallofanhourortwo?Ifitisnotabsolutetreason,Idoferventlyrequestthatyouwillcontrive,insomewayorother,toletmehaveasightofyourface.YetIfeel,atthesametime,thatIammakingaveryfoolishandalmostimpracticabledemand;yetthisisonlyfourmilesfromB---!”

*****

“March21st.

“Youmustexcuseaveryshortanswertoyourmostwelcomeletter;formytimeisentirelyoccupied.Mrs.---expectedagooddealofsewingfromme.Icannotsewmuchduringtheday,onaccountofthechildren,whorequiretheutmostattention.Iamobliged,therefore,todevotetheeveningstothisbusiness.Writetomeoften;verylongletters.Itwilldobothofusgood.Thisplaceisfarbetterthan---,butGodknows,Ihaveenoughtodotokeepagoodheartinthematter.Whatyousaidhascheeredmealittle.IwishIcouldalwaysactaccordingtoyouradvice.Home-sicknessaffectsmesorely.IlikeMr.---extremely.Thechildrenareover-indulged,andconsequentlyhardattimestomanage.Do,do,docomeandseeme;ifitbeabreachofetiquette,nevermind.Ifyoucanonlystopanhour,come.Talknomoreaboutmyforsakingyou;mydarling,Icouldnotaffordtodoit.Ifinditisnotinmynaturetogetoninthiswearyworldwithoutsympathyandattachmentinsomequarter;andseldomindeeddowefindit.Itistoogreatatreasuretobeeverwantonlythrownawaywhenoncesecured.”

MissBrontëhadnotbeenmanyweeksinhernewsituationbeforeshehadaproofofthekind-heartedhospitalityofheremployers.Mr.---wrotetoherfather,andurgentlyinvitedhimtocomeandmakeacquaintancewithhisdaughter’snewhome,byspendingaweekwithherinit;andMrs.---expressedgreatregretwhenoneofMissBrontë’sfriendsdroveuptothehousetoleavealetterorparcel,withoutentering.Soshefoundthatallherfriendsmightfreelyvisither,andthatherfatherwouldbereceivedwithespecialgladness.Shethankfullyacknowledgedthiskindnessinwritingtourgeherfriendafreshtocomeandseeher;whichsheaccordinglydid.

“June,1841.

“Youcanhardlyfancyitpossible,Idaresay,thatIcannotfindaquarterofanhourtoscribbleanotein;butsoitis;andwhenanoteiswritten,ithastobecarriedamiletothepost,andthatconsumesnearlyanhour,whichisalargeportionoftheday.Mr.andMrs.---havebeengoneaweek.Iheardfromthemthismorning.Notimeisfixedfortheirreturn,butIhopeitwillnotbedelayedlong,orIshallmissthechanceofseeingAnnethisvacation.Shecamehome,Iunderstand,lastWednesday,andisonlytobeallowedthreeweeks’vacation,becausethefamilysheiswitharegoingtoScarborough.Ishouldliketoseeher,tojudgeformyselfofthestateofherhealth.Idarenottrustanyotherperson’sreport,nooneseemsminuteenoughintheirobservations.Ishouldverymuchhavelikedyoutohaveseenher.Ihavegotonverywellwiththeservantsandchildrensofar;yetitisdreary,solitarywork.Youcantellaswellasmethelonelyfeelingofbeingwithoutacompanion.”

Soonafterthiswaswritten,Mr.andMrs.---returned,intimetoallowCharlottetogoandlookafterAnne’shealth,which,asshefoundtoherintenseanxiety,wasfarfromstrong.Whatcouldshedotonurseandcherishupthislittlesister,theyoungestofthemall?Apprehensionaboutherbroughtuponcemoretheideaofkeepingaschool.If,bythismeans,theythreecouldlivetogether,andmaintainthemselves,allmightgowell.Theywouldhavesometimeoftheirown,inwhichtotryagainandyetagainatthatliterarycareer,which,inspiteofallbafflingdifficulties,wasneverquitesetasideasanultimateobject;butfarthestrongestmotivewithCharlottewastheconvictionthatAnne’shealthwassodelicatethatitrequiredadegreeoftendingwhichnonebuthersistercouldgive.Thusshewroteduringthosemidsummerholidays.

“Haworth,July18th,1841.

“Wewaitedlongandanxiouslyforyou,ontheThursdaythatyoupromisedtocome.Iquiteweariedmyeyeswithwatchingfromthewindow,eye-glassinhand,andsometimesspectaclesonnose.However,youarenottoblame...andastodisappointment,why,allmustsufferdisappointmentatsomeperiodorotheroftheirlives.ButahundredthingsIhadtosaytoyouwillnowbeforgotten,andneversaid.Thereisaprojecthatchinginthishouse,whichbothEmilyandIanxiouslywishedtodiscusswithyou.Theprojectisyetinitsinfancy,hardlypeepingfromitsshell;andwhetheritwillevercomeoutafinefull-fledgedchicken,orwillturnaddleanddiebeforeitcheeps,isoneofthoseconsiderationsthatarebutdimlyrevealedbytheoraclesoffuturity.Now,don’tbenonplussedbyallthismetaphoricalmystery.Italkofaplainandeverydayoccurrence,though,inDelphicstyle,Iwrapuptheinformationinfiguresofspeechconcerningeggs,chickensetceatera,etcaeterorum.Tocometothepoint:Papaandaunttalk,byfitsandstarts,ofour—idest,Emily,Anne,andmyself—commencingaschool!Ihaveoften,youknow,saidhowmuchIwishedsuchathing;butInevercouldconceivewherethecapitalwastocomefromformakingsuchaspeculation.Iwaswellaware,indeed,thataunthadmoney,butIalwaysconsideredthatshewasthelastpersonwhowouldofferaloanforthepurposeinquestion.Aloan,however,shehasoffered,orratherintimatesthatsheperhapswillofferincasepupilscanbesecured,aneligiblesituationobtained,&c.Thissoundsveryfair,butstilltherearematterstobeconsideredwhichthrowsomethingofadampuponthescheme.Idonotexpectthatauntwillsinkmorethan150l.insuchaventure;andwoulditbepossibletoestablisharespectable(notbyanymeansashowy)school,andtocommencehousekeepingwithacapitalofonlythatamount?Propoundthequestiontoyoursister,ifyouthinkshecananswerit;ifnot,don’tsayawordonthesubject.Astogettingintodebt,thatisathingwecouldnoneofusreconcileourmindtoforamoment.Wedonotcarehowmodest,howhumbleourcommencementbe,soitbemadeonsuregrounds,andhaveasafefoundation.Inthinkingofallpossibleandimpossibleplaceswherewecouldestablishaschool,IhavethoughtofBurlington,orratheroftheneighbourhoodofBurlington.DoyourememberwhethertherewasanyotherschooltherebesidesthatofMiss---?Thisis,ofcourse,aperfectlycrudeandrandomidea.Thereareahundredreasonswhyitshouldbeanimpracticableone.Wehavenoconnections,noacquaintancesthere;itisfarfromhome,&c.Still,Ifancy

thegroundintheEastRidingislessfullyoccupiedthanintheWest.Muchinquiryandconsiderationwillbenecessary,ofcourse,beforeanyplaceisdecidedon;andIfearmuchtimewillelapsebeforeanyplanisexecuted...Writeassoonasyoucan.Ishallnotleavemypresentsituationtillmyfutureprospectsassumeamorefixedanddefiniteaspect.”

Afortnightafterwards,weseethattheseedhasbeensownwhichwastogrowupintoaplanmateriallyinfluencingherfuturelife.

“August7th,1841.

“ThisisSaturdayevening;Ihaveputthechildrentobed;nowIamgoingtositdownandansweryourletter.Iamagainbymyself—housekeeperandgoverness—forMr.andMrs.---arestayingat---.Tospeaktruth,thoughIamsolitarywhiletheyareaway,itisstillbyfarthehappiestpartofmytime.Thechildrenareunderdecentcontrol,theservantsareveryobservantandattentivetome,andtheoccasionalabsenceofthemasterandmistressrelievesmefromthedutyofalwaysendeavouringtoseemcheerfulandconversable.Martha---,itappears,isinthewayofenjoyinggreatadvantages;soisMary,foryouwillbesurprisedtohearthatsheisreturningimmediatelytotheContinentwithherbrother;not,however,tostaythere,buttotakeamonth’stourandrecreation.IhavehadalongletterfromMary,andapacketcontainingapresentofaveryhandsomeblacksilkscarf,andapairofbeautifulkidgloves,boughtatBrussels.Ofcourse,Iwasinonesensepleasedwiththegift—pleasedthattheyshouldthinkofmesofaroff,amidsttheexcitementsofoneofthemostsplendidcapitalsofEurope;andyetitfeltirksometoacceptit.IshouldthinkMaryandMarthahavenotmorethansufficientpocket-moneytosupplythemselves.Iwishtheyhadtestifiedtheirregardbyalessexpensivetoken.Mary’slettersspokeofsomeofthepicturesandcathedralsshehadseen—picturesthemostexquisite,cathedralsthemostvenerable.IhardlyknowwhatswelledtomythroatasIreadherletter:suchavehementimpatienceofrestraintandsteadywork;suchastrongwishforwings—wingssuchaswealthcanfurnish;suchanurgentthirsttosee,toknow,tolearn;somethinginternalseemedtoexpandbodilyforaminute.Iwastantalisedbytheconsciousnessoffacultiesunexercised,—thenallcollapsed,andIdespaired.Mydear,Iwouldhardlymakethatconfessiontoanyonebutyourself;andtoyou,ratherinaletterthanvivâvoce.Theserebelliousandabsurdemotionswereonlymomentary;Iquelledtheminfiveminutes.I

hopetheywillnotrevive,fortheywereacutelypainful.NofurtherstepshavebeentakenabouttheprojectImentionedtoyou,norprobablywillbeforthepresent;butEmily,andAnne,andI,keepitinview.Itisourpolarstar,andwelooktoitinallcircumstancesofdespondency.IbegintosuspectIamwritinginastrainwhichwillmakeyouthinkIamunhappy.Thisisfarfrombeingthecase;onthecontrary,Iknowmyplaceisafavourableone,foragoverness.Whatdismaysandhauntsmesometimes,isaconvictionthatIhavenonaturalknackformyvocation.Ifteachingonlywererequisite,itwouldbesmoothandeasy;butitisthelivinginotherpeople’shouses—theestrangementfromone’srealcharacter—theadoptionofacold,rigid,apatheticexterior,thatispainful...Youwillnotmentionourschoolprojectatpresent.Aprojectnotactuallycommencedisalwaysuncertain.Writetomeoften,mydearNell;youknowyourlettersarevalued.Your‘lovingchild’(asyouchoosetocallmeso),

C.B.

“P.S.Iamwellinhealth;don’tfancyIamnot,butIhaveoneachingfeelingatmyheart(Imustalludetoit,thoughIhadresolvednotto).ItisaboutAnne;shehassomuchtoendure:far,farmorethanIeverhad.Whenmythoughtsturntoher,theyalwaysseeherasapatient,persecutedstranger.Iknowwhatconcealedsusceptibilityisinhernature,whenherfeelingsarewounded.IwishIcouldbewithher,toadministeralittlebalm.Sheismorelonely—lessgiftedwiththepowerofmakingfriends,eventhanIam.‘Dropthesubject.’”

Shecouldbearmuchforherself;butshecouldnotpatientlybearthesorrowsofothers,especiallyofhersisters;andagain,ofthetwosisters,theideaofthelittle,gentle,youngestsufferinginlonelypatience,wasinsupportabletoher.Somethingmustbedone.Nomatterifthedesiredendwerefaraway;alltimewaslostinwhichshewasnotmakingprogress,howeverslow,towardsit.Tohaveaschool,wastohavesomeportionofdailyleisure,uncontrolledbutbyherownsenseofduty;itwasforthethreesisters,lovingeachotherwithsopassionateanaffection,tobetogetherunderoneroof,andyetearningtheirownsubsistence;aboveall,itwastohavethepowerofwatchingoverthesetwowhoselifeandhappinesswereevertoCharlottefarmorethanherown.Butnotremblingimpatienceshouldleadhertotakeanunwisestepinhaste.Sheinquiredineverydirectionshecould,astothechanceswhichanewschoolmighthaveofsuccess.Inallthereseemedmoreestablishmentsliketheone

whichthesisterswishedtosetupthancouldbesupported.Whatwastobedone?Superioradvantagesmustbeoffered.Buthow?Theythemselvesaboundedinthought,power,andinformation;butthesearequalificationsscarcelyfittobeinsertedinaprospectus.OfFrenchtheyknewsomething;enoughtoreaditfluently,buthardlyenoughtoteachitincompetitionwithnativesorprofessionalmasters.EmilyandAnnehadsomeknowledgeofmusic;buthereagainitwasdoubtfulwhether,withoutmoreinstruction,theycouldengagetogivelessonsinit.

Justaboutthistime,MissW---wasthinkingofrelinquishingherschoolatDewsburyMoor;andofferedtogiveitupinfavourofheroldpupils,theBrontës.AsisterofhershadtakentheactivemanagementsincethetimewhenCharlottewasateacher;butthenumberofpupilshaddiminished;and,iftheBrontësundertookit,theywouldhavetotryandworkituptoitsformerstateofprosperity.This,again,wouldrequireadvantagesontheirpartwhichtheydidnotatpresentpossess,butwhichCharlottecaughtaglimpseof.Sheresolvedtofollowtheclue,andnevertoresttillshehadreachedasuccessfulissue.Withtheforcedcalmofasuppressedeagerness,thatsendsaglowofdesirethrougheverywordofthefollowingletter,shewrotetoherauntthus.

“DearAunt,

“Sept.29th,1841.

“IhaveheardnothingofMissW---yetsinceIwrotetoher,intimatingthatIwouldacceptheroffer.Icannotconjecturethereasonofthislongsilence,unlesssomeunforeseenimpedimenthasoccurredinconcludingthebargain.Meantime,aplanhasbeensuggestedandapprovedbyMr.andMrs.---”(thefatherandmotherofherpupils)“andothers,whichIwishnowtoimparttoyou.Myfriendsrecommendme,ifIdesiretosecurepermanentsuccess,todelaycommencingtheschoolforsixmonthslonger,andbyallmeanstocontrive,byhookorbycrook,tospendtheinterveningtimeinsomeschoolonthecontinent.TheysayschoolsinEnglandaresonumerous,competitionsogreat,thatwithoutsomesuchsteptowardsattainingsuperiority,weshallprobablyhaveaveryhardstruggle,andmayfailintheend.Theysay,moreover,thattheloanof100l.,whichyouhavebeensokindastoofferus,will,perhaps,notbeallrequirednow,asMissW---willlendusthefurniture;andthat,ifthespeculationisintendedtobeagoodandsuccessfulone,halfthesum,atleast,oughttobelaidoutinthemannerIhavementioned,therebyinsuringamorespeedyrepaymentboth

ofinterestandprincipal.

“IwouldnotgotoFranceortoParis.IwouldgotoBrussels,inBelgium.Thecostofthejourneythere,atthedearestrateoftravelling,wouldbe5l.;livingistherelittlemorethanhalfasdearasitisinEngland,andthefacilitiesforeducationareequalorsuperiortoanyotherplaceinEurope.Inhalfayear,IcouldacquireathoroughfamiliaritywithFrench.IcouldimprovegreatlyinItalian,andevengetadashofGerman,i.e.,providingmyhealthcontinuedasgoodasitisnow.MaryisnowstayingatBrussels,atafirst-rateestablishmentthere.IshouldnotthinkofgoingtotheChâteaudeKokleberg,wheresheisresident,asthetermsaremuchtoohigh;butifIwrotetoher,she,withtheassistanceofMrs.Jenkins,thewifeoftheBritishChaplain,wouldbeabletosecuremeacheap,decentresidenceandrespectableprotection.Ishouldhavetheopportunityofseeingherfrequently;shewouldmakemeacquaintedwiththecity;and,withtheassistanceofhercousins,Ishouldprobablybeintroducedtoconnectionsfarmoreimproving,polished,andcultivated,thananyIhaveyetknown.

“Theseareadvantageswhichwouldturntorealaccount,whenweactuallycommencedaschool;and,ifEmilycouldsharethemwithme,wecouldtakeafootingintheworldafterwardswhichwecanneverdonow.IsayEmilyinsteadofAnne;forAnnemighttakeherturnatsomefutureperiod,ifourschoolanswered.Ifeelcertain,whileIamwriting,thatyouwillseetheproprietyofwhatIsay.Youalwaysliketouseyourmoneytothebestadvantage.Youarenotfondofmakingshabbypurchases;whenyoudoconferafavour,itisoftendoneinstyle;anddependuponit,50l.,or100l.,thuslaidout,wouldbewellemployed.Ofcourse,IknownootherfriendintheworldtowhomIcouldapplyonthissubjectexceptyourself.Ifeelanabsoluteconvictionthat,ifthisadvantagewereallowedus,itwouldbethemakingofusforlife.Papawill,perhaps,thinkitawildandambitiousscheme;butwhoeverroseintheworldwithoutambition?WhenheleftIrelandtogotoCambridgeUniversity,hewasasambitiousasIamnow.Iwantusalltogeton.Iknowwehavetalents,andIwantthemtobeturnedtoaccount.Ilooktoyou,aunt,tohelpus.Ithinkyouwillnotrefuse.Iknow,ifyouconsent,itshallnotbemyfaultifyoueverrepentyourkindness.”

Thisletterwaswrittenfromthehouseinwhichshewasresidingasgoverness.It

wassomelittletimebeforeananswercame.MuchhadtobetalkedoverbetweenthefatherandauntinHaworthParsonage.Atlastconsentwasgiven.Then,andnottillthen,sheconfidedherplantoanintimatefriend.Shewasnotonetotalkover-muchaboutanyproject,whileitremaineduncertain—tospeakaboutherlabour,inanydirection,whileitsresultwasdoubtful.

“Nov.2nd,1841.

“Nowletusbegintoquarrel.Inthefirstplace,ImustconsiderwhetherIwillcommenceoperationsonthedefensive,ortheoffensive.Thedefensive,Ithink.Yousay,andIseeplainly,thatyourfeelingshavebeenhurtbyanapparentwantofconfidenceonmypart.YouheardfromothersofMissW---’soverturesbeforeIcommunicatedthemtoyoumyself.Thisistrue.Iwasdeliberatingonplansimportanttomyfutureprospects.Ineverexchangedaletterwithyouonthesubject.Trueagain.Thisappearsstrangeconducttoafriend,nearanddear,long-known,andneverfoundwanting.Mosttrue.Icannotgiveyoumyexcusesforthisbehaviour;thiswordexcuseimpliesconfessionofafault,andIdonotfeelthatIhavebeeninfault.Theplainfactis,Iwasnot,Iamnotnow,certainofmydestiny.Onthecontrary,Ihavebeenmostuncertain,perplexedwithcontradictoryschemesandproposals.Mytime,asIhaveoftentoldyou,isfullyoccupied;yetIhadmanyletterstowrite,whichitwasabsolutelynecessaryshouldbewritten.IknewitwouldavailnothingtowritetoyouthentosayIwasindoubtanduncertainty—hopingthis,fearingthat,anxious,eagerlydesiroustodowhatseemedimpossibletobedone.WhenIthoughtofyouinthatbusyinterval,itwastoresolve,thatyoushouldknowallwhenmywaywasclear,andmygrandendattained.IfIcould,Iwouldalwaysworkinsilenceandobscurity,andletmyeffortsbeknownbytheirresults.MissW---didmostkindlyproposethatIshouldcometoDewsburyMoorandattempttorevivetheschoolhersisterhadrelinquished.Sheofferedmetheuseofherfurniture.Atfirst,Ireceivedtheproposalcordially,andpreparedtodomyutmosttobringaboutsuccess;butafirewaskindledinmyveryheart,whichIcouldnotquench.Isolongedtoincreasemyattainments—tobecomesomethingbetterthanIam;aglimpseofwhatIfelt,Ishowedtoyouinoneofmyformerletters—onlyaglimpse;Marycastoilupontheflames—encouragedme,andinherownstrong,energeticlanguage,heartenedmeon.IlongedtogotoBrussels;buthowcouldIgetthere?Iwishedforone,atleast,ofmysisterstosharetheadvantagewithme.IfixedonEmily.Shedeservedthereward,Iknew.Howcouldthepointbe

managed?Inextremeexcitement,Iwrotealetterhome,whichcarriedtheday.Imadeanappealtoauntforassistance,whichwasansweredbyconsent.Thingsarenotsettled;yetitissufficienttosaywehaveachanceofgoingforhalfayear.DewsburyMoorisrelinquished.Perhaps,fortunatelyso.Inmysecretsoul,Ibelievethereisnocausetoregretit.Myplansforthefutureareboundedtothisintention:ifIoncegettoBrussels,andifmyhealthisspared,Iwilldomybesttomaketheutmostofeveryadvantagethatshallcomewithinmyreach.Whenthehalf-yearisexpired,IwilldowhatIcan.

*****

“Believeme,thoughIwasborninApril,themonthofcloudandsunshine,Iamnotchangeful.Myspiritsareunequal,andsometimesIspeakvehemently,andsometimesIsaynothingatall;butIhaveasteadyregardforyou,andifyouwillletthecloudandshowerpassby,besurethesunisalwaysbehind,obscured,butstillexisting.”

AtChristmasshelefthersituation,afterapartingwithheremployerswhichseemstohaveaffectedandtouchedhergreatly.“Theyonlymadetoomuchofme,”washerremark,afterleavingthisfamily;“Ididnotdeserveit.”

*****

Allfourchildrenhopedtomeettogetherattheirfather’shousethisDecember.BranwellexpectedtohaveashortleaveofabsencefromhisemploymentasaclerkontheLeedsandManchesterRailway,inwhichhehadbeenengagedforfivemonths.AnnearrivedbeforeChristmas-day.Shehadrenderedherselfsovaluableinherdifficultsituation,thatheremployersvehementlyurgedhertoreturn,althoughshehadannouncedherresolutiontoleavethem;partlyonaccountoftheharshtreatmentshehadreceived,andpartlybecauseherstayathome,duringhersisters’absenceinBelgium,seemeddesirable,whentheageofthethreeremaininginhabitantsoftheparsonagewastakenintoconsideration.

Aftersomecorrespondenceandmuchtalkingoverplansathome,itseemedbetter,inconsequenceofletterswhichtheyreceivedfromBrusselsgivingadiscouragingaccountoftheschoolsthere,thatCharlotteandEmilyshouldgotoaninstitutionatLille,inthenorthofFrance,whichwashighlyrecommendedbyBaptistNoel,andotherclergymen.Indeed,attheendofJanuary,itwasarrangedthattheyweretosetoffforthisplaceinthreeweeks,undertheescortofaFrenchlady,thenvisitinginLondon.Thetermswere50l.eachpupil,forboardandFrenchalone,butaseparateroomwastobeallowedforthissum;withoutthisindulgence,itwaslower.Charlottewrites:—

“January20th,1842.

“Iconsideritkindinaunttoconsenttoanextrasumforaseparateroom.Weshallfinditagreatprivilegeinmanyways.IregretthechangefromBrusselstoLilleonmanyaccounts,chieflythatIshallnotseeMartha.Maryhasbeenindefatigablykindinprovidingmewithinformation.She

hasgrudgednolabour,andscarcelyanyexpense,tothatend.Mary’spriceisaboverubies.Ihave,infact,twofriends—youandher—staunchandtrue,inwhosefaithandsincerityIhaveasstrongabeliefasIhaveintheBible.Ihavebotheredyouboth—youespecially;butyoualwaysgetthetongsandheapcoalsoffireuponmyhead.IhavehadletterstowritelatelytoBrussels,toLille,andtoLondon.Ihavelotsofchemises,nightgowns,pocket-handkerchiefs,andpocketstomake;besidesclothestorepair.Ihavebeen,everyweeksinceIcamehome,expectingtoseeBranwell,andhehasneverbeenabletogetoveryet.Wefullyexpecthim,however,nextSaturday.UnderthesecircumstanceshowcanIgovisiting?Youtantalizemetodeathwithtalkingofconversationsbythefireside.Dependuponit,wearenottohaveanysuchformanyalongmonthtocome.Igetaninterestingimpressionofoldageuponmyface;andwhenyouseemenextIshallcertainlywearcapsandspectacles.”

CHAPTERXI

IamnotawareofallthecircumstanceswhichledtotherelinquishmentoftheLilleplan.BrusselshadhadfromthefirstastrongattractionforCharlotte;andtheideaofgoingthere,inpreferencetoanyotherplace,hadonlybeengivenupinconsequenceoftheinformationreceivedofthesecond-ratecharacterofitsschools.InoneofherlettersreferencehasbeenmadetoMrs.Jenkins,thewifeofthechaplainoftheBritishEmbassy.Attherequestofhisbrother—aclergyman,livingnotmanymilesfromHaworth,andanacquaintanceofMr.Brontë’s—shemademuchinquiry,andatlength,aftersomediscouragementinhersearch,heardofaschoolwhichseemedineveryrespectdesirable.TherewasanEnglishladywhohadlonglivedintheOrleansfamily,amidstthevariousfluctuationsoftheirfortunes,andwho,whenthePrincessLouisewasmarriedtoKingLeopold,accompaniedhertoBrussels,inthecapacityofreader.Thislady’sgranddaughterwasreceivinghereducationatthepensionnatofMadameHéger;andsosatisfiedwasthegrandmotherwiththekindofinstructiongiven,thatshenamedtheestablishment,withhighencomiums,toMrs.Jerkins;and,inconsequence,itwasdecidedthat,ifthetermssuited,MissBrontëandEmilyshouldproceedthither.M.Hégerinformsmethat,onreceiptofaletterfromCharlotte,makingveryparticularinquiriesastothepossibleamountofwhatareusuallytermed“extras,”heandhiswifeweresomuchstruckbythesimpleearnesttoneoftheletter,thattheysaidtoeachother:—“ThesearethedaughtersofanEnglishpastor,ofmoderatemeans,anxioustolearnwithanulteriorviewofinstructingothers,andtowhomtheriskofadditionalexpenseisofgreatconsequence.Letusnameaspecificsum,withinwhichallexpensesshallbeincluded.”

Thiswasaccordinglydone;theagreementwasconcluded,andtheBrontëspreparedtoleavetheirnativecountyforthefirsttime,ifweexceptthemelancholyandmemorableresidenceatCowanBridge.Mr.Brontëdeterminedtoaccompanyhisdaughters.Maryandherbrother,whowereexperiencedinforeigntravelling,werealsooftheparty.CharlottefirstsawLondoninthedayortwotheynowstoppedthere;and,fromanexpressioninoneofhersubsequent

letters,theyall,Ibelieve,stayedattheChapterCoffeeHouse,PaternosterRow—astrange,old-fashionedtavern,ofwhichIshallhavemoretosayhereafter.

Mary’saccountoftheirjourneyisthusgiven.

“InpassingthroughLondon,sheseemedtothinkourbusinesswasandoughttobe,toseeallthepicturesandstatueswecould.Sheknewtheartists,andknowwhereotherproductionsoftheirsweretobefound.Idon’trememberwhatwesawexceptSt.Paul’s.Emilywaslikeherinthesehabitsofmind,butcertainlynevertookheropinion,butalwayshadonetooffer...Idon’tknowwhatCharlottethoughtofBrussels.Wearrivedinthedark,andwentnextmorningtoourrespectiveschoolstoseethem.Wewere,ofcourse,muchpreoccupied,andourprospectsgloomy.CharlotteusedtolikethecountryroundBrussels.‘Atthetopofeveryhillyouseesomething.’Shetook,longsolitarywalksontheoccasionalholidays.”

Mr.BrontëtookhisdaughterstotheRued’Isabelle,Brussels;remainedonenightatMr.Jenkins’;andstraightreturnedtohiswildYorkshirevillage.

WhatacontrasttothatmusttheBelgiancapitalhavepresentedtothosetwoyoungwomenthusleftbehind!Sufferingacutelyfromeverystrangeandunaccustomedcontact—farawayfromtheirbelovedhome,andthedearmoorsbeyond—theirindomitablewillwastheirgreatsupport.Charlotte’sownwords,withregardtoEmily,are:—

“Aftertheageoftwenty,havingmeantimestudiedalonewithdiligenceandperseverance,shewentwithmetoanestablishmentonthecontinent.Thesamesufferingandconflictensued,heightenedbythestrongrecoilofheruprighthereticandEnglishspiritfromthegentleJesuitryoftheforeignandRomishsystem.Oncemoresheseemedsinking,butthistimesheralliedthroughthemereforceofresolution:withinwardremorseandshameshelookedbackonherformerfailure,andresolvedtoconquer,butthevictorycostherdear.Shewasneverhappytillshecarriedherhard-wonknowledgebacktotheremoteEnglishvillage,theoldparsonage-house,anddesolateYorkshirehills.”

Theywantedlearning.Theycameforlearning.Theywouldlearn.Wheretheyhadadistinctpurposetobeachievedinintercoursewiththeirfellows,theyforgotthemselves;atallothertimestheyweremiserablyshy.Mrs.JenkinstoldmethatsheusedtoaskthemtospendSundaysandholidayswithher,untilshe

foundthattheyfeltmorepainthanpleasurefromsuchvisits.Emilyhardlyeverutteredmorethanamonosyllable.Charlottewassometimesexcitedsufficientlytospeakeloquentlyandwell—oncertainsubjects;butbeforehertonguewasthusloosened,shehadahabitofgraduallywheelingroundonherchair,soasalmosttoconcealherfacefromthepersontowhomshewasspeaking.

AndyettherewasmuchinBrusselstostrikearesponsivechordinherpowerfulimagination.Atlengthshewasseeingsomewhatofthatgrandoldworldofwhichshehaddreamed.Asthegaycrowdspassedbyher,sohadgaycrowdspacedthosestreetsforcenturies,inalltheirvaryingcostumes.Everyspottoldanhistorictale,extendingbackintothefabulousageswhenJanandJannika,theaboriginalgiantandgiantess,lookedoverthewall,fortyfeethigh,ofwhatisnowtheRueVillaHermosa,andpeereddownuponthenewsettlerswhoweretoturnthemoutofthecountryinwhichtheyhadlivedsincethedeluge.ThegreatsolemnCathedralofSt.Gudule,thereligiouspaintings,thestrikingformsandceremoniesoftheRomishChurch—allmadeadeepimpressiononthegirls,freshfromthebarewallsandsimpleworshipofHaworthChurch.Andthentheywereindignantwiththemselvesforhavingbeensusceptibleofthisimpression,andtheirstoutProtestantheartsarrayedthemselvesagainstthefalseDuessathathadthusimposeduponthem.

Theverybuildingtheyoccupiedaspupils,inMadameHéger’spensionnat,haditsownghostlytrainofsplendidassociations,marchingforever,inshadowyprocession,throughandthroughtheancientrooms,andshadedalleysofthegardens.Fromthesplendourofto-dayintheRueRoyale,ifyouturnaside,nearthestatueoftheGeneralBeliard,youlookdownfourflightsofbroadstonestepsupontheRued’Isabelle.Thechimneysofthehousesinitarebelowyourfeet.Oppositetothelowestflightofsteps,thereisalargeoldmansionfacingyou,withaspaciouswalledgardenbehind—andtotherightofit.Infrontofthisgarden,onthesamesideasthemansion,andwithgreatboughsoftreessweepingovertheirlowlyroofs,isarowofsmall,picturesque,old-fashionedcottages,notunlike,indegreeanduniformity,tothealmshousessooftenseeninanEnglishcountrytown.TheRued’Isabellelooksasthoughithadbeenuntouchedbytheinnovationsofthebuilderforthelastthreecenturies;andyetanyonemightdropastoneintoitfromthebackwindowsofthegrandmodernhotelsintheRueRoyale,builtandfurnishedinthenewestParisianfashion.

Inthethirteenthcentury,theRued’IsabellewascalledtheFossé-aux-Chiens;andthekennelsfortheducalhoundsoccupiedtheplacewhereMadameHéger’spensionnatnowstands.Ahospital(intheancientlargemeaningoftheword)

succeededtothekennel.Thehouselessandthepoor,perhapstheleprous,werereceived,bythebrethrenofareligiousorder,inabuildingonthisshelteredsite;andwhathadbeenafossefordefence,wasfilledupwithherb-gardensandorchardsforupwardsofahundredyears.Thencamethearistocraticguildofthecross-bowmen—thatcompanythememberswhereofwererequiredtoprovetheirnobledescent—untaintedforsomanygenerations,beforetheycouldbeadmittedintotheguild;and,beingadmitted,wererequiredtoswearasolemnoath,thatnootherpastimeorexerciseshouldtakeupanypartoftheirleisure,thewholeofwhichwastobedevotedtothepracticeofthenobleartofshootingwiththecross-bow.Onceayearagrandmatchwasheld,underthepatronageofsomesaint,towhosechurch-steeplewasaffixedthebird,orsemblanceofabird,tobehitbythevictor.{5}TheconquerorinthegamewasRoidesArbalétriersforthecomingyear,andreceivedajewelleddecorationaccordingly,whichhewasentitledtowearfortwelvemonths;afterwhichherestoredittotheguild,tobeagainstrivenfor.Thefamilyofhimwhodiedduringtheyearthathewasking,wereboundtopresentthedecorationtothechurchofthepatronsaintoftheguild,andtofurnishasimilarprizetobecontendedforafresh.Thesenoblecross-bowmenofthemiddleagesformedasortofarmedguardtothepowersinexistence,andalmostinvariablytookthearistocratic,inpreferencetothedemocraticside,inthenumerouscivildissensionsoftheFlemishtowns.Hencetheywereprotectedbytheauthorities,andeasilyobtainedfavourableandshelteredsitesfortheirexercise-ground.Andthustheycametooccupytheoldfosse,andtookpossessionofthegreatorchardofthehospital,lyingtranquilandsunnyinthehollowbelowtherampart.

But,inthesixteenthcentury,itbecamenecessarytoconstructastreetthroughtheexercise-groundofthe“ArbalétriersduGrandSerment,”and,aftermuchdelay,thecompanywereinducedbythebelovedInfantaIsabellatogiveuptherequisiteplotofground.Inrecompenseforthis,Isabella—whoherselfwasamemberoftheguild,andhadevenshotdownthebird,andbeenqueenin1615—mademanypresentstothearbalétriers;and,inreturn,thegratefulcity,whichhadlongwantedanearerroadtoSt.Gudule,butbeenbaffledbythenoblearchers,calledthestreetafterhername.She,asasortofindemnificationtothearbalétriers,causeda“greatmansion”tobebuiltfortheiraccommodationinthenewRued’Isabelle.Thismansionwasplacedinfrontoftheirexercise-ground,andwasofasquareshape.Onaremotepartofthewalls,maystillberead—

PHILLIPPOIIII.HISPAN.REGE.ISABELLA-CLARA-EUGENIAHISPAN.INFANS.MAGNÆGULDÆREGINAGULDÆFRATRIBUS

POSUIT.

InthatmansionwereheldallthesplendidfeastsoftheGrandSermentdesArbalétriers.Themaster-archerlivedthereconstantly,inordertobeeverathandtorenderhisservicestotheguild.Thegreatsaloonwasalsousedforthecourtballsandfestivals,whenthearcherswerenotadmitted.TheInfantacausedotherandsmallerhousestobebuiltinhernewstreet,toserveasresidencesforher“gardenoble;”andforher“gardebourgeoise,”asmallhabitationeach,someofwhichstillremain,toremindusofEnglishalmshouses.The“greatmansion,”withitsquadrangularform;thespacioussaloon—onceusedforthearchducalballs,wherethedark,graveSpaniardsmixedwiththeblondnobilityofBrabantandFlanders—nowaschoolroomforBelgiangirls;thecross-bowmen’sarchery-ground—allarethere—thepensionnatofMadameHéger.

Thisladywasassistedintheworkofinstructionbyherhusband—akindly,wise,good,andreligiousman—whoseacquaintanceIamgladtohavemade,andwhohasfurnishedmewithsomeinterestingdetails,fromhiswife’srecollectionsandhisown,ofthetwoMissBrontësduringtheirresidenceinBrussels.Hehadthebetteropportunitiesofwatchingthem,fromhisgivinglessonsintheFrenchlanguageandliteratureintheschool.Ashortextractfromaletter,writtentomebyaFrenchladyresidentinBrussels,andwellqualifiedtojudge,willhelptoshowtheestimationinwhichheisheld.

“JeneconnaispaspersonnellementM.Héger,maisjesaisqu’ilestpeudecaractèresaussinobles,aussiadmirablesquelesien.IlestundesmembreslespluszélésdecetteSociétédeS.VincentdePauldontjet’aidéjàparlé,etnesecontentepasdeservirlespauvresetlesmalades,maisleurconsacreencorelessoirées.Aprèsdesjournéesabsorbéestoutentièresparlesdevoirsquesaplaceluiimpose,ilréunitlespauvres,lesouvriers,leurdonnedescoursgratuits,ettrouveencorelemoyendelesamuserenlesinstruisant.CedévouementtediraassezqueM.Hégerestprofondementetouvertementreligieux.Iladesmanièresfranchesetavenantes;ilsefaitaimerdetousceuxquil’approchent,etsurtoutdesenfants.Ilalaparolefacile,etpossdeàunhautdegrél’éloquencedubonsensetducoeur.Iln’estpointauteur.Hommedezèleetdeconscience,ilvientdesedémettredesfonctionsélevéesetlucrativesqu’ilexerçaitàl’Athénée,cellesdePréfetdesEtudes,parcequ’ilnepeutyréaliserlebienqu’ilavaitespéré,introduirel’enseignementreligieuxdansleprogrammedesétudes.J’aivuunefoisMadameHéger,quiaquelquechosedefroidetdecompassé

danssonmaintien,etquiprévientpeuensafaveur.Jelacroispourtantaiméeetappréciéeparsesélèves.”

Therewerefromeightytoahundredpupilsinthepensionnat,whenCharlotteandEmilyBrontëenteredinFebruary1842.

M.Héger’saccountisthattheyknewnothingofFrench.Isuspecttheyknewasmuch(oraslittle),forallconversationalpurposes,asanyEnglishgirlsdo,whohaveneverbeenabroad,andhaveonlylearnttheidiomsandpronunciationfromanEnglishwoman.Thetwosistersclungtogether,andkeptapartfromtheherdofhappy,boisterous,well-befriendedBelgiangirls,who,intheirturn,thoughtthenewEnglishpupilswildandscared-looking,withstrange,odd,insularideasaboutdress;forEmilyhadtakenafancytothefashion,uglyandpreposterousevenduringitsreign,ofgigotsleves,andpersistedinwearingthemlongaftertheywere“goneout.”Herpetticoats,too,hadnotacurveorawaveinthem,buthungdownstraightandlong,clingingtoherlankfigure.Thesistersspoketonoonebutfromnecessity.Theyweretoofullofearnestthought,andoftheexile’ssickyearning,tobereadyforcarelessconversationormerrygame.M.Héger,whohaddonelittlebutobserve,duringthefewfirstweeksoftheirresidenceintheRued’Isabelle,perceivedthatwiththeirunusualcharacters,andextraordinarytalents,adifferentmodemustbeadoptedfromthatinwhichhegenerallytaughtFrenchtoEnglishgirls.HeseemstohaveratedEmily’sgeniusassomethingevenhigherthanCharlotte’s;andherestimationoftheirrelativepowerswasthesame.Emilyhadaheadforlogic,andacapabilityofargument,unusualinaman,andrareindeedinawoman,accordingtoM.Héger.Impairingtheforceofthisgift,wasastubborntenacityofwill,whichrenderedherobtusetoallreasoningwhereherownwishes,orherownsenseofright,wasconcerned.“Sheshouldhavebeenaman—agreatnavigator,”saidM.Hégerinspeakingofher.“Herpowerfulreasonwouldhavededucednewspheresofdiscoveryfromtheknowledgeoftheold;andherstrongimperiouswillwouldneverhavebeendauntedbyoppositionordifficulty;neverhavegivenwaybutwithlife.”Andyet,moreover,herfacultyofimaginationwassuchthat,ifshehadwrittenahistory,herviewofscenesandcharacterswouldhavebeensovivid,andsopowerfullyexpressed,andsupportedbysuchashowofargument,thatitwouldhavedominatedoverthereader,whatevermighthavebeenhispreviousopinions,orhiscoolerperceptionsofitstruth.ButsheappearedegotisticalandexactingcomparedtoCharlotte,whowasalwaysunselfish(thisisM.Héger’stestimony);andintheanxietyoftheeldertomakeheryoungersistercontentedsheallowedhertoexerciseakindofunconscioustyrannyoverher.

Afterconsultingwithhiswife,M.Hégertoldthemthathemeanttodispensewiththeoldmethodofgroundingingrammar,vocabulary,&c.,andtoproceedonanewplan—somethingsimilartowhathehadoccasionallyadoptedwiththeelderamonghisFrenchandBelgianpupils.Heproposedtoreadtothemsomeofthemaster-piecesofthemostcelebratedFrenchauthors(suchasCasimirdelaVigne’spoemonthe“DeathofJoanofArc,”partsofBossuet,theadmirabletranslationofthenobleletterofSt.IgnatiustotheRomanChristiansinthe“BibliothèqueChoisiedesPèresdel’Eglise,”&c.),andafterhavingthusimpressedthecompleteeffectofthewhole,toanalysethepartswiththem,pointingoutinwhatsuchorsuchanauthorexcelled,andwhereweretheblemishes.Hebelievedthathehadtodowithpupilscapable,fromtheirreadysympathywiththeintellectual,therefined,thepolished,orthenoble,ofcatchingtheechoofastyle,andsoreproducingtheirownthoughtsinasomewhatsimilarmanner.

Afterexplaininghisplantothem,heawaitedtheirreply.Emilyspokefirst;andsaidthatshesawnogoodtobederivedfromit;andthat,byadoptingit,theyshouldlosealloriginalityofthoughtandexpression.Shewouldhaveenteredintoanargumentonthesubject,butforthis,M.Hégerhadnotime.Charlottethenspoke;shealsodoubtedthesuccessoftheplan;butshewouldfollowoutM.Héger’sadvice,becauseshewasboundtoobeyhimwhileshewashispupil.Beforespeakingoftheresults,itmaybedesirabletogiveanextractfromoneofherletters,whichshowssomeofherfirstimpressionsofhernewlife.

“Brussels,1842(May?).

“Iwastwenty-sixyearsoldaweekortwosince;andatthisripetimeoflifeIamaschool-girl,and,onthewhole,veryhappyinthatcapacity.Itfeltverystrangeatfirsttosubmittoauthorityinsteadofexercisingit—toobeyordersinsteadofgivingthem;butIlikethatstateofthings.Ireturnedtoitwiththesameaviditythatacow,thathaslongbeenkeptondryhay,returnstofreshgrass.Don’tlaughatmysimile.Itisnaturaltometosubmit,andveryunnaturaltocommand.

“Thisisalargeschool,inwhichthereareaboutfortyexternes,ordaypupils,andtwelvepensionnaires,orboarders.MadameHéger,thehead,isaladyofpreciselythesamecastofmind,degreeofcultivation,andqualityofintellectasMiss---.Ithinktheseverepointsarealittlesoftened,becauseshehasnotbeendisappointed,andconsequentlysoured.Inaword,sheisamarriedinsteadofamaidenlady.Therearethreeteachersintheschool—MademoiselleBlanche,

MademoiselleSophie,andMademoiselleMarie.Thetwofirsthavenoparticularcharacter.Oneisanoldmaid,andtheotherwillbeone.MademoiselleMarieistalentedandoriginal,butofrepulsiveandarbitrarymanners,whichhavemadethewholeschool,exceptmyselfandEmily,herbitterenemies.Nolessthansevenmastersattend,toteachthedifferentbranchesofeducation—French,Drawing,Music,Singing,Writing,Arithmetic,andGerman.AllinthehouseareCatholicsexceptourselves,oneothergirl,andthegouvernanteofMadame’schildren,anEnglishwoman,inranksomethingbetweenalady’smaidandanurserygoverness.Thedifferenceincountryandreligionmakesabroadlineofdemarcationbetweenusandalltherest.Wearecompletelyisolatedinthemidstofnumbers.YetIthinkIamneverunhappy;mypresentlifeissodelightful,socongenialtomyownnature,comparedtothatofagoverness.Mytime,constantlyoccupied,passestoorapidly.HithertobothEmilyandIhavehadgoodhealth,andthereforewehavebeenabletoworkwell.ThereisoneindividualofwhomIhavenotyetspoken—M.Héger,thehusbandofMadame.Heisprofessorofrhetoric,amanofpowerastomind,butverycholericandirritableintemperament.Heisveryangrywithmejustatpresent,becauseIhavewrittenatranslationwhichhechosetostigmatizeas‘peucorrect.’Hedidnottellmeso,butwrotethewordonthemarginofmybook,andasked,inbriefsternphrase,howithappenedthatmycompositionswerealwaysbetterthanmytranslations?addingthatthethingseemedtohiminexplicable.Thefactis,someweeksago,inahigh-flownhumour,heforbademetouseeitherdictionaryorgrammarintranslatingthemostdifficultEnglishcompositionsintoFrench.Thismakesthetaskratherarduous,andcompelsmeeverynowandthentointroduceanEnglishword,whichnearlypluckstheeyesoutofhisheadwhenheseesit.Emilyandhedon’tdrawwelltogetheratall.Emilyworkslikeahorse,andshehashadgreatdifficultiestocontendwith—fargreaterthanIhavehad.Indeed,thosewhocometoaFrenchschoolforinstructionoughtpreviouslytohaveacquiredaconsiderableknowledgeoftheFrenchlanguage,otherwisetheywillloseagreatdealoftime,forthecourseofinstructionisadaptedtonativesandnottoforeigners;andintheselargeestablishmentstheywillnotchangetheirordinarycourseforoneortwostrangers.ThefewprivatelessonsthatM.Hégerhasvouchsafedtogiveus,are,Isuppose,tobeconsideredagreatfavour;andIcanperceivetheyhavealreadyexcitedmuchspiteandjealousyintheschool.

“Youwillabusethisletterforbeingshortanddreary,andthereareahundredthingswhichIwanttotellyou,butIhavenottime.Brusselsisabeautifulcity.TheBelgianshatetheEnglish.Theirexternalmoralityismorerigidthanours.

Tolacethestayswithoutahandkerchiefontheneckisconsideredadisgustingpieceofindelicacy.”

ThepassageinthisletterwhereM.Hégerisrepresentedasprohibitingtheuseofdictionaryorgrammar,refers,Iimagine,tothetimeIhavementioned,whenhedeterminedtoadoptanewmethodofinstructionintheFrenchlanguage,ofwhichtheyweretocatchthespiritandrhythmratherfromtheearandtheheart,asitsnoblestaccentsfelluponthem,thanbyover-carefulandanxiousstudyofitsgrammaticalrules.Itseemstomeadaringexperimentonthepartoftheirteacher;but,doubtless,heknewhisground;andthatitansweredisevidentinthecompositionofsomeofCharlotte’sdevoirs,writtenaboutthistime.Iamtempted,inillustrationofthisseasonofmentalculture,torecurtoaconversationwhichIhadwithM.Hégeronthemannerinwhichheformedhispupils’style,andtogiveaproofofhissuccess,bycopyingadevoirofCharlotte’swithhisremarksuponit.

Hetoldmethatonedaythissummer(whentheBrontëshadbeenforaboutfourmonthsreceivinginstructionfromhim)hereadtothemVictorHugo’scelebratedportraitofMirabeau,“mais,dansmaleçonjemebornaisàcequiconcerneMirabeauorateur.C’estaprèsl’analysedecemorceau,considérésurtoutdupointdevuedufond,deladispositiondecequ’onpourraitappelerlacharpentequ’ontétéfaitslesdeuxportraitsquejevousdonne.”HewentontosaythathehadpointedouttothemthefaultinVictorHugo’sstyleasbeingexaggerationinconception,and,atthesametime,hehadmadethemnoticetheextremebeautyofhis“nuances”ofexpression.Theywerethendismissedtochoosethesubjectofasimilarkindofportrait.ThisselectionM.Hégeralwayslefttothem;for“itisnecessary,”heobserved,“beforesittingdowntowriteonasubject,tohavethoughtsandfeelingsaboutit.Icannottellonwhatsubjectyourheartandmindhavebeenexcited.Imustleavethattoyou.”Themarginalcomments,Ineedhardlysay,areM.Héger’s;thewordsinitalicsareCharlotte’s,forwhichhesubstitutesabetterformofexpression,whichisplacedbetweenbrackets.{6}

IMITATION.

“Le31Juillet,1842.

PORTRAITDEPIERREL’HERMITE.CHARLOTTEBRONTË

“Detempsentemps,ilparaîtsurlaterredeshommesdestinésàêtrelesinstruments[prédestinés]{Pourquoicettesuppression?}degrands

changementsmorauxoupolitiques.Quelquefoisc’estunconquérant,unAlexandreouunAttila,quipassecommeunouragan,etpurifiel’atmosphèremoral,commel’oragepurifiel’atmosphèrephysique;quelquefois,c’estunrévolutionnaire,unCromwell,ouunRobespierre,quifaitexpierparunroi{lesfauteset}lesvicesdetouteunedynastie;quelquefoisc’estunenthousiastereligieuxcommeMahomet,ouPierrel’Hermite,qui,avecleseullevierdelapensée,soulèvedesnationsentières,lesdéracineetlestransplantedansdesclimatsnouveaux,peuplantl’Asieavecleshabitantsdel’Europe.Pierrel’HermiteétaitgentilhommedePicardie,enFrance,{Invtile,quandvousecrivezerfrançais}pourquoidoncn’a-t-ilpassésaviecommalesautresgentilhommes,sescontemporains,ontpassélaleur,àtable,àlachasse,danssonlit,sanss’inquiéterdeSaladin,oudesesSarrasins?N’est-cepas,parcequ’ilyadanscertainesnatures,uneardour[unfoyerd’activité]indomptablequineleurpermetpasderesterinactives,quilesforceàseremuerafind’exercerlesfacultespuissantes,quimêmeendormantsontprêtes,commeSampson,àbriserlesnoeudsquilesretiennent?

{VousavezcommencéàparlerdePierre:vousêtesentréedanslesujet:marchezaubut.}

“Pierrepritlaprofessiondesarmes;sisonardeuravaitétédecetteespèce[s’iln’avaiteuquecetteardeurvulgaire]quiprovientd’unerobustesanté,ilaurait[c’eut]étéunbravemilitaire,etriendeplus;maissonardeurétaitcelledel’âme,saflammeétaitpureetelles’élevaitversleciel.

“Sansdoute[Ilestvraique]lajeunessedePierreétait[fét]troubléeparpassionsorageuses;lesnaturespuissantessontextrèmesentout,ellesneconnaissentlatiédeurnidanslebien,nidanslemal;Pierredonccherchad’abordavidementlagloirequiseflétritetlesplaisirsquitrompent,maisilfitbientôtladécouverte[bientôtils’aperçut]quecequ’ilpoursuivaitn’étaitqe’uneillusionàlaquelleilnepourraitjamaisatteindre;{Vnutile,quandvousavezditillusion}ilretournadoncsursespas,ilrecommençalevoyagedelavie,maiscettefoisilévitalecheminspacieuxquimèneàlaperditionetilpritlecheminétroitquimèneàlavie;puisque[comme]letrajetétaitlongetdifficileiljetalacasqueetlesarmesdusoldat,etsevêtitdel’habitsimpledumoine.Alaviemilitairesuccédalaviemonastique,carlesextrêmessetouchent,etchezl’hommesincèrelasincéritédurepentiramène[nécessairementàlasuite]avecluilarigueurdelapénitence.[VoilàdoncPierredevenumoine!]

“MaisPierre[il]avaitenluiunprincipequil’empêchaitderesterlong-tempsinactif,sesidées,surquelsujetqu’ilsoit[quecefût]nepouvaientpasêtrebornées;ilneluisuffisaitpasquelui-mêmefûtreligieux,quelui-mêmefûtconvaincudelaréalitédeChristianismé(sic),ilfallaitquetoutel’Europe,quetoutel’Asie,partageâtsaconvictionetprofessâtlacroyancedelaCroix.LaPiété[fervente]élevéeparlaGénie,nourrieparlaSolitude,fitnaîtreuneespèced’inspiration[exaltasonâmejusqu’àl’inspiration]danssoname,etlorsqu’ilquittasacelluleetreparutdanslemonde,ilportaitcommeMoïsel’empreintedelaDivinitésursonfront,ettout[tous]reconnurentenluilavéritableapôtredelaCroix.

“Mahometn’avaitjamaisremuélesmollesnationsdel’OrientcommealorsPierreremualespeuplesaustèresdel’Occident;ilfallaitquecetteéloquencefûtd’uneforcepresquemiraculeusequipouvait[presqu’elle]persuader[ait]auxroisdevendreleursroyaumesafindeprocurer[pouravoir]desarmesetdessoldatspouraider[àoffrir]àPierredanslaguerresaintequ’ilvoulaitlivrerauxinfidèles.LapuissancedePierre[l’Hermite]n’étaitnullementunepuissancephysique,carlanature,oupourmieuxdire,Dieuestimpartialdansladistributiondesesdons;ilaccordeàl’undesesenfantslagrâce,labeauté,lesperfectionscorporelles,àl’autrel’esprit,lagrandeurmorale.Pierredoncétaitunhommepetit,d’unephysionomiepeuagréable;maisilavaitcecourage,cetteconstance,cetenthousiasme,cetteénergiedesentimentquiécrasetouteopposition,etquifaitquelavolontéd’unseulhommedevientlaloidetouteunenation.Pourseformerunejusteidéedel’influencequ’exerçacethommesurlescaractères[choses]etlesidéesdesontemps,ilfautselereprésenteraumilieudel’arméedescroiséesdanssondoublerôledeprophèteetdeguerrier;lepauvrehermite,vêtudupauvre[del’humble]habitgrisestlàpluspuissantqieunroi;ilestentouréd’une[dela]multitude[avide]unemultitudequinevoitquelui,tandisquilui,ilnevoitqueleciel;sesyeuxlevéssemblentdire,‘JevoisDieuetlesanges,etj’aiperdudevuelaterre!’

“Danscemomentle[maisce]pauvrehabit[froc]grisestpourluicommelemanteaud’Elijah;ill’envelopped’inspiration;il[Pierre]litdansl’avenir;ilvoitJérusalemdélivrée;[ilvoit]lesaintsépulcrelibre;ilvoitleCroissantargentestarrachéduTemple,etl’OriflammeetlaCroixrougesontétabliàsaplace;non-seulementPierrevoitcesmerveilles,maisillesfaitvoiràtousceuxquil’entourent;ilravivel’espéranceetlecouragedans[touscescorpsépuisésdefatiguesetdeprivations].Labatailleneseralivréeque

demain,maislavictoireestdécidéecesoir.Pierreapromis;etlesCroiséssefientàsaparole,commelesIsraëlitessefiaientàcelledeMoïseetdeJosué.”

Asacompanionportraittothis,EmilychosetodepictHaroldontheeveofthebattleofHastings.ItappearstomethatherdevoirissuperiortoCharlotte’sinpowerandinimagination,andfullyequaltoitinlanguage;andthatthis,inbothcases,consideringhowlittlepracticalknowledgeofFrenchtheyhadwhentheyarrivedatBrusselsinFebruary,andthattheywrotewithouttheaidofdictionaryorgrammar,isunusualandremarkable.WeshallseetheprogressCharlottehadmade,ineaseandgraceofstyle,ayearlater.

Inthechoiceofsubjectslefttoherselection,shefrequentlytookcharactersandscenesfromtheOldTestament,withwhichallherwritingsshowthatshewasespeciallyfamiliar.Thepicturesquenessandcolour(ifImaysoexpressit),thegrandeurandbreadthofitsnarrations,impressedherdeeply.TouseM.Héger’sexpression,“ElleétaitnourriedelaBible.”AfterhehadreadDelaVigne’spoemonJoanofArc,shechosethe“VisionandDeathofMosesonMountNebo”towriteabout;and,inlookingoverthisdevoir,IwasmuchstruckwithoneortwoofM.Héger’sremarks.Afterdescribing,inaquietandsimplemanner,thecircumstancesunderwhichMosestookleaveoftheIsraelites,herimaginationbecomeswarmed,andshelaunchesoutintoanoblestrain,depictingthegloriousfuturityoftheChosenPeople,as,lookingdownuponthePromisedLand,heseestheirprosperityinpropheticvision.But,beforereachingthemiddleofthisglowingdescription,sheinterruptsherselftodiscussforamomentthedoubtsthathavebeenthrownonthemiraculousrelationsoftheOldTestament.M.Hégerremarks,“Whenyouarewriting,placeyourargumentfirstincool,prosaiclanguage;butwhenyouhavethrownthereinsontheneckofyourimagination,donotpullheruptoreason.”Again,inthevisionofMoses,heseesthemaidensleadingforththeirflockstothewellsateventide,andtheyaredescribedaswearingflowerygarlands.Herethewriterisremindedofthenecessityofpreservingacertainverisimilitude:Mosesmightfromhiselevationseemountainsandplains,groupsofmaidensandherdsofcattle,butcouldhardlyperceivethedetailsofdress,ortheornamentsofthehead.

Whentheyhadmadefurtherprogress,M.Hégertookupamoreadvancedplan,thatofsyntheticalteaching.Hewouldreadtothemvariousaccountsofthesamepersonorevent,andmakethemnoticethepointsofagreementanddisagreement.Wheretheyweredifferent,hewouldmakethemseektheorigin

ofthatdifferencebycausingthemtoexaminewellintothecharacterandpositionofeachseparatewriter,andhowtheywouldbelikelytoaffecthisconceptionoftruth.Forinstance,takeCromwell.HewouldreadBossuet’sdescriptionofhiminthe“OraisonFunèbredelaReined’Angleterre,”andshowhowinthishewasconsideredentirelyfromthereligiouspointofview,asaninstrumentinthehandsofGod,preordainedtoHiswork.ThenhewouldmakethemreadGuizot,andseehow,inthisview,Cromwellwasendowedwiththeutmostpoweroffree-will,butgovernedbynohighermotivethanthatofexpediency;whileCarlyleregardedhimasacharacterregulatedbyastrongandconscientiousdesiretodothewilloftheLord.ThenhewoulddesirethemtorememberthattheRoyalistandCommonwealthmenhadeachtheirdifferentopinionsofthegreatProtector.Andfromtheseconflictingcharacters,hewouldrequirethemtosiftandcollecttheelementsoftruth,andtrytounitethemintoaperfectwhole.

ThiskindofexercisedelightedCharlotte.Itcalledintoplayherpowersofanalysis,whichwereextraordinary,andsheverysoonexcelledinit.

WherevertheBrontëscouldbenationaltheywereso,withthesametenacityofattachmentwhichmadethemsufferastheydidwhenevertheyleftHaworth.TheywereProtestanttothebackboneinotherthingsbesidetheirreligion,butpre-eminentlysointhat.TouchedasCharlottewasbytheletterofSt.Ignatiusbeforealludedto,sheclaimedequalself-devotion,andfromashighamotive,forsomeofthemissionariesoftheEnglishChurchsentouttotoilandtoperishonthepoisonousAfricancoast,andwroteasan“imitation,”“Lettred’unMissionnaire,SierraLéone,Afrique.”

Somethingofherfeeling,too,appearsinthefollowingletter:—

“Brussels,1842.

“IconsideritdoubtfulwhetherIshallcomehomeinSeptemberornot.MadameHégerhasmadeaproposalforbothmeandEmilytostayanotherhalf-year,offeringtodismissherEnglishmaster,andtakemeasEnglishteacher;alsotoemployEmilysomepartofeachdayinteachingmusictoacertainnumberofthepupils.FortheseserviceswearetobeallowedtocontinueourstudiesinFrenchandGerman,andtohaveboard,&c.,withoutpayingforit;nosalaries,however,areoffered.Theproposaliskind,andinagreatselfishcitylikeBrussels,andagreatselfishschool,containingnearlyninetypupils(boardersanddaypupilsincluded),impliesadegreeof

interestwhichdemandsgratitudeinreturn.Iaminclinedtoacceptit.Whatthinkyou?Idon’tdenyIsometimeswishtobeinEngland,orthatIhavebriefattacksofhomesickness;but,onthewhole,Ihaveborneaveryvaliantheartsofar;andIhavebeenhappyinBrussels,becauseIhavealwaysbeenfullyoccupiedwiththeemploymentsthatIlike.EmilyismakingrapidprogressinFrench,German,music,anddrawing.MonsieurandMadameHégerbegintorecognisethevaluablepartsofhercharacter,underhersingularities.

“IfthenationalcharacteroftheBelgiansistobemeasuredbythecharacterofmostofthegirlsisthisschool,itinacharactersingularlycold,selfish,animal,andinferior.Theyareverymutinousanddifficultfortheteacherstomanage;andtheirprinciplesarerottentothecore.Weavoidthem,whichitisnotdifficulttodo,aswehavethebrandofProtestantismandAnglicismuponus.PeopletalkofthedangerwhichProtestantsexposethemselvestoingoingtoresideinCatholiccountries,andtherebyrunningthechanceofchangingtheirfaith.MyadvicetoallProtestantswhoaretemptedtodoanythingsobesottedasturnCatholics,is,towalkovertheseaontotheContinent;toattendmasssedulouslyforatime;tonotewellthemummeriesthereof;alsotheidiotic,mercenaryaspectofallthepriests;andthen,iftheyarestilldisposedtoconsiderPapistryinanyotherlightthanamostfeeble,childishpieceofhumbug,letthemturnPapistsatonce—that’sall.IconsiderMethodism,Quakerism,andtheextremesofHighandLowChurchismfoolish,butRomanCatholicismbeatsthemall.Atthesametime,allowmetotellyou,thattherearesomeCatholicswhoareasgoodasanyChristianscanbetowhomtheBibleisasealedbook,andmuchbetterthanmanyProtestants.”

WhentheBrontësfirstwenttoBrussels,itwaswiththeintentionofremainingthereforsixmonths,oruntilthegrandesvacancesbeganinSeptember.Thedutiesoftheschoolwerethensuspendedforsixweeksortwomonths,anditseemedadesirableperiodfortheirreturn.Buttheproposalmentionedintheforegoingletteralteredtheirplans.Besides,theywerehappyinthefeelingthattheyweremakingprogressinalltheknowledgetheyhadsolongbeenyearningtoacquire.Theywerehappy,too,inpossessingfriendswhosesocietyhadbeenforyearscongenialtothem,andinoccasionalmeetingswiththese,theycouldhavetheinexpressiblesolacetoresidentsinaforeigncountry—andpeculiarlysuchtotheBrontës—oftalkingovertheintelligencereceivedfromtheirrespectivehomes—referringtopast,orplanningforfuturedays.“Mary”and

hersister,thebright,dancing,laughingMartha,wereparlour-boardersinanestablishmentjustbeyondthebarriersofBrussels.Again,thecousinsofthesefriendswereresidentinthetown;andattheirhouseCharlotteandEmilywerealwayswelcome,thoughtheiroverpoweringshynesspreventedtheirmorevaluablequalitiesfrombeingknown,andgenerallykeptthemsilent.Theyspenttheirweeklyholidaywiththisfamily,formanymonths;butattheendofthetime,Emilywasasimpenetrabletofriendlyadvancesasatthebeginning;whileCharlottewastoophysicallyweak(as“Mary”hasexpressedit)to“gatherupherforces”sufficientlytoexpressanydifferenceoroppositionofopinion,andhadconsequentlyanassentinganddeferentialmanner,strangelyatvariancewithwhattheyknewofherremarkabletalentsanddecidedcharacter.Atthishouse,theT.’sandtheBrontëscouldlookforwardtomeetingeachotherprettyfrequently.TherewasanotherEnglishfamilywhereCharlottesoonbecameawelcomeguest,andwhere,Isuspect,shefeltherselfmoreathereasethaneitheratMrs.Jenkins’,orthefriendswhomIhavefirstmentioned.

AnEnglishphysician,withalargefamilyofdaughters,wenttoresideatBrussels,forthesakeoftheireducation.HeplacedthematMadameHéger’sschoolinJuly,1842,notamonthbeforethebeginningofthegrandesvacancesonAugust15th.Inordertomakethemostoftheirtime,andbecomeaccustomedtothelanguage,theseEnglishsisterswentdaily,throughtheholidays,tothepensionnatintheRued’Isabelle.Sixoreightboardersremained,besidestheMissBrontës.Theywerethereduringthewholetime,neverevenhavingthebreaktotheirmonotonouslife,whichpassinganoccasionaldaywithafriendwouldhaveaffordedthem;butdevotingthemselveswithindefatigablediligencetothedifferentstudiesinwhichtheywereengaged.Theirpositionintheschoolappeared,tothesenewcomers,analogoustowhatisoftencalledthatofaparlour-boarder.TheypreparedtheirFrench,drawing,German,andliteraturefortheirvariousmasters;andtotheseoccupationsEmilyaddedthatofmusic,inwhichshewassomewhatofaproficient;somuchsoastobequalifiedtogiveinstructioninittothethreeyoungersistersofmyinformant.

Theschoolwasdividedintothreeclasses.Inthefirstwerefromfifteentotwentypupils;inthesecond,sixtywasabouttheaveragenumber—allforeigners,exceptingthetwoBrontësandoneother;inthethird,therewerefromtwentytothirtypupils.Thefirstandsecondclassesoccupiedalongroom,dividedbyawoodenpartition;ineachdivisionwerefourlongrangesofdesks;andattheendwastheestrade,orplatform,forthepresidinginstructor.Onthe

lastrow,inthequietestcorner,satCharlotteandEmily,sidebyside,sodeeplyabsorbedintheirstudiesastobeinsensibletoanynoiseormovementaroundthem.Theschool-hourswerefromninetotwelve(theluncheonhour),whentheboardersandhalf-boarders—perhapstwo-and-thirtygirls—wenttotherefectoire(aroomwithtwolongtables,havinganoil-lampsuspendedovereach),topartakeofbreadandfruit;theexternes,ormorningpupils,whohadbroughttheirownrefreshmentwiththem,adjourningtoeatitinthegarden.Fromonetotwo,therewasfancy-work—apupilreadingaloudsomelightliteratureineachroom;fromtwotofour,lessonsagain.Atfour,theexternesleft;andtheremaininggirlsdinedintherefectoire,M.andMadameHégerpresiding.Fromfivetosixtherewasrecreation,fromsixtoseven,preparationforlessons;and,afterthatsucceededthelecturepieuse—Charlotte’snightmare.Onrareoccasions,M.Hégerhimselfwouldcomein,andsubstituteabookofadifferentandmoreinterestingkind.Ateight,therewasaslightmealofwaterandpistolets(thedeliciouslittleBrusselsrolls),whichwasimmediatelyfollowedbyprayers,andthentobed.

Theprincipalbedroomwasoverthelongclasse,orschoolroom.Thereweresixoreightnarrowbedsoneachsideoftheapartment,everyoneenvelopedinitswhitedrapingcurtain;alongdrawer,beneatheach,servedforawardrobe,andbetweeneachwasastandforewer,basin,andlooking-glass.ThebedsofthetwoMissBrontëswereattheextremeendoftheroom,almostasprivateandretiredasiftheyhadbeeninaseparateapartment.

Duringthehoursofrecreation,whichwerealwaysspentinthegarden,theyinvariablywalkedtogether,andgenerallykeptaprofoundsilence;Emily,thoughsomuchthetaller,leaningonhersister.Charlottewouldalwaysanswerwhenspokento,takingtheleadinreplyingtoanyremarkaddressedtoboth;Emilyrarelyspoketoanyone.Charlotte’squiet,gentlemannerneverchanged.Shewasneverseenoutoftemperforamoment;andoccasionally,whensheherselfhadassumedthepostofEnglishteacher,andtheimpertinenceorinattentionofherpupilswasmostirritating,aslightincreaseofcolour,amomentarysparklingoftheeye,andmoredecidedenergyofmanner,weretheonlyoutwardtokensshegaveofbeingconsciousoftheannoyancetowhichshewassubjected.Butthisdignifiedenduranceofherssubduedherpupils,inthelongrun,farmorethanthevolubletiradesoftheothermistresses.Myinformantadds:—“Theeffectofthismannerwassingular.Icanspeakfrompersonalexperience.Iwasatthattimehigh-spiritedandimpetuous,notrespectingtheFrenchmistresses;yet,tomyownastonishment,atonewordfromher,Iwasperfectlytractable;so

muchso,thatatlength,M.andMadameHégerinvariablypreferredalltheirwishestomethroughher;theotherpupilsdidnot,perhaps,loveherasIdid,shewassoquietandsilent;butallrespectedher.”

WiththeexceptionofthatpartwhichdescribesCharlotte’smannerasEnglishteacher—anofficewhichshedidnotassumeforsomemonthslater—allthisdescriptionoftheschoollifeofthetwoBrontësreferstothecommencementofthenewscholasticyearinOctober1842;andtheextractsIhavegivenconveythefirstimpressionwhichthelifeataforeignschool,andthepositionofthetwoMissBrontëstherein,madeuponanintelligentEnglishgirlofsixteen.Iwillmakeaquotationfrom“Mary’s”letterreferringtothistime.

“ThefirstpartofhertimeatBrusselswasnotuninteresting.Shespokeofnewpeopleandcharacters,andforeignwaysofthepupilsandteachers.Sheknewthehopesandprospectsoftheteachers,andmentionedonewhowasveryanxioustomarry,‘shewasgettingsoold.’Sheusedtogetherfatherorbrother(Iforgetwhich)tobethebearerofletterstodifferentsinglemen,whoshethoughtmightbepersuadedtodoherthefavour,sayingthatheronlyresourcewastobecomeasisterofcharityifherpresentemploymentfailedandthatshehatedtheidea.Charlottenaturallylookedwithcuriositytopeopleofherowncondition.Thiswomanalmostfrightenedher.‘Shedeclaresthereisnothingshecanturnto,andlaughsattheideaofdelicacy,—andsheisonlytenyearsolderthanIam!’Ididnotseetheconnectiontillshesaid,‘Well,Polly,Ishouldhatebeingasisterofcharity;Isupposethatwouldshocksomepeople,butIshould.’Ithoughtshewouldhaveasmuchfeelingasanurseasmostpeople,andmorethansome.Shesaidshedidnotknowhowpeoplecouldbeartheconstantpressureofmisery,andnevertochangeexcepttoanewformofit.Itwouldbeimpossibletokeepone’snaturalfeelings.Ipromisedherabetterdestinythantogobegginganyonetomarryher,ortolosehernaturalfeelingsasasisterofcharity.Shesaid,‘Myyouthisleavingme;IcanneverdobetterthanIhavedone,andIhavedonenothingyet.’Atsuchtimessheseemedtothinkthatmosthumanbeingsweredestinedbythepressureofworldlyintereststoloseonefacultyandfeelingafteranother‘tilltheywentdeadaltogether.IhopeIshallbeputinmygraveassoonasI’mdead;Idon’twanttowalkaboutso.’Herewealwaysdiffered.Ithoughtthedegradationofnatureshefearedwasaconsequenceofpoverty,andthatsheshouldgiveherattentiontoearningmoney.Sometimessheadmittedthis,butcouldfindnomeansofearningmoney.Atotherssheseemedafraidoflettingherthoughtsdwellonthesubject,sayingitbroughtontheworstpalsyofall.Indeed,inherposition,nothingless

thanentireconstantabsorptioninpettymoneymatterscouldhavescrapedtogetheraprovision.

“OfcourseartistsandauthorsstoodhighwithCharlotte,andthebestthingaftertheirworkswouldhavebeentheircompany.Sheusedveryinconsistentlytorailatmoneyandmoney-getting,andthenwishshewasabletovisitallthelargetownsinEurope,seeallthesightsandknowallthecelebrities.Thiswashernotionofliteraryfame,—apassporttothesocietyofcleverpeople...WhenshehadbecomeacquaintedwiththepeopleandwaysatBrusselsherlifebecamemonotonous,andshefellintothesamehopelessstateasatMissW---’s,thoughinalessdegree.Iwrotetoher,urginghertogohomeorelsewhere;shehadgotwhatshewanted(French),andtherewasatleastnoveltyinanewplace,ifnoimprovement.Thatifshesankintodeepergloomshewouldsoonnothaveenergytogo,andshewastoofarfromhomeforherfriendstohearofherconditionandorderherhomeastheyhaddonefromMissW---’s.ShewrotethatIhaddoneheragreatservice,thatsheshouldcertainlyfollowmyadvice,andwasmuchobligedtome.Ihaveoftenwonderedatthisletter.Thoughshepatientlytoleratedadvice,shecouldalwaysquietlyputitaside,anddoasshethoughtfit.Morethanonceafterwardsshementionedthe‘service’Ihaddoneher.Shesentme10l.toNewZealand,onhearingsomeexaggeratedaccountsofmycircumstances,andtoldmeshehopeditwouldcomeinseasonably;itwasadebtsheowedme‘fortheserviceIhaddoneher.’Ishouldthink10l.wasaquarterofherincome.The‘service’wasmentionedasanapology,butkindnesswastherealmotive.”

Thefirstbreakinthislifeofregulardutiesandemploymentscameheavilyandsadly.Martha—pretty,winning,mischievous,tricksomeMartha—wastakenillsuddenlyattheChâteaudeKoekelberg.Hersistertendedherwithdevotedlove;butitwasallinvain;inafewdaysshedied.Charlotte’sownshortaccountofthiseventisasfollows:—

“MarthaT.’sillnesswasunknowntometillthedaybeforeshedied.IhastenedtoKoekelbergthenextmorning—unconsciousthatshewasingreatdanger—andwastoldthatitwasfinished.Shehaddiedinthenight.MarywastakenawaytoBruxelles.IhaveseenMaryfrequentlysince.Sheisinnowayscrushedbytheevent;butwhileMarthawasill,shewastohermorethanamother—morethanasister:watching,nursing,cherishinghersotenderly,sounweariedly.Sheappearscalmandseriousnow;noburstsofviolentemotion;noexaggerationofdistress.IhaveseenMartha’sgrave—theplacewhereherasheslieinaforeigncountry.”

Whothathasread“Shirley”doesnotrememberthefewlines—perhapshalfapage—ofsadrecollection?

“HehasnoideathatlittleJessywilldieyoung,sheissogay,andchattering,andarch—originalevennow;passionatewhenprovoked,butmostaffectionateifcaressed;byturnsgentleandrattling;exactingyetgenerous;fearless...yetreliantonanywhowillhelpher.Jessy,withherlittlepiquantface,engagingprattle,andwinningways,ismadetobeapet.

*****

“Doyouknowthisplace?No,youneversawit;butyourecognisethenatureofthesetrees,thisfoliage—thecypress,thewillow,theyew.Stonecrosseslikethesearenotunfamiliartoyou,norarethesedimgarlandsofeverlastingflowers.Hereistheplace:greensodandagreymarblehead-stone—Jessysleepsbelow.ShelivedthroughanAprilday;muchlovedwasshe,muchloving.Sheoften,inherbrieflife,shedtears—shehadfrequentsorrows;shesmiledbetween,gladdeningwhateversawher.HerdeathwastranquilandhappyinRose’sguardianarms,forRosehadbeenherstayanddefencethroughmanytrials;thedyingandthewatchingEnglishgirlswereatthathouraloneinaforeigncountry,andthesoilofthatcountrygaveJessyagrave.

*****

“But,Jessy,Iwillwriteaboutyounomore.Thisisanautumnevening,wetandwild.Thereisonlyonecloudinthesky;butitcurtainsitfrompoletopole.Thewindcannotrest;ithurriessobbingoverhillsofsullenoutline,colourlesswithtwilightandmist.Rainhasbeatalldayonthatchurchtower”(Haworth):“itrisesdarkfromthestonyenclosureofitsgraveyard:thenettles,thelonggrass,andthetombsalldripwithwet.Thiseveningremindsmetooforciblyofanothereveningsomeyearsago:ahowling,rainyautumneveningtoo—whencertainwhohadthatdayperformedapilgrimagetoagravenewmadeinahereticcemetery,satnearawoodfireonthehearthofaforeigndwelling.Theyweremerryandsocial,buttheyeachknewthatagap,nevertobefilled,hadbeenmadeintheircircle.Theyknewtheyhadlostsomethingwhoseabsencecouldneverbequiteatonedfor,solongastheylived;andtheyknewthatheavyfallingrainwassoakingintothewetearthwhichcoveredtheirlostdarling;andthatthesad,sighinggalewasmourningaboveherburiedhead.Thefirewarmedthem;

LifeandFriendshipyetblessedthem:butJessylaycold,coffined,solitary—onlythesodscreeningherfromthestorm.”

ThiswasthefirstdeaththathadoccurredinthesmallcircleofCharlotte’simmediateandintimatefriendssincethelossofhertwosisterslongago.Shewasstillinthemidstofherdeepsympathywith“Mary,”whenwordcamefromhomethatheraunt,MissBranwell,wasailing—wasveryill.EmilyandCharlotteimmediatelyresolvedtogohomestraight,andhastilypackedupforEngland,doubtfulwhethertheyshouldeverreturntoBrusselsornot,leavingalltheirrelationswithM.andMadameHéger,andthepensionnat,uprooted,anduncertainofanyfutureexistence.Evenbeforetheirdeparture,onthemorningaftertheyreceivedthefirstintelligenceofillness—whentheywereontheverypointofstarting—cameasecondletter,tellingthemoftheiraunt’sdeath.Itcouldnothastentheirmovements,foreveryarrangementhadbeenmadeforspeed.TheysailedfromAntwerp;theytravellednightandday,andgothomeonaTuesdaymorning.Thefuneralandallwasover,andMr.BrontëandAnneweresittingtogether,inquietgriefforthelossofonewhohaddoneherpartwellintheirhouseholdfornearlytwentyyears,andearnedtheregardandrespectofmanywhoneverknewhowmuchtheyshouldmisshertillshewasgone.Thesmallpropertywhichshehadaccumulated,bydintofpersonalfrugalityandself-denial,wasbequeathedtohernieces.Branwell,herdarling,wastohavehadhisshare;buthisrecklessexpenditurehaddistressedthegoodoldlady,andhisnamewasomittedinherwill.

Whenthefirstshockwasover,thethreesistersbegantoenjoythefullrelishofmeetingagain,afterthelongestseparationtheyhadhadintheirlives.Theyhadmuchtotellofthepast,andmuchtosettleforthefuture.Annehadbeenforsomelittletimeinasituation,towhichshewastoreturnattheendoftheChristmasholidays.Foranotheryearorsotheywereagaintobeallthreeapart;and,afterthat,thehappyvisionofbeingtogetherandopeningaschoolwastoberealised.OfcoursetheydidnotnowlookforwardtosettlingatBurlington,oranyotherplacewhichwouldtakethemawayfromtheirfather;butthesmallsumwhichtheyeachindependentlypossessedwouldenablethemtoeffectsuchalterationsintheparsonage-houseatHaworthaswouldadaptittothereceptionofpupils.Anne’splansfortheintervalwerefixed.Emilyquicklydecidedtobethedaughtertoremainathome.AboutCharlottetherewasmuchdeliberationandsomediscussion.

EveninallthehasteoftheirsuddendeparturefromBrussels,M.Hégerhad

foundtimetowritealetterofsympathytoMr.Brontëonthelosswhichhehadjustsustained;alettercontainingsuchagracefulappreciationofthedaughters’characters,undertheformofatributeofrespecttotheirfather,thatIshouldhavebeentemptedtocopyit,evenhadtherenotalsobeenaproposalmadeinitrespectingCharlotte,whichdeservesaplaceintherecordofherlife.

“AuRévérendMonsieurBrontë,PasteurÉvangélique,&c,&c.

“Samedi,5Obre.

“MONSIEUR,

“UnévènementbientristedécidemesdemoisellesvasfillesàretournerbrusquementenAngleterre,cedépartquinousaffligebeaucoupacependantmacomplèteapprobation;ilestbiennaturelqu’ellescherchentàvousconsolerdecequelecielvientdevousôter,onseserrantautourdevous,pouimieuxvousfaireappréciercequelecielvousadonnéetcequ’ilvouslaisseencore.J’espèrequevousmepardonnerez,Monsieur,deprofiterdecettecirconstancepourvousfaireparvenirl’expressiondemonrespect;jen’aipasl’honneurdevousconnaîtrepersonnellement,etcependantj’éprouvepourvotrepersonneunsentimentdesincèrevénération,carenjugeantunpèredefamilleparsesenfantsonnerisquepasdesetromper,etsouscerapportl’éducationetlessentimentsquenousavonstrouvésdansmesdemoisellesvosfillesn’ontpuquenousdonnerunetrès-hauteidéedevotremériteetdevotrecaractère.Vousapprendrezsansdouteavecplaisirquevosenfantsontfaitduprogrèstrèsremarquabledanstouteslesbranchesdel’enseignenient,etquecesprogrèssontentiérementdûàleuramourpourletravailetàleurpersévérance;nousn’avonseuquebienpeuàfaireavecdepareilleséléves;leuravancementestvotreœuvrebienplusquelanôtre;nousn’avonspaseuàleurapprendreleprixdutempsetdel’instruction,ellesavaientappristoutceladanslamaisonpaternelle,etnousn’avonseu,pournotrepart,quelefaibleméritededirigerleurseffortsetdefournirunalimentconvenableàlalouableactivitéquevosfillesontpuiséesdansvotreexempleetdansvosleçons.Puissentlesélogesméritéesquenousdonnonsàvosenfantsvousêtredequelqueconsolationdanslemalheurquevousafflige;c’estlànotreespoirenvousécrivant,etcesera,pourMesdemoisellesCharlotteetEmily,unedouceetbellerécompensedeleurstravaux.

“Enperdantnosdeuxchéreséléves,nousnedevonspasvouscacherque

nouséprouvonsàlafoisetduchagrinetdel’inquiétude;noussommesaffligésparcequecettebrusqueséparationvientbriserl’affectionpresquepaternellequenousleuravonsvouée,etnotrepeines’augmenteàlavuedetantdetravauxinterrompues,detantdechosesbiencommencées,etquinedemandentquequelquetempsencorepourêtremenéesàbonnefin.Dansunan,chacunedevosdemoiselleseûtétéentièrementprémuniecontreleséventualitésdel’avenir;chacuned’ellesacquéraitàlafoisetl’instructionetlascienced’enseignement;MlleEmilyallaitapprendrelepiano;recevoirlesleçonsdumeilleurprofesseurquenousayonsenBelgique,etdéjàelleavaitelle-mêmedepetitesélèves;elleperdaitdoncàlafoisunrested’ignoranceetunresteplusgênantencoredetimidité;MlleCharlottecommençaitàdonnerdesleçonsenfrançais,etd’acquérircetteassurance,cetaplombsinécessairedansl’enseignement;encoreunantoutauplusetl’œuvreétaitachevéeetbienachevée.Alorsnousaurionspu,sicelavouseûtconvenu,offriràmesdemoisellesvosfillesoudumoinsàl’unedesdeuxunepositionquieûtétédanssesgoùts,etquiluieûtdonnécettedouceindépendancesidifficileàtrouverpourunejeunepersonne.Cen’estpas,croyezlebien,Monsieur,cen’estpasicipournousunequestiond’intérêtpersonnel,c’estunequestiond’affection;vousmepardonnerezsinousvousparlonsdevosenfants,sinousnousoccuponsdeleuravenir,commesiellesfaisaientpartiedenotrefamille;leursqualitéspersonnelles,leurbonvouloir,leurzèleextrêmesontlesseulescausesquinouspoussentànoushasarderdelasorte.Noussavons,Monsieur,quevouspeserezplusmûrementetplussagementquenouslaconséquencequ’auraitpourl’aveniruneinterruptioncomplètedanslesétudesdevosdeuxfilles;vousdéciderezcequ’ilfautfaire,etvousnouspardonnereznotrefranchise,sivousdaignezconsidérerquelemotifquinousfaitagirestuneaffectionbiendésintéresséeetquis’affligeraitbeaucoupdedevoirdéjàserésigneràn’êtreplusutileàvoschersenfants.

“Agréez,jevousprie,Monsieur,l’expressionrespectueusedemessentimentsdehauteconsidération.

“C.HÉGER.”

Therewassomuchtruth,aswellassomuchkindnessinthisletter—itwassoobviousthatasecondyearofinstructionwouldbefarmorevaluablethanthefirst,thattherewasnolonghesitationbeforeitwasdecidedthatCharlotteshouldreturntoBrussels.

Meanwhile,theyenjoyedtheirChristmasalltogetherinexpressibly.Branwellwaswiththem;thatwasalwaysapleasureatthistime;whatevermightbehisfaults,orevenhisvices,hissistersyetheldhimupastheirfamilyhope,astheytrustedthathewouldsomedaybetheirfamilypride.Theyblindedthemselvestothemagnitudeofthefailingsofwhichtheywerenowandthentold,bypersuadingthemselvesthatsuchfailingswerecommontoallmenofanystrengthofcharacter;for,tillsadexperiencetaughtthembetter,theyfellintotheusualerrorofconfoundingstrongpassionswithstrongcharacter.

Charlotte’sfriendcameovertoseeher,andshereturnedthevisit.HerBrusselslifemusthaveseemedlikeadream,socompletely,inthisshortspaceoftime,didshefallbackintotheoldhouseholdways;withmoreofhouseholdindependencethanshecouldeverhavehadduringheraunt’slifetime.Winterthoughitwas,thesisterstooktheiraccustomedwalksonthesnow-coveredmoors;orwentoftendownthelongroadtoKeighley,forsuchbooksashadbeenaddedtothelibrarythereduringtheirabsencefromEngland.

CHAPTERXII

TowardstheendofJanuary,thetimecameforCharlottetoreturntoBrussels.Herjourneythitherwasratherdisastrous.Shehadtomakeherwayalone;andthetrainfromLeedstoLondon,whichshouldhavereachedEuston-squareearlyintheafternoon,wassomuchdelayedthatitdidnotgetintilltenatnight.ShehadintendedtoseekouttheChapterCoffee-house,whereshehadstayedbefore,andwhichwouldhavebeenneartheplacewherethesteam-boatslay;butsheappearstohavebeenfrightenedbytheideaofarrivingatanhourwhich,toYorkshirenotions,wassolateandunseemly;andtakingacab,therefore,atthestation,shedrovestraighttotheLondonBridgeWharf,anddesiredawatermantorowhertotheOstendpacket,whichwastosailthenextmorning.Shedescribedtome,prettymuchasshehassincedescribeditin“Villette,”hersenseofloneliness,andyetherstrangepleasureintheexcitementofthesituation,asinthedeadofthatwinter’snightshewentswiftlyoverthedarkrivertotheblackhull’sside,andwasatfirstrefusedleavetoascendtothedeck.“Nopassengersmightsleeponboard,”theysaid,withsomeappearanceofdisrespect.ShelookedbacktothelightsandsubduednoisesofLondon—that“MightyHeart”inwhichshehadnoplace—and,standingupintherockingboat,sheaskedtospeaktosomeoneinauthorityonboardthepacket.Hecame,andherquietsimplestatementofherwish,andherreasonforit,quelledthefeelingofsneeringdistrustinthosewhohadfirstheardherrequest;andimpressedtheauthoritysofavourablythatheallowedhertocomeonboard,andtakepossessionofaberth.Thenextmorningshesailed;andatsevenonSundayeveningshereachedtheRued’Isabelleoncemore;havingonlyleftHaworthonFridaymorningatanearlyhour.

Hersalarywas16l.ayear;outofwhichshehadtopayforherGermanlessons,forwhichshewaschargedasmuch(thelessonsbeingprobablyratedbytime)aswhenEmilylearntwithheranddividedtheexpense,viz.,tenfrancsamonth.ByMissBrontë’sowndesire,shegaveherEnglishlessonsintheclasse,orschoolroom,withoutthesupervisionofMadameorM.Héger.Theyofferedtobepresent,withaviewtomaintainorderamongtheunrulyBelgiangirls;butshe

declinedthis,sayingthatshewouldratherenforcedisciplinebyherownmannerandcharacterthanbeindebtedforobediencetothepresenceofagendarme.Sheruledoveranewschoolroom,whichhadbeenbuiltonthespaceintheplay-groundadjoiningthehouse.OverthatFirstClassshewassurveillanteatallhours;andhenceforwardshewascalledMademoiselleCharlottebyM.Héger’sorders.Shecontinuedherownstudies,principallyattendingtoGerman,andtoLiterature;andeverySundayshewentalonetotheGermanandEnglishchapels.Herwalkstooweresolitary,andprincipallytakeninthealléedéfendue,whereshewassecurefromintrusion.Thissolitudewasaperilousluxurytooneofhertemperament;soliableasshewastomorbidandacutementalsuffering.

OnMarch6th,1843,shewritesthus:—

“Iamsettledbythistime,ofcourse.Iamnottoomuchoverloadedwithoccupation;andbesidesteachingEnglish,IhavetimetoimprovemyselfinGerman.Ioughttoconsidermyselfwelloff,andtobethankfulformygoodfortunes.IhopeIamthankful;andifIcouldalwayskeepupmyspiritsandneverfeellonely,orlongforcompanionship,orfriendship,orwhatevertheycallit,Ishoulddoverywell.AsItoldyoubefore,M.andMadameHégeraretheonlytwopersonsinthehouseforwhomIreallyexperienceregardandesteem,andofcourse,Icannotbealwayswiththem,norevenveryoften.Theytoldme,whenIfirstreturned,thatIwastoconsidertheirsitting-roommysitting-roomalso,andtogotherewheneverIwasnotengagedintheschoolroom.This,however,Icannotdo.Inthedaytimeitisapublicroom,wheremusic-mastersandmistressesareconstantlypassinginandout;andintheevening,Iwillnot,andoughtnottointrudeonM.andMadameHégerandtheirchildren.ThusIamagooddealbymyself,outofschool-hours;butthatdoesnotsignify.InowregularlygiveEnglishlessonstoM.Hégerandhisbrother-in-law.Theygetonwithwonderfulrapidity;especiallythefirst.HealreadybeginstospeakEnglishverydecently.IfyoucouldseeandheartheeffortsImaketoteachthemtopronouncelikeEnglishmen,andtheirunavailingattemptstoimitate,youwouldlaughtoalleternity.

“TheCarnivalisjustover,andwehaveentereduponthegloomandabstinenceofLent.ThefirstdayofLentwehadcoffeewithoutmilkforbreakfast;vinegarandvegetables,withaverylittlesaltfish,fordinner;andbreadforsupper.TheCarnivalwasnothingbutmaskingandmummery.M.Hégertookmeandoneofthepupilsintothetowntoseethemasks.It

wasanimatingtoseetheimmensecrowds,andthegeneralgaiety,butthemaskswerenothing.IhavebeentwicetotheD.’s”(thosecousinsof“Mary’s”ofwhomIhavebeforemademention).“WhensheleavesBruxelles,Ishallhavenowheretogoto.IhavehadtwolettersfromMary.Shedoesnottellmeshehasbeenill,andshedoesnotcomplain;butherlettersarenotthelettersofapersonintheenjoymentofgreathappiness.ShehasnobodytobeasgoodtoherasM.Hégeristome;tolendherbooks;toconversewithhersometimes,&c.

“Good-bye.WhenIsayso,itseemstomethatyouwillhardlyhearme;allthewavesoftheChannelheavingandroaringbetweenmustdeadenthesound.”

Fromthetoneofthisletter,itmayeasilybeperceivedthattheBrusselsof1843wasadifferentplacefromthatof1842.ThenshehadEmilyforadailyandnightlysolaceandcompanion.ShehadtheweeklyvarietyofavisittothefamilyoftheD.s;andshehadthefrequenthappinessofseeing“Mary”andMartha.NowEmilywasfarawayinHaworth—wheresheoranyotherlovedone,mightdie,beforeCharlotte,withherutmostspeed,couldreachthem,asexperience,inheraunt’scase,hadtaughther.TheD.swereleavingBrussels;so,henceforth,herweeklyholidaywouldhavetobepassedintheRued’Isabelle,orsoshethought.“Mary”wasgoneoffonherownindependentcourse;Marthaaloneremained—stillandquietforever,inthecemeterybeyondthePortedeLouvain.Theweather,too,forthefirstfewweeksafterCharlotte’sreturn,hadbeenpiercinglycold;andherfeebleconstitutionwasalwayspainfullysensitivetoaninclementseason.Merebodilypain,howeveracute,shecouldalwaysputaside;buttoooftenill-healthassailedherinapartfarmoretobedreaded.Herdepressionofspirits,whenshewasnotwell,waspitifulinitsextremity.Shewasawarethatitwasconstitutional,andcouldreasonaboutit;butnoreasoningpreventedhersufferingmentalagony,whilethebodilycauseremainedinforce.

TheHégershavediscovered,sincethepublicationof“Villette,”thatatthisbeginningofhercareerasEnglishteacherintheirschool,theconductofherpupilswasoftenimpertinentandmutinousinthehighestdegree.Butofthistheywereunawareatthetime,asshehaddeclinedtheirpresence,andnevermadeanycomplaint.Stillitmusthavebeenadepressingthoughttoheratthisperiod,thatherjoyous,healthy,obtusepupilsweresolittleanswerabletothepowersshecouldbringtobearuponthem;andthoughfromtheirowntestimony,

herpatience,firmness,andresolution,atlengthobtainedtheirjustreward,yetwithonesoweakinhealthandspirits,thereactionaftersuchstrugglesasshefrequentlyhadwithherpupils,musthavebeenverysadandpainful.

ShethuswritestoherfriendE.:—

“April,1843.

“IsthereanytalkofyourcomingtoBrussels?DuringthebittercoldweatherwehadthroughFebruary,andtheprincipalpartofMarch,Ididnotregretthatyouhadnotaccompaniedme.IfIhadseenyoushiveringasIshiveredmyself,ifIhadseenyourhandsandfeetasredandswelledasminewere,mydiscomfortwouldjusthavebeendoubled.Icandoverywellunderthissortofthing;itdoesnotfretme;itonlymakesmenumbandsilent;butifyouweretopassawinterinBelgium,youwouldbeill.However,moregenialweatheriscomingnow,andIwishyouwerehere.YetIneverhavepressedyou,andneverwouldpressyoutoowarmlytocome.Thereareprivationsandhumiliationstosubmitto;thereismonotonyanduniformityoflife;and,aboveall,thereisaconstantsenseofsolitudeinthemidstofnumbers.TheProtestant,theforeigner,isasolitarybeing,whetherasteacherorpupil.Idonotsaythisbywayofcomplainingofmyownlot;forthoughIacknowledgethattherearecertaindisadvantagesinmypresentposition,whatpositiononearthiswithoutthem?And,wheneverIturnbacktocomparewhatIamwithwhatIwas—myplaceherewithmyplaceatMrs.---’sforinstance—Iamthankful.Therewasanobservationinyourlastletterwhichexcited,foramoment,mywrath.Atfirst,Ithoughtitwouldbefollytoreplytoit,andIwouldletitdie.Afterwards,Ideterminedtogiveoneanswer,onceforall.‘Threeorfourpeople,’itseems,‘havetheideathatthefutureépouxofMademoiselleBrontëisontheContinent.’ThesepeoplearewiserthanIam.TheycouldnotbelievethatIcrossedtheseamerelytoreturnasteachertoMadameHégers.Imusthavesomemorepowerfulmotivethanrespectformymasterandmistress,gratitudefortheirkindness,&c.,toinducemetorefuseasalaryof50l.inEngland,andacceptoneof16l.inBelgium.Imust,forsooth,havesomeremotehopeofentrappingahusbandsomehow,orsomewhere.IfthesecharitablepeopleknewthetotalseclusionofthelifeIlead,—thatIneverexchangeawordwithanyothermanthanMonsieurHéger,andseldomindeedwithhim,—theywould,perhaps,ceasetosupposethatanysuchchimericalandgroundlessnotionhadinfluencedmy

proceedings.HaveIsaidenoughtoclearmyselfofsosillyanimputation?Notthatitisacrimetomarry,oracrimetowishtobemarried;butitisanimbecility,whichIrejectwithcontempt,forwomen,whohaveneitherfortunenorbeauty,tomakemarriagetheprincipalobjectoftheirwishesandhopes,andtheaimofalltheiractions;nottobeabletoconvincethemselvesthattheyareunattractive,andthattheyhadbetterbequiet,andthinkofotherthingsthanwedlock.”

Thefollowingisanextract,fromoneofthefewletterswhichhavebeenpreserved,ofhercorrespondencewithhersisterEmily:—

“May29,1843

“IgetonherefromdaytodayinaRobinson-Crusoe-likesortofway,verylonely,butthatdoesnotsignify.Inotherrespects,Ihavenothingsubstantialtocomplainof,noristhisacauseforcomplaint.Ihopeyouarewell.Walkoutoftenonthemoors.MylovetoTabby.Ihopeshekeepswell.”

Andaboutthistimeshewrotetoherfather,

“June2nd,1818,

“Iwasverygladtohearfromhome.Ihadbeguntogetlow-spiritedatnotreceivinganynews,andtoentertainindefinitefearsthatsomethingwaswrong.Youdonotsayanythingaboutyourownhealth,butIhopeyouarewell,andEmilyalso.IamafraidshewillhaveagooddealofhardworktodonowthatHannah”(aservant-girlwhohadbeenassistingTabby)“isgone.IamexceedinglygladtohearthatyoustillkeepTabby”(considerablyupwardsofseventy).“Itisanactofgreatcharitytoher,andIdonotthinkitwillbeunrewarded,forsheisveryfaithful,andwillalwaysserveyou,whenshehasoccasion,tothebestofherabilities;besides,shewillbecompanyforEmily,who,withouther,wouldbeverylonely.”

Igaveadevoir,writtenaftershehadbeenfourmonthsunderM.Héger’stuition.Iwillnowcopyoutanother,writtennearlyayearlater,duringwhichtheprogressmadeappearstomeverygreat.

“31Mai,1843.

“SURLAMORTDENAPOLÉON.

“NapoléonnaquitenCorseetmourutàSte.Hélène.Entrecesdeuxîlesrienqu’unvasteetbrûlantdésertetl’océanimmense.Ilnaquitfilsd’unsimplegentilhomme,etmourutempereur,maissanscouronneetdanslesfers.Entresonberceauetsatombequ’ya-t-il?lacarrièred’unsoldatparvenu,deschampsdebataille,unemerdesang,untrône,puisdusangencore,etdesfers.Savie,c’estl’arcenciel;lesdeuxpointsextrêmestouchentlaterre,lacomblelumi-neusemesurelescieux.SurNapoléonauberceauunemèrebrillait;danslamaisonpaternelleilavaitdesfrèresetdessoeurs;plustarddanssonpalaisileutunefemmequil’aimait.MaissursonlitdemortNapoléonestseul;plusdemère,nidefrère,nidesoeur,nidefemme,nid’enfant!!D’autresontditetredirontsesexploits,moi,jem’arrêteàcontemplerl’abandonnementdesadernièreheure!

“Ilestlà,exiléetcaptif,enchaînésurunécueil.NouveauProméthéeilsubitlechâtimentdesonorgueil!ProméthéeavaitvouluêtreDieuetCréateur;ildérobalefeuduCielpouranimerlecorpsqu’ilavaitformé.Etlui,Buonaparte,ilavoulucréer,nonpasunhomme,maisunempire,etpourdonneruneexistence,uneâme,àsonœuvregigantesque,iln’apashésitéàarracherlavieàdesnationsentières.Jupiterindignédel’impiétédeProméthée,lerivavivantàlacimeduCaucase.Ainsi,pourpunirl’ambitionrapacedeBuonaparte,laProvidencel’aenchaîné,jusqu’àcequelamorts’ensuivit,surunrocisolédel’Atlantique.Peut-êtrelàaussia-t-ilsentiluifouillantleflanccetinsatiablevautourdontparlelafable,peut-êtrea-t-ilsouffertaussicettesoifducoeur,cettefaimdel’âme,quitorturentl’exilé,loindesafamilleetdesapatrie.Maisparlerainsin’est-cepasattribuergratuitementàNapoléonunehumainefaiblessequ’iln’éprouvajamais?Quanddoncs’est-illaisséenchaînerparunliend’affection?Sansdouted’autresconquérantsonthésitédansleurcarrièredegloire,arrêtésparunobstacled’amouroud’amitié,retenusparlamaind’unefemme,rappélesparlavoixd’unami—lui,jamais!Iln’eutpasbesoin,commeUlysse,deselieraumâtdunavire,nideseboucherlesoreillesavecdelacire;ilneredoutaitpaslechantdesSirènes—illedédaignait;ilsefitmarbreetferpourexécutersesgrandsprojets.Napoléonneseregardaitpascommeunhomme,maiscommel’incarnationd’unpeuple.Iln’aimaitpas;ilneconsidéraitsesamisetsesprochesquecommedesinstrumentsauxquelsiltint,tantqu’ilsfurentutiles,etqu’iljetadecôtéquandilscessèrentdel’être.Qu’onnesepermettedoncpasd’approcherdusépulcre

duCorseavecsentimentsdepitié,oudesouillerdelarmeslapierrequicouvresesrestes,sonâmerépudieraittoutcela.Onadit,jelesais,qu’ellefutcruellelamainquileséparadesafemmeetdesonenfant.Non,c’étaitunemainqui,commelasienne,netremblaitnidepassionnidecrainte,c’étaitlamaind’unhommefroid,convaincu,quiavaitsudevinerBuonaparte;etvoicicequedisaitcethommequeladéfaiten’apuhumilier,nilavictoireenorgueiller.‘Marie-Louisen’estpaslafemmedeNapoléon;c’estlaFrancequeNapoléonaépousée;c’estlaFrancequ’ilaime,leurunionenfantelapertedel’Europe;voilàladivorcequejeveux;voilàl’unionqu’ilfautbriser.’

“Lavoixdestimidesetdestraîtresprotestacontrecettesentence.‘C’estabuserdedroitdelavictoire!C’estfoulerauxpiedslevaincu!Quel’Angleterresemontreclémente,qu’elleouvresesbraspourrecevoircommehôtesonennemidésarmé.’L’Angleterreauraitpeut-êtreécoutéceconseii,carpartoutettoujoursilyadesâmesfaiblesettimoréesbientôtséduitesparlaflatterieoueffrayéesparlereproche.MaislaProvidencepermitqu’unhommesetrouvâtquin’ajamaissucequec’estquelacrainte;quiaimasapatriemieuxquesarenommée;impénétrabledevantlesmenaces,inaccessibleauxlouanges,ilseprésentadevantleconseildelanation,etlevantsonfronttranquilleenhaut,ilosadire:‘Quelatrahisonsetaise!carc’esttrahirquedeconseillerdetemporiseravecBuonaparte.Moijesaiscequesontcesguerresdontl’Europesaigneencore,commeunevictimesouslecouteauduboucher.IlfautenfiniravecNapoléonBuonaparte.Vousvouseffrayezàtortd’unmotsidur!Jen’aipasdemagnanimité,dit-on?Soit!quem’importecequ’onditdemoi?Jen’aipasiciàmefaireuneréputationdehérosmagnanime,maisàguérir,silacureestpossible,l’Europequisemeurt,épuiséederessourcesetdesang,l’Europedontvousnégligezlesvraisintérêts,pré-occupésquevousêtesd’unevainerenomméedeclémence.Vousêtesfaibles!Ehbien!jeviensvousaider.EnvoyezBuonaparteàSte.Hélène!n’hésitezpas,necherchezpasunautreendroit;c’éstleseulconvenable.Jevousledis,j’airéfléchipourvous;c’estlàqu’ildoitêtréetnonpasailleurs.QuantàNapoléon,homme,soldat,jen’airiencontrelui;c’estunlionroyal,auprèsdequivousn’êtesquedeschacals.MaisNapoléonEmpereur,c’estautrechose,jel’extirperaidusoldel’Europe.’Etceluiquiparlaainsitoujourssutgardersapromesse,celle-làcommetouteslesautres.Jel’aidit,etjelerépète,cethommeestl’égaldeNapoléonparlegénie;commetrempedecaractère,commedroiture,commeélévationdepenséeetdebut,ilestd’unetout

autreespèce.NapoléonBuonaparteétaitavidederenomméeetdegloire;ArthurWellesleynesesoucienidel’unenidel’autre;l’opinionpublique,lapopularité,étaientchosesdegrandvaleurauxyeuxdeNapoléon;pourWellingtonl’opinionpubliqueestunerumeur,unrienquelesouffledesoninflexiblevolontéfaitdisparaîtrecommeunebulledesavon.Napoléonflattaitlepeuple;Wellingtonlebrusqne;l’uncherchaitlesapplau-dissements,l’autrenesesouciequedutémoignagedesaconscience;quandelleapprouve,c’estassez;touteautrelouangel’obsède.Aussicepeuple,quiadoraitBuonapartes’irritait,s’insurgeaitcontrelamorguedeWellington:parfoisilluitémoignasacolèreetsahainepardesgrognements,pardeshurlementsdebêtesfauves;etalors,avecuneimpassibilitédesénateurromain,lemoderneCoriolantoisaitduregardl’émeutefurieuse;ilcroisaitsesbrasnerveuxsursalargepoitrine,etseul,deboutsursonseuil,ilattendait,ilbravaitcettetempêtepopulairedontlesflotsvenaientmouriràquelquespasdelui:etquandlafoule,honteusedesarebellion,venaitlécherlespiedsdumaître,lehautainpatricienméprisaitl’hommaged’aujourd’huicommelahained’hier,etdanslesruesdeLondres,etdevantsonpalaisducald’Apsley,ilrepoussaitd’ungenrepleindefroiddédainl’incommodeempressementdupeupleenthousiaste.Cettefierténéanmoinsn’excluaitpasenluiuneraremodestie;partoutilsesoustraitàl’éloge;sedérobeaupanégyrique;jamaisilneparledesesexploits,etjamaisilnesouffrequ’unautreluienparleensaprésence.Soncaractèreégaleengrandeuretsurpasseenvéritéceluidetoutautrehérosancienoumoderne.LagloiredeNapoléoncrûtenunenuit,commelavignedeJonas,etilsuffitd’unjourpourlaflétrir;lagloiredeWellingtonestcommelesvieuxchênesquiombragentlechâteaudesespèressurlesrivesduShannon;lechênecroîtlentement;illuifautdutempspourpousserverslecielsesbranchesnoueuses,etpourenfoncerdanslesolcesracinesprofondesquis’enchevêtrentdanslesfondementssolidesdelaterre;maisalors,l’arbreséculaire,inébranlablecommelerocoùilasabase,braveetlafauxdutempsetl’effortdesventsetdestempêtes.Ilfaudrapeut-êtreunsiècleàl’Angleterrepourqu’elleconnaiselavaleurdesonhéros.Dansunsiècle,l’EuropeentièresauracombienWellingtonadesdroitsàsareconnaissance.”

Howofteninwritingthispaper“inastrangeland,”mustMissBrontëhavethoughtoftheoldchildishdisputesinthekitchenofHaworthparsonage,touchingtherespectivemeritsofWellingtonandBuonaparte!Althoughthetitlegiventoherdevoiris,“OntheDeathofNapoleon,”sheseemsyettohave

considereditapointofhonourrathertosingpraisestoanEnglishherothantodwellonthecharacterofaforeigner,placedasshewasamongthosewhocaredlittleeitherforanEnglandorforWellington.ShenowfeltthatshehadmadegreatprogresstowardsobtainingproficiencyintheFrenchlanguage,whichhadbeenhermainobjectincomingtoBrussels.Buttothezealouslearner“AlpsonAlpsarise.”Nosoonerisonedifficultysurmountedthansomeotherdesirableattainmentappears,andmustbelabouredafter.AknowledgeofGermannowbecameherobject;andsheresolvedtocompelherselftoremaininBrusselstillthatwasgained.Thestrongyearningtogohomecameuponher;thestrongerself-denyingwillforbade.Therewasagreatinternalstruggle;everyfibreofherheartquiveredinthestraintomasterherwill;and,whensheconqueredherself,sheremained,notlikeavictorcalmandsupremeonthethrone,butlikeapanting,torn,andsufferingvictim.Hernervesandherspiritsgaveway.Herhealthbecamemuchshaken.

“Brussels,August1st,1843.

“IfIcomplaininthisletter,havemercyanddon’tblameme,for,Iforewarnyou,Iaminlowspirits,andthatearthandheavenaredrearyandemptytomeatthismoment.Inafewdaysourvacationwillbegin;everybodyisjoyousandanimatedattheprospect,becauseeverybodyistogohome.IknowthatIamtostayhereduringthefiveweeksthattheholidayslast,andthatIshallbemuchaloneduringthattime,andconsequentlygetdowncast,andfindbothdaysandnightsofawearylength.ItisthefirsttimeinmylifethatIhavereallydreadedthevacation.Alas!Icanhardlywrite,Ihavesuchadrearyweightatmyheart;andIdosowishtogohome.Isnotthischildish?Pardonme,forIcannothelpit.However,thoughIamnotstrongenoughtobearupcheerfully,Icanstillbearup;andIwillcontinuetostay(D.V.)somemonthslonger,tillIhaveacquiredGerman;andthenIhopetoseeallyourfacesagain.Wouldthatthevacationwerewellover!itwillpasssoslowly.DohavetheChristiancharitytowritemealong,longletter;fillitwiththeminutestdetails;nothingwillbeuninteresting.DonotthinkitisbecausepeopleareunkindtomethatIwishtoleaveBelgium;nothingofthesort.Everybodyisabundantlycivil,buthome-sicknesskeepscreepingoverme.Icannotshakeitoff.Believeme,verymerrily,vivaciously,gaily,yours,

“C.B.”

Thegrandesvacancesbegansoonafterthedateofthisletter,whenshewasleft

inthegreatdesertedpensionnat,withonlyoneteacherforacompanion.Thisteacher,aFrenchwoman,hadalwaysbeenuncongenialtoher;but,lefttoeachother’ssolecompanionship,Charlottesoondiscoveredthatherassociatewasmoreprofligate,moresteepedinakindofcold,systematicsensuality,thanshehadbeforeimagineditpossibleforahumanbeingtobe;andherwholenaturerevoltedfromthiswoman’ssociety.AlownervousfeverwasgaininguponMissBrontë.Shehadneverbeenagoodsleeper,butnowshecouldnotsleepatall.Whateverhadbeendisagreeable,orobnoxious,toherduringtheday,waspresentedwhenitwasoverwithexaggeratedvividnesstoherdisorderedfancy.Therewerecausesfordistressandanxietyinthenewsfromhome,particularlyasregardedBranwell.Inthedeadofthenight,lyingawakeattheendofthelongdeserteddormitory,inthevastandsilenthouse,everyfearrespectingthosewhomsheloved,andwhoweresofaroffinanothercountry,becameaterriblereality,oppressingherandchokinguptheverylife-bloodinherheart.Thosenightsweretimesofsick,dreary,wakefulmisery;precursorsofmanysuchinafteryears.

Inthedaytime,drivenabroadbyloathingofhercompanionandbytheweakrestlessnessoffever,shetriedtowalkherselfintosuchastateofbodilyfatigueaswouldinducesleep.Soshewentout,andwithwearystepswouldtraversetheBoulevardsandthestreets,sometimesforhourstogether;falteringandrestingoccasionallyonsomeofthemanybenchesplacedforthereposeofhappygroups,orforsolitarywandererslikeherself.Thenupagain—anywherebuttothepensionnat—outtothecemeterywhereMarthalay—outbeyondit,tothehillswhencethereisnothingtobeseenbutfieldsasfarasthehorizon.Theshadesofeveningmadeherretraceherfootsteps—sickforwantoffood,butnothungry;fatiguedwithlongcontinuedexercise—yetrestlessstill,anddoomedtoanotherweary,hauntednightofsleeplessness.ShewouldthreadthestreetsintheneighbourhoodoftheRued’Isabelle,andyetavoiditanditsoccupant,tillaslateanhourasshedaredbeout.Atlast,shewascompelledtokeepherbedforsomedays,andthiscompulsoryrestdidhergood.Shewasweak,butlessdepressedinspiritsthanshehadbeen,whentheschoolre-opened,andherpositivepracticaldutiesrecommenced.

Shewritesthus:—

“October13th,1843

“Maryisgettingonwell,asshedeservestodo.Ioftenhearfromher.Herlettersandyoursareoneofmyfewpleasures.Sheurgesmeverymuchtoleave

Brusselsandgotoher;but,atpresent,howevertemptedtotakesuchastep,Ishouldnotfeeljustifiedindoingso.Toleaveacertaintyforacompleteuncertainty,wouldbetothelastdegreeimprudent.Notwithstandingthat,Brusselsisindeeddesolatetomenow.SincetheD.sleft,Ihavehadnofriend.Ihad,indeed,someverykindacquaintancesinthefamilyofaDr.---,butthey,too,aregonenow.TheyleftinthelatterpartofAugust,andIamcompletelyalone.IcannotcounttheBelgiansanything.Itisacuriouspositiontobesoutterlysolitaryinthemidstofnumbers.Sometimesthesolitudeoppressesmetoanexcess.Oneday,lately,IfeltasifIcouldbearitnolonger,andIwenttoMadameHéger,andgavehernotice.Ifithaddependedonher,Ishouldcertainlyhavesoonbeenatliberty;butM.Héger,havingheardofwhatwasinagitation,sentformethedayafter,andpronouncedwithvehemencehisdecision,thatIshouldnotleave.Icouldnot,atthattime,haveperseveredinmyintentionwithoutexcitinghimtoanger;soIpromisedtostayalittlewhilelonger.Howlongthatwillbe,Idonotknow.IshouldnotliketoreturntoEnglandtodonothing.Iamtoooldforthatnow;butifIcouldhearofafavourableopportunityforcommencingaschool,IthinkIshouldembraceit.Wehaveasyetnofireshere,andIsuffermuchfromcold;otherwise,Iamwellinhealth.Mr.---willtakethislettertoEngland.Heisapretty-lookingandprettybehavedyoungman,apparentlyconstructedwithoutabackbone;bywhichIdon’talludetohiscorporalspine,whichisallrightenough,buttohischaracter.

“Igetonhereafterafashion;butnowthatMaryD.hasleftBrussels,Ihavenobodytospeakto,forIcounttheBelgiansasnothing.SometimesIaskmyselfhowlongshallIstayhere;butasyetIhaveonlyaskedthequestion;Ihavenotansweredit.However,whenIhaveacquiredasmuchGermanasIthinkfit,IthinkIshallpackupbagandbaggageanddepart.Twingesofhome-sicknesscutmetotheheart,everynowandthen.To-daytheweatherisglaring,andIamstupifiedwithabadcoldandheadache.Ihavenothingtotellyou.Onedayislikeanotherinthisplace.Iknowyou,livinginthecountry,canhardlybelieveitispossiblelifecanbemonotonousinthecentreofabrilliantcapitallikeBrussels;butsoitis.Ifeelitmostonholidays,whenallthegirlsandteachersgoouttovisit,anditsometimeshappensthatIamleft,duringseveralhours,quitealone,withfourgreatdesolateschoolroomsatmydisposition.Itrytoread,Itrytowrite;butinvain.Ithenwanderaboutfromroomtoroom,butthesilenceandlonelinessofallthehouseweighsdownone’sspiritslikelead.YouwillhardlybelievethatMadameHéger(goodandkindasIhavedescribedher)

nevercomesnearmeontheseoccasions.Iown,IwasastonishedthefirsttimeIwasleftalonethus;wheneverybodyelsewasenjoyingthepleasuresofafêtedaywiththeirfriends,andsheknewIwasquitebymyself,andnevertooktheleastnoticeofme.Yet,Iunderstand,shepraisesmeverymuchtoeverybody,andsayswhatexcellentlessonsIgive.Sheisnotcoldertomethansheistotheotherteachers;buttheyarelessdependentonherthanIam.TheyhaverelationsandacquaintancesinBruxelles.Yourememberthelettershewroteme,whenIwasinEngland?Howkindandaffectionatethatwas?isitnotodd?Inthemeantime,thecomplaintsImakeatpresentareasortofreliefwhichIpermitmyself.InallotherrespectsIamwellsatisfiedwithmyposition,andyoumaysaysotopeoplewhoinquireafterme(ifanyonedoes).Writetome,dear,wheneveryoucan.Youdoagooddeedwhenyousendmealetter,foryoucomfortaverydesolateheart.”

OneofthereasonsforthesilentestrangementbetweenMadameHégerandMissBrontë,inthesecondyearofherresidenceatBrussels,istobefoundinthefact,thattheEnglishProtestant’sdislikeofRomanismincreasedwithherknowledgeofit,anditseffectsuponthosewhoprofessedit;andwhenoccasioncalledforanexpressionofopinionfromCharlotteBrontë,shewasuncompromisingtruth.MadameHéger,ontheoppositeside,wasnotmerelyaRomanCatholic,shewasdévote.Notofawarmorimpulsivetemperament,shewasnaturallygovernedbyherconscience,ratherthanbyheraffections;andherconsciencewasinthehandsofherreligiousguides.SheconsideredanyslightthrownuponherChurchasblasphemyagainsttheHolyTruth;and,thoughshewasnotgiventoopenexpressionofherthoughtsandfeelings,yetherincreasingcoolnessofbehaviourshowedhowmuchhermostcherishedopinionshadbeenwounded.Thus,althoughtherewasneveranyexplanationofMadameHéger’schangeofmanner,thismaybegivenasonegreatreasonwhy,aboutthistime,Charlottewasmadepainfullyconsciousofasilentestrangementbetweenthem;anestrangementofwhich,perhaps,theformerwashardlyaware.Ihavebeforealludedtointelligencefromhome,calculatedtodistressCharlotteexceedinglywithfearsrespectingBranwell,whichIshallspeakofmoreatlargewhentherealisationofherworstapprehensionscametoaffectthedailylifeofherselfandhersisters.Ialludetothesubjectagainhere,inorderthatthereadermayrememberthegnawing,privatecares,whichshehadtoburyinherownheart;andthepainofwhichcouldonlybesmotheredforatimeunderthediligentfulfilmentofpresentduty.Anotherdimsorrowwasfaintlyperceivedatthistime.Herfather’seyesightbegantofail;itwasnotunlikelythathemight

shortlybecomeblind;moreofhisdutymustdevolveonacurate,andMr.Brontë,alwaysliberal,wouldhavetopayatahigherratethanhehadheretoforedoneforthisassistance.

ShewrotethustoEmily:—

“Dec.1st,1843.

“ThisisSundaymorning.Theyareattheiridolatrous‘messe,’andIamhere,thatisintheRefectoire.Ishouldlikeuncommonlytobeinthedining-roomathome,orinthekitchen,orinthebackkitchen.Ishouldlikeeventobecuttingupthehash,withtheclerkandsomeregisterpeopleattheothertable,andyoustandingby,watchingthatIputenoughflour,nottoomuchpepper,and,aboveall,thatIsavethebestpiecesofthelegofmuttonforTigerandKeeper,thefirstofwhichpersonageswouldbejumpingaboutthedishandcarving-knife,andthelatterstandinglikeadevouringflameonthekitchen-floor.Tocompletethepicture,Tabbyblowingthefire,inordertoboilthepotatoestoasortofvegetableglue!Howdivinearetheserecollectionstomeatthismoment!YetIhavenothoughtofcominghomejustnow.Ilackarealpretextfordoingso;itistruethisplaceisdismaltome,butIcannotgohomewithoutafixedprospectwhenIgetthere;andthisprospectmustnotbeasituation;thatwouldbejumpingoutofthefrying-panintothefire.Youcallyourselfidle!absurd,absurd!...Ispapawell?Areyouwell?andTabby?YouaskaboutQueenVictoria’svisittoBrussels.IsawherforaninstantflashingthroughtheRueRoyaleinacarriageandsix,surroundedbysoldiers.Shewaslaughingandtalkingverygaily.Shelookedalittlestout,vivaciouslady,veryplainlydressed,notmuchdignityorpretensionabouther.TheBelgianslikedherverywellonthewhole.TheysaidsheenlivenedthesombrecourtofKingLeopold,whichisusuallyasgloomyasaconventicle.Writetomeagainsoon.Tellmewhetherpapareallywantsmeverymuchtocomehome,andwhetheryoudolikewise.IhaveanideathatIshouldbeofnousethere—asortofagedpersonupontheparish.Ipray,withheartandsoul,thatallmaycontinuewellatHaworth;aboveallinourgreyhalf-inhabitedhouse.Godblessthewallsthereof!Safety,health,happiness,andprosperitytoyou,papa,andTabby.Amen.

“C.B.”

Towardstheendofthisyear(1843)variousreasonsconspiredwiththecausesofanxietywhichhavebeenmentioned,tomakeherfeelthatherpresencewasabsolutelyandimperativelyrequiredathome,whileshehadacquiredallthatshe

proposedtoherselfincomingtoBrusselsthesecondtime;andwas,moreover,nolongerregardedwiththeformerkindlinessoffeelingbyMadameHéger.Inconsequenceofthisstateofthings,workingdownwithsharpedgeintoasensitivemind,shesuddenlyannouncedtothatladyherimmediateintentionofreturningtoEngland.BothM.andMadameHégeragreedthatitwouldbeforthebest,whentheylearntonlythatpartofthecasewhichshecouldrevealtothem—namely,Mr.Brontë’sincreasingblindness.Butastheinevitablemomentofseparationfrompeopleandplaces,amongwhichshehadspentsomanyhappyhours,drewnear,herspiritsgaveway;shehadthenaturalpresentimentthatshesawthemallforthelasttime,andshereceivedbutadeadkindofcomfortfrombeingremindedbyherfriendsthatBrusselsandHaworthwerenotsoveryfarapart;thataccessfromoneplacetotheotherwasnotsodifficultorimpracticableashertearswouldseemtopredicate;nay,therewassometalkofoneofMadameHéger’sdaughtersbeingsenttoherasapupil,ifshefulfilledherintentionoftryingtobeginaschool.Tofacilitatehersuccessinthisplan,shouldsheeverengageinit,M.Hégergaveherakindofdiploma,datedfrom,andsealedwiththesealoftheAthénéeRoyaldeBruxelles,certifyingthatshewasperfectlycapableofteachingtheFrenchlanguage,havingwellstudiedthegrammarandcompositionthereof,and,moreover,havingpreparedherselfforteachingbystudyingandpractisingthebestmethodsofinstruction.ThiscertificateisdatedDecember29th1843,andonthe2ndofJanuary,1844,shearrivedatHaworth.

Onthe23rdofthemonthshewritesasfollows:—

“EveryoneasksmewhatIamgoingtodo,nowthatIamreturnedhome;andeveryoneseemstoexpectthatIshouldimmediatelycommenceaschool.Intruth,itiswhatIshouldwishtodo.Idesireitaboveallthings.Ihavesufficientmoneyfortheundertaking,andIhopenowsufficientqualificationstogivemeafairchanceofsuccess;yetIcannotyetpermitmyselftoenteruponlife—totouchtheobjectwhichseemsnowwithinmyreach,andwhichIhavebeensolongstrainingtoattain.Youwillaskmewhy?Itisonpapa’saccount;heisnow,asyouknow,gettingold,anditgrievesmetotellyouthatheislosinghissight.IhavefeltforsomemonthsthatIoughtnottobeawayfromhim;andIfeelnowthatitwouldbetooselfishtoleavehim(atleast,aslongasBranwellandAnneareabsent),inordertopursueselfishinterestsofmyown.WiththehelpofGod,Iwilltrytodenymyselfinthismatter,andtowait.

“IsufferedmuchbeforeIleftBrussels.Ithink,howeverlongIlive,IshallnotforgetwhatthepartingwithM.Hégercostme.Itgrievedmesomuchtogrieve

himwhohasbeensotrue,kind,anddisinterestedafriend.Atpartinghegavemeakindofdiplomacertifyingmyabilitiesasateacher,sealedwiththesealoftheAthénéeRoyal,ofwhichheisprofessor.IwassurprisedalsoatthedegreeofregretexpressedbymyBelgianpupils,whentheyknewIwasgoingtoleave.Ididnotthinkithadbeenintheirphlegmaticnature...IdonotknowwhetheryoufeelasIdo,buttherearetimesnowwhenitappearstomeasifallmyideasandfeelings,exceptafewfriendshipsandaffections,arechangedfromwhattheyusedtobe;somethinginme,whichusedtobeenthusiasm,istameddownandbroken.Ihavefewerillusions;whatIwishfornowisactiveexertion—astakeinlife.Haworthseemssuchalonely,quietspot,buriedawayfromtheworld.Inolongerregardmyselfasyoung—indeed,Ishallsoonbetwenty-eight;anditseemsasifIoughttobeworkingandbravingtheroughrealitiesoftheworld,asotherpeopledo.Itis,however,mydutytorestrainthisfeelingatpresent,andIwillendeavourtodoso.”

Ofcourseherabsentsisterandbrotherobtainedaholidaytowelcomeherreturnhome,andinafewweeksshewassparedtopayavisittoherfriendatB.Butshewasfarfromwellorstrong,andtheshortjourneyoffourteenmilesseemstohavefatiguedhergreatly.

SoonaftershecamebacktoHaworth,inalettertooneofthehouseholdinwhichshehadbeenstaying,thereoccursthispassage:—“Ourpoorlittlecathasbeenilltwodays,andisjustdead.Itispiteoustoseeevenananimallyinglifeless.Emilyissorry.”Thesefewwordsrelatetopointsinthecharactersofthetwosisters,whichImustdwelluponalittle.Charlottewasmorethancommonlytenderinhertreatmentofalldumbcreatures,andthey,withthatfineinstinctsooftennoticed,wereinvariablyattractedtowardsher.Thedeepandexaggeratedconsciousnessofherpersonaldefects—theconstitutionalabsenceofhope,whichmadeherslowtotrustinhumanaffection,and,consequently,slowtorespondtoanymanifestationofit—madehermannershyandconstrainedtomenandwomen,andeventochildren.Wehaveseensomethingofthistremblingdistrustofherowncapabilityofinspiringaffection,inthegratefulsurprisesheexpressesattheregretfeltbyherBelgianpupilsatherdeparture.Butnotmerelywereheractionskind,herwordsandtoneswereevergentleandcaressing,towardsanimals:andshequicklynoticedtheleastwantofcareortendernessonthepartofotherstowardsanypoorbrutecreature.Thereadersof“Shirley”mayrememberthatitisoneofthetestswhichtheheroineappliestoherlover.

“DoyouknowwhatsoothsayersIwouldconsult?”...“ThelittleIrishbeggarthatcomesbarefoottomydoor;themousethatstealsoutofthecrannyinmywainscot;thebirdinfrostandsnowthatpecksatmywindowforacrumb;thedogthatlicksmyhandandsitsbesidemyknee.Iknowsomebodytowhosekneetheblackcatlovestoclimb,againstwhoseshoulderandcheekitlikestopurr.Theolddogalwayscomesoutofhiskennelandwagshistail,andwhinesaffectionatelywhensomebodypasses.”[For“somebody”and“he,”read“CharlotteBrontë”and“she.”]“Hequietlystrokesthecat,andletshersitwhileheconvenientlycan;andwhenhemustdisturbherbyrising,heputshersoftlydown,andneverflingsherfromhimroughly:healwayswhistlestothedog,andgiveshimacaress.”

Thefeeling,whichinCharlottepartookofsomethingofthenatureofanaffection,was,withEmily,moreofapassion.Someonespeakingofhertome,inacarelesskindofstrengthofexpression,said,“shenevershowedregardtoanyhumancreature;allherlovewasreservedforanimals.”ThehelplessnessofananimalwasitspassporttoCharlotte’sheart;thefierce,wild,intractabilityofitsnaturewaswhatoftenrecommendedittoEmily.Speakingofherdeadsister,theformertoldmethatfromhermanytraitsinShirley’scharacterweretaken;herwayofsittingontherugreading,withherarmroundherroughbull-dog’sneck;hercallingtoastrangedog,runningpast,withhangingheadandlollingtongue,togiveitamercifuldraughtofwater,itsmaddenedsnapather,hernoblysternpresenceofmind,goingrightintothekitchen,andtakinguponeofTabby’sred-hotItalianironstosearthebittenplace,andtellingnoone,tillthedangerwaswell-nighover,forfearoftheterrorsthatmightbesettheirweakerminds.Allthis,lookeduponasawell-inventedfictionin“Shirley,”waswrittendownbyCharlottewithstreamingeyes;itwastheliteraltrueaccountofwhatEmilyhaddone.Thesametawnybull-dog(withhis“strangledwhistle”),called“Tartar”in“Shirley,”was“Keeper”inHaworthparsonage;agifttoEmily.Withthegiftcameawarning.Keeperwasfaithfultothedepthsofhisnatureaslongashewaswithfriends;buthewhostruckhimwithastickorwhip,rousedtherelentlessnatureofthebrute,whoflewathisthroatforthwith,andheldhimtheretilloneortheotherwasatthepointofdeath.NowKeeper’shouseholdfaultwasthis.Helovedtostealupstairs,andstretchhissquare,tawnylimbs,onthecomfortablebeds,coveredoverwithdelicatewhitecounterpanes.Butthecleanlinessoftheparsonagearrangementswasperfect;andthishabitofKeeper’swassoobjectionable,thatEmily,inreplytoTabby’sremonstrances,declaredthat,ifhewasfoundagaintransgressing,sheherself,indefianceof

warningandhiswell-knownferocityofnature,wouldbeathimsoseverelythathewouldneveroffendagain.Inthegatheringduskofanautumnevening,Tabbycame,half-triumphantly,half-tremblingly,butingreatwrath,totellEmilythatKeeperwaslyingonthebestbed,indrowsyvoluptuousness.CharlottesawEmily’swhiteningface,andsetmouth,butdarednotspeaktointerfere;noonedaredwhenEmily’seyesglowedinthatmanneroutofthepalenessofherface,andwhenherlipsweresocompressedintostone.Shewentupstairs,andTabbyandCharlottestoodinthegloomypassagebelow,fullofthedarkshadowsofcomingnight.Down-stairscameEmily,draggingafterhertheunwillingKeeper,hishindlegssetinaheavyattitudeofresistance,heldbythe“scuftofhisneck,”butgrowlinglowandsavagelyallthetime.Thewatcherswouldfainhavespoken,butdurstnot,forfearoftakingoffEmily’sattention,andcausinghertoavertherheadforamomentfromtheenragedbrute.Shelethimgo,plantedinadarkcorneratthebottomofthestairs;notimewastheretofetchstickorrod,forfearofthestranglingclutchatherthroat—herbareclenchedfiststruckagainsthisredfierceeyes,beforehehadtimetomakehisspring,and,inthelanguageoftheturf,she“punishedhim”tillhiseyeswereswelledup,andthehalf-blind,stupifiedbeastwasledtohisaccustomedlair,tohavehisswollenheadfomentedandcaredforbytheveryEmilyherself.Thegenerousdogowedhernogrudge;helovedherdearlyeverafter;hewalkedfirstamongthemournerstoherfuneral;hesleptmoaningfornightsatthedoorofheremptyroom,andnever,sotospeak,rejoiced,dogfashion,afterherdeath.He,inhisturn,wasmournedoverbythesurvivingsister.Letussomehowhope,inhalfRedIndiancreed,thathefollowsEmilynow;and,whenherests,sleepsonsomesoftwhitebedofdreams,unpunishedwhenheawakenstothelifeofthelandofshadows.

Nowwecanunderstandtheforceofthewords,“Ourpoorlittlecatisdead.Emilyissorry.”

CHAPTERXIII

Themoorswereagreatresourcethisspring;EmilyandCharlottewalkedoutonthemperpetually,“tothegreatdamageofourshoes,butIhope,tothebenefitofourhealth.”Theoldplanofschool-keepingwasoftendiscussedintheserambles;butin-doorstheysetwithvigourtoshirt-makingfortheabsentBranwell,andponderedinsilenceovertheirpastandfuturelife.Atlasttheycametoadetermination.

“Ihaveseriouslyenteredintotheenterpriseofkeepingaschool—orrather,takingalimitednumberofpupilsathome.Thatis,Ihavebeguningoodearnesttoseekforpupils.IwrotetoMrs.---”(theladywithwhomshehadlivedasgoverness,justbeforegoingtoBrussels),“notaskingherforherdaughter—Icannotdothat—butinformingherofmyintention.IreceivedananswerfromMr.---expressiveof,Ibelieve,sincereregretthatIhadnotinformedthemamonthsooner,inwhichcase,hesaid,theywouldgladlyhavesentmetheirowndaughter,andalsoColonelS.’s,butthatnowbothwerepromisedtoMissC.Iwaspartlydisappointedbythisanswer,andpartlygratified;indeed,IderivedquiteanimpulseofencouragementfromthewarmassurancethatifIhadbutappliedalittlesoonertheywouldcertainlyhavesentmetheirdaughter.IownIhadmisgivingsthatnobodywouldbewillingtosendachildforeducationtoHaworth.Thesemisgivingsarepartlydoneawaywith.IhavewrittenalsotoMrs.B.,andhaveenclosedthediplomawhichM.HégergavemebeforeIleftBrussels.Ihavenotyetreceivedheranswer,butIwaitforitwithsomeanxiety.Idonotexpectthatshewillsendmeanyofherchildren,butifshewould,Idaresayshecouldrecommendmeotherpupils.Unfortunately,sheknowsusonlyveryslightly.AssoonasIcangetanassuranceofonlyonepupil,Iwillhavecardsoftermsprinted,andwillcommencetherepairsnecessaryinthehouse.Iwishallthattobedonebeforewinter.IthinkoffixingtheboardandEnglisheducationat25l.perannum.”

Again,atalaterdate,July24th,inthesameyear,shewrites:—

“IamdrivingonwithmysmallmatteraswellasIcan.Ihavewrittentoallthe

friendsonwhomIhavetheslightestclaim,andtosomeonwhomIhavenoclaim;Mrs.B.,forexample.Onher,also,Ihaveactuallymadeboldtocall.Shewasexceedinglypolite;regrettedthatherchildrenwerealreadyatschoolatLiverpool;thoughttheundertakingamostpraiseworthyone,butfearedIshouldhavesomedifficultyinmakingitsucceedonaccountofthesituation.SuchistheanswerIreceivefromalmosteveryone.Itellthemtheretiredsituationis,insomepointsofview,anadvantage;thatwereitinthemidstofalargetownIcouldnotpretendtotakepupilsontermssomoderate(Mrs.B.remarkedthatshethoughtthetermsverymoderate),butthat,asitis,nothavinghouse-renttopay,wecanofferthesameprivilegesofeducationthataretobehadinexpensiveseminaries,atlittlemorethanhalftheirprice;andasournumbermustbelimited,wecandevotealargeshareoftimeandpainstoeachpupil.Thankyoufortheveryprettylittlepurseyouhavesentme.Imaketoyouacuriousreturnintheshapeofhalfadozencardsofterms.Makesuchuseofthemasyourjudgmentshalldictate.YouwillseethatIhavefixedthesumat35l.,whichIthinkisthejustmedium,consideringadvantagesanddisadvantages.”

ThiswaswritteninJuly;August,September,andOctoberpassedaway,andnopupilsweretobeheardof.Dayafterday,therewasalittlehopefeltbythesistersuntilthepostcamein.ButHaworthvillagewaswildandlonely,andtheBrontësbutlittleknown,owingtotheirwantofconnections.Charlottewritesonthesubject,intheearlywintermonths,tothiseffect—

“I,Emily,andAnne,aretrulyobligedtoyoufortheeffortsyouhavemadeinourbehalf;andifyouhavenotbeensuccessful,youareonlylikeourselves.Everyonewishesuswell;buttherearenopupilstobehad.Wehavenopresentintention,however,ofbreakingourheartsonthesubject,stilllessoffeelingmortifiedatdefeat.Theeffortmustbebeneficial,whatevertheresultmaybe,becauseitteachesusexperience,andanadditionalknowledgeofthisworld.Isendyoutwomorecirculars.”

Amonthlater,shesays:—

“Wehavemadenoalterationsyetinourhouse.Itwouldbefollytodoso,whilethereissolittlelikelihoodofourevergettingpupils.Ifearyouaregivingyourselftoomuchtroubleonouraccount.Dependuponit,ifyouweretopersuadeamammatobringherchildtoHaworth,theaspectoftheplacewouldfrightenher,andshewouldprobablytakethedeargirlbackwithher,instanter.Wearegladthatwehavemadetheattempt,andwewill

notbecastdownbecauseithasnotsucceeded.”

Therewere,probably,growingupineachsister’sheart,secretunacknowledgedfeelingsofrelief,thattheirplanhadnotsucceeded.Yes!adullsenseofreliefthattheircherishedprojecthadbeentriedandhadfailed.Forthathouse,whichwastoberegardedasanoccasionalhomefortheirbrother,couldhardlybeafittingresidenceforthechildrenofstrangers.Theyhad,inalllikelihood,becomesilentlyawarethathishabitsweresuchastorenderhissocietyattimesmostundesirable.Possibly,too,theyhad,bythistime,hearddistressingrumoursconcerningthecauseofthatremorseandagonyofmind,whichattimesmadehimrestlessandunnaturallymerry,attimesrenderedhimmoodyandirritable.

InJanuary,1845,Charlottesays:—“Branwellhasbeenquieterandlessirritable,onthewhole,thistimethanhewasinsummer.Anneis,asusual,alwaysgood,mild,andpatient.”Thedeep-seatedpainwhichhewastooccasiontohisrelationshadnowtakenadecidedform,andpressedheavilyonCharlotte’shealthandspirits.Earlyinthisyear,shewenttoH.tobidgood-byetoherdearfriend“Mary,”whowasleavingEnglandforAustralia.

Branwell,Ihavementioned,hadobtainedthesituationofaprivatetutor.Annewasalsoengagedasgovernessinthesamefamily,andwasthusamiserablewitnesstoherbrother’sdeteriorationofcharacteratthisperiod.OfthecausesofthisdeteriorationIcannotspeak;buttheconsequenceswerethese.Hewenthomeforhisholidaysreluctantly,stayedthereasshortatimeaspossible,perplexinganddistressingthemallbyhisextraordinaryconduct—atonetimeinthehighestspirits,atanother,inthedeepestdepression—accusinghimselfofblackestguiltandtreachery,withoutspecifyingwhattheywere;andaltogetherevincinganirritabilityofdispositionborderingoninsanity.

CharlotteandEmilysufferedacutelyfromhismysteriousbehaviour.Heexpressedhimselfmorethansatisfiedwithhissituation;hewasremaininginitforalongertimethanhehadeverdoneinanykindofemploymentbefore;sothatforsometimetheycouldnotconjecturethatanythingtheremadehimsowilful,andrestless,andfullofbothlevityandmisery.Butasenseofsomethingwrongconnectedwithhim,sickenedandoppressedthem.Theybegantoloseallhopeinhisfuturecareer.Hewasnolongerthefamilypride;anindistinctdread,causedpartlybyhisownconduct,partlybyexpressionsofagonisingsuspicioninAnne’slettershome,wascreepingovertheirmindsthathemightturnouttheirdeepdisgrace.But,Ibelieve,theyshrankfromanyattempttodefinetheir

fears,andspokeofhimtoeachotheraslittleaspossible.Theycouldnothelpbutthink,andmourn,andwonder.

“Feb.20th,1845.

“IspentaweekatH.,notverypleasantly;headache,sickliness,andflatnessofspirits,mademeapoorcompanion,asaddragonthevivaciousandloquaciousgaietyofalltheotherinmatesofthehouse.Ineverwasfortunateenoughtobeabletorally,forasmuchasasinglehour,whileIwasthere.Iamsureall,withtheexceptionperhapsofMary,wereverygladwhenItookmydeparture.IbegintoperceivethatIhavetoolittlelifeinme,now-a-days,tobefitcompanyforanyexceptveryquietpeople.Isitage,orwhatelse,thatchangesmeso?”

Alas!shehardlyneededtohaveaskedthisquestion.Howcouldshebeotherwisethan“flat-spirited,”“apoorcompanion,”anda“saddrag”onthegaietyofthosewhowerelight-heartedandhappy!Herhonestplanforearningherownlivelihoodhadfallenaway,crumbledtoashes;afterallherpreparations,notapupilhadofferedherself;and,insteadofbeingsorrythatthiswishofmanyyearscouldnotberealised,shehadreasontobeglad.Herpoorfather,nearlysightless,dependeduponhercaresinhisblindhelplessness;butthiswasasacredpiouscharge,thedutiesofwhichshewasblessedinfulfilling.Theblackgloomhungoverwhathadoncebeenthebrightesthopeofthefamily—overBranwell,andthemysteryinwhichhiswaywardconductwasenveloped.Somehowandsometime,hewouldhavetoturntohishomeasahidingplaceforshame;suchwasthesadforebodingofhissisters.Thenhowcouldshebecheerful,whenshewaslosingherdearandnoble“Mary,”forsuchalengthoftimeanddistanceofspacethatherheartmightwellprophesythatitwas“forever”?Longbefore,shehadwrittenofMaryT.,thatshe“wasfulloffeelingsnoble,warm,generous,devoted,andprofound.Godblessher!Ineverhopetoseeinthisworldacharactermoretrulynoble.Shewoulddiewillinglyforonesheloved.Herintellectandattainmentsareoftheveryhigheststandard.”Andthiswasthefriendwhomshewastolose!Hearthatfriend’saccountoftheirfinalinterview:—

“WhenIlastsawCharlotte(Jan.1845),shetoldmeshehadquitedecidedtostayathome.Sheownedshedidnotlikeit.Herhealthwasweak.Shesaidsheshouldlikeanychangeatfirst,asshehadlikedBrusselsatfirst,andshethoughtthattheremustbesomepossibilityforsomepeopleofhavingalifeofmorevarietyandmorecommunionwithhumankind,butshesawnoneforher.Itoldherverywarmly,thatsheoughtnottostayathome;thattospendthenextfive

yearsathome,insolitudeandweakhealth,wouldruinher;thatshewouldneverrecoverit.SuchadarkshadowcameoverherfacewhenIsaid,‘Thinkofwhatyou’llbefiveyearshence!’thatIstopped,andsaid,‘Don’tcry,Charlotte!’Shedidnotcry,butwentonwalkingupanddowntheroom,andsaidinalittlewhile,‘ButIintendtostay,Polly.’”

AfewweeksaftershepartedfromMary,shegivesthisaccountofherdaysatHaworth.

“March24th,1845.

“IcanhardlytellyouhowtimegetsonatHaworth.Thereisnoeventwhatevertomarkitsprogress.Onedayresemblesanother;andallhaveheavy,lifelessphysiognomies.Sunday,baking-day,andSaturday,aretheonlyonesthathaveanydistinctivemark.Meantime,lifewearsaway.Ishallsoonbethirty;andIhavedonenothingyet.SometimesIgetmelancholyattheprospectbeforeandbehindme.Yetitiswrongandfoolishtorepine.Undoubtedly,mydutydirectsmetostayathomeforthepresent.TherewasatimewhenHaworthwasaverypleasantplacetome;itisnotsonow.Ifeelasifwewereallburiedhere.Ilongtotravel;towork;tolivealifeofaction.Excuseme,dear,fortroublingyouwithmyfruitlesswishes.Iwillputbytherest,andnottroubleyouwiththem.Youmustwritetome.Ifyouknewhowwelcomeyourlettersare,youwouldwriteveryoften.Yourletters,andtheFrenchnewspapers,aretheonlymessengersthatcometomefromtheouterworldbeyondourmoors;andverywelcomemessengerstheyare.”

Oneofherdailyemploymentswastoreadtoherfather,anditrequiredalittlegentlediplomacyonherparttoeffectthisduty;forthereweretimeswhentheofferofanothertodowhathehadbeensolongaccustomedtodoforhimself,onlyremindedhimtoopainfullyofthedeprivationunderwhichhewassuffering.And,insecret,she,too,dreadedasimilarlossforherself.Long-continuedillhealth,aderangedconditionoftheliver,hercloseapplicationtominutedrawingandwritinginheryoungerdays,hernowhabitualsleeplessnessatnights,themanybitternoiselesstearsshehadshedoverBranwell’smysteriousanddistressingconduct—allthesecausesweretellingonherpooreyes;andaboutthistimeshethuswritestoM.Héger:—

“Iln’yarienquejecrainscommeledésoeuvrement,l’inertie,laléthargiedesfacultés.Quandlecorpsestparesseuxl’espritsouffrecruellement;jeneconnaîtraispascetteléthargie,sijepouvaisécrire.Autrefoisjepassais

desjournées,dessemaines,desmoisentiersàécrire,etpastout-à-faitsansfruit,puisqueSoutheyetColeridge,deuxdenosmeilleursauteurs,àquij’aienvoyécertainsmanuscrits,enontbienvoulutémoignerleurapprobation;maisàprésent,j’ailavuetropfaible;sij’écrivaisbeaueoupjedeviendraisaveugle.Cettefaiblessedevueestpourmoiuneterribleprivation;sanscela,savez-vouscequejeferais,Monsieur?J’écriraisunlivreetjeledédieraisàmonmaîtredelittérature,auseulmaîtrequej’aiejamaiseu—àvous,Monsieur!Jevousaiditsouventenfrançaiscombienjevousrespecte,combienjesuisredevableàvotrebonté,àvosconseils.Jevoudraisledireunefoisenanglais.Celanesepeutpas;ilnefautpasypenser.Lacarrièredeslettresm’estfermée...N’oubliezpasdemedirecommentvousvousportez,commentMadameetlesenfantsseportent.Jecomptebientôtavoirdevosnouvelles;cetteidéemesouris,carlesouvenirdevosbontésnes’effacerajamaisdemamémoire,ettantquecesouvenirdurera,lerespectquevousm’avezinspirédureraaussi.Agréez,Monsieur,”&c.

Itisprobable,thatevenhersistersandmostintimatefriendsdidnotknowofthisdreadofultimateblindnesswhichbesetheratthisperiod.Whateyesightshehadtospareshereservedfortheuseofherfather.Shedidbutlittleplain-sewing;notmorewritingthancouldbeavoided,andemployedherselfprincipallyinknitting.

“April2nd,1845.

“Iseeplainlyitisprovedtousthatthereisscarcelyadraughtofunmingledhappinesstobehadinthisworld.---’sillnesscomeswith---’smarriage.MaryT.findsherselffree,andonthatpathtoadventureandexertiontowhichshehassolongbeenseekingadmission.Sickness,hardship,dangerareherfellowtravellers—herinseparablecompanions.ShemayhavebeenoutofthereachoftheseS.W.N.W.gales,beforetheybegantoblow,ortheymayhavespenttheirfuryonland,andnotruffledtheseamuch.Ifithasbeenotherwise,shehasbeensorelytossed,whilewehavebeensleepinginourbeds,orlyingawakethinkingabouther.Yetthesereal,materialdangers,whenoncepast,leaveinthemindthesatisfactionofhavingstruggledwithdifficulty,andovercomeit.Strength,courage,andexperiencearetheirinvariableresults;whereas,Idoubtwhethersufferingpurelymentalhasanygoodresult,unlessitbetomakeusbycomparisonlesssensitivetophysicalsuffering...Tenyearsago,Ishouldhavelaughedatyouraccountoftheblunderyoumadeinmistakingthebachelor

doctorforamarriedman.Ishouldhavecertainlythoughtyouscrupulousover-much,andwonderedhowyoucouldpossiblyregretbeingciviltoadecentindividual,merelybecausehehappenedtobesingle,insteadofdouble.Now,however,Icanperceivethatyourscruplesarefoundedoncommonsense.Iknowthatifwomenwishtoescapethestigmaofhusband-seeking,theymustactandlooklikemarbleorclay—cold,expressionless,bloodless;foreveryappearanceoffeeling,ofjoy,sorrow,friendliness,antipathy,admiration,disgust,arealikeconstruedbytheworldintotheattempttohookahusband.Nevermind!well-meaningwomenhavetheirownconsciencestocomfortthemafterall.Donot,therefore,betoomuchafraidofshowingyourselfasyouare,affectionateandgood-hearted;donottooharshlyrepresssentimentsandfeelingsexcellentinthemselves,becauseyoufearthatsomepuppymayfancythatyouarelettingthemcomeouttofascinatehim;donotcondemnyourselftoliveonlybyhalves,becauseifyoushowedtoomuchanimationsomepragmaticalthinginbreechesmighttakeitintohispatetoimaginethatyoudesignedtodedicateyourlifetohisinanity.Still,acomposed,decent,equabledeportmentisacapitaltreasuretoawoman,andthatyoupossess.Writeagainsoon,forIfeelratherfierce,andwantstrokingdown.”

“June13th,1845.

“AstotheMrs.---,who,yousay,islikeme,Isomehowfeelnoleaningtoheratall.Ineverdotopeoplewhoaresaidtobelikeme,becauseIhavealwaysanotionthattheyareonlylikemeinthedisagreeable,outside,first-acquaintancepartofmycharacter;inthosepointswhichareobvioustotheordinaryrunofpeople,andwhichIknowarenotpleasing.Yousaysheis‘clever’—‘acleverperson.’HowIdisliketheterm!Itmeansratherashrewd,veryugly,meddling,talkingwoman...Ifeelreluctanttoleavepapaforasingleday.Hissightdiminishesweekly;andcanitbewonderedatthat,asheseesthemostpreciousofhisfacultiesleavinghim,hisspiritssometimessink?Itissohardtofeelthathisfewandscantypleasuresmustallsoongo.Hehasnowthegreatestdifficultyineitherreadingorwriting;andthenhedreadsthestateofdependencetowhichblindnesswillinevitablyreducehim.Hefearsthathewillbenothinginhisparish.Itrytocheerhim;sometimesIsucceedtemporarily,butnoconsolationcanrestorehissight,oratoneforthewantofit.Stillheisneverpeevish;neverimpatient;onlyanxiousanddejected.”

Forthereasonjustgiven,Charlottedeclinedaninvitationtotheonlyhouseto

whichshewasnoweveraskedtocome.Inanswertohercorrespondent’sreplytothisletter,shesays:—

“YouthoughtIrefusedyoucoldly,didyou?Itwasaqueersortofcoldness,whenIwouldhavegivenmyearstosayYes,andwasobligedtosayNo.Matters,however,arenowalittlechanged.Anneiscomehome,andherpresencecertainlymakesmefeelmoreatliberty.Then,ifallbewell,Iwillcomeandseeyou.TellmeonlywhenImustcome.Mentiontheweekandtheday.Havethekindnessalsotoanswerthefollowingqueries,ifyoucan.HowfarisitfromLeedstoSheffield?Canyougivemeanotionofthecost?Ofcourse,whenIcome,youwillletmeenjoyyourowncompanyinpeace,andnotdragmeoutavisiting.Ihavenodesireatalltoseeyourcurate.IthinkhemustbelikealltheothercuratesIhaveseen;andtheyseemtomeaself-seeking,vain,emptyrace.Atthisblessedmoment,wehavenolessthanthreeoftheminHaworthparish—andthereisnotonetomendanother.Theotherday,theyallthree,accompaniedbyMr.S.,dropped,orratherrushed,inunexpectedlytotea.ItwasMonday(bakingday),andIwashotandtired;still,iftheyhadbehavedquietlyanddecently,Iwouldhaveservedthemouttheirteainpeace;buttheybeganglorifyingthemselves,andabusingDissentersinsuchamanner,thatmytemperlostitsbalance,andIpronouncedafewsentencessharplyandrapidly,whichstruckthemalldumb.Papawasgreatlyhorrifiedalso,butIdon’tregretit.”

Onherreturnfromthisshortvisittoherfriend,shetravelledwithagentlemanintherailwaycarriage,whosefeaturesandbearingbetrayedhim,inamoment,tobeaFrenchman.Sheventuredtoaskhimifsuchwasnotthecase;and,onhisadmittingit,shefurtherinquiredifhehadnotpassedaconsiderabletimeinGermany,andwasansweredthathehad;herquickeardetectedsomethingofthethickgutturalpronunciation,which,Frenchmensay,theyareabletodiscovereveninthegrandchildrenoftheircountrymenwhohavelivedanytimebeyondtheRhine.CharlottehadretainedherskillinthelanguagebythehabitofwhichshethusspeakstoM.Héger:—

“Jecrainsbeaucoupd’oublierlefrançais—j’apprendstouslesjoursunedemiepagedefrançaisparcoeur,etj’aigrandplaisiràapprendrecetteleçon,VeuillezpresenteràMadamel’assurancedemonestime;jecrainsqueMaria-LouiseetClairenem’aientdéjàoubliées;maisjevousreverraiunjour;aussitôtquej’auraisgagnéassezd’argentpouralteràBruxelles,j’y

irai.”

AndsoherjourneybacktoHaworth,aftertherarepleasureofthisvisittoherfriend,waspleasantlybeguiledbyconversationwiththeFrenchgentleman;andshearrivedathomerefreshedandhappy.Whattofindthere?

Itwasteno’clockwhenshereachedtheparsonage.Branwellwasthere,unexpectedly,veryill.Hehadcomehomeadayortwobefore,apparentlyforaholiday;inreality,Iimagine,becausesomediscoveryhadbeenmadewhichrenderedhisabsenceimperativelydesirable.ThedayofCharlotte’sreturn,hehadreceivedaletterfromMr.---,sternlydismissinghim,intimatingthathisproceedingswerediscovered,characterisingthemasbadbeyondexpression,andcharginghim,onpainofexposure,tobreakoffimmediately,andforever,allcommunicationwitheverymemberofthefamily.

WhatevermayhavebeenthenatureanddepthofBranwell’ssins,—whatevermayhavebeenhistemptation,whateverhisguilt,—thereisnodoubtofthesufferingwhichhisconductentaileduponhispoorfatherandhisinnocentsisters.Thehopesandplanstheyhadcherishedlong,andlabouredhardtofulfil,werecruellyfrustrated;henceforwardtheirdayswereembitteredandthenaturalrestoftheirnightsdestroyedbyhisparoxysmsofremorse.LetusreadofthemiserycausedtohispoorsistersinCharlotte’sownaffectingwords:—

“WehavehadsadworkwithBranwell.Hethoughtofnothingbutstunningordrowninghisagonyofmind.Nooneinthishousecouldhaverest;and,atlast,wehavebeenobligedtosendhimfromhomeforaweek,withsomeonetolookafterhim.Hehaswrittentomethismorning,expressingsomesenseofcontrition...butaslongasheremainsathome,Iscarcedarehopeforpeaceinthehouse.Wemustall,Ifear,prepareforaseasonofdistressanddisquietude.WhenIleftyou,IwasstronglyimpressedwiththefeelingthatIwasgoingbacktosorrow.”

“August,1845.

“Thingshereathomearemuchasusual;notverybrightasitregardsBranwell,thoughhishealth,andconsequentlyhistemper,havebeensomewhatbetterthislastdayortwo,becauseheisnowforcedtoabstain.”

“August18th,1845.

“Ihavedelayedwriting,becauseIhavenogoodnewstocommunicate.My

hopesebblowindeedaboutBranwell.Isometimesfearhewillneverbefitformuch.Thelateblowtohisprospectsandfeelingshasquitemadehimreckless.Itisonlyabsolutewantofmeansthatactsasanychecktohim.Oneought,indeed,tohopetotheverylast;andItrytodoso,butoccasionallyhopeinhiscaseseemssofallacious.”

“Nov.4th,1845.

“IhopedtobeabletoaskyoutocometoHaworth.ItalmostseemedasifBranwellhadachanceofgettingemployment,andIwaitedtoknowtheresultofhiseffortsinordertosay,dear---,comeandseeus.Buttheplace(asecretaryshiptoarailwaycommittee)isgiventoanotherperson.Branwellstillremainsathome;andwhileheishere,youshallnotcome.IammoreconfirmedinthatresolutionthemoreIseeofhim.IwishIcouldsayonewordtoyouinhisfavour,butIcannot.Iwillholdmytongue.WeareallobligedtoyouforyourkindsuggestionaboutLeeds;butIthinkourschoolschemesare,forthepresent,atrest.”

“Dec.31st,1845.

“Yousaywell,inspeakingof---,thatnosufferingsaresoawfulasthosebroughtonbydissipation;alas!Iseethetruthofthisobservationdailyproved.—and—musthaveaswearyandburdensomealifeofitinwaitingupontheirunhappybrother.Itseemsgrievous,indeed,thatthosewhohavenotsinnedshouldsuffersolargely.”

Infact,alltheirlatterdaysblightedwiththepresenceofcruel,shamefulsuffering,—theprematuredeathsoftwoatleastofthesisters,—allthegreatpossibilitiesoftheirearthlylivessnappedshort,—maybedatedfromMidsummer1845.

ForthelastthreeyearsofBranwell’slife,hetookopiumhabitually,bywayofstunningconscience;hedrankmoreover,wheneverhecouldgettheopportunity.ThereadermaysaythatIhavementionedhistendencytointemperancelongbefore.Itistrue;butitdidnotbecomehabitual,asfarasIcanlearn,untilafterhewasdismissedfromhistutorship.Hetookopium,becauseitmadehimforgetforatimemoreeffectuallythandrink;and,besides,itwasmoreportable.Inprocuringitheshowedallthecunningoftheopium-eater.Hewouldstealoutwhilethefamilywereatchurch—towhichhehadprofessedhimselftooilltogo—andmanagetocajolethevillagedruggistoutofalump;or,itmightbe,thecarrierhadunsuspiciouslybroughthimsomeinapacketfromadistance.For

sometimebeforehisdeathhehadattacksofdeliriumtremensofthemostfrightfulcharacter;hesleptinhisfather’sroom,andhewouldsometimesdeclarethateitherheorhisfathershouldbedeadbeforethemorning.Thetremblingsisters,sickwithfright,wouldimploretheirfathernottoexposehimselftothisdanger;butMr.Brontëisnotimidman,andperhapshefeltthathecouldpossiblyinfluencehissontosomeself-restraint,morebyshowingtrustinhimthanbyshowingfear.Thesistersoftenlistenedforthereportofapistolinthedeadofthenight,tillwatchfuleyeandhearkeningeargrewheavyanddullwiththeperpetualstrainupontheirnerves.InthemorningsyoungBrontëwouldsaunterout,saying,withadrunkard’sincontinenceofspeech,“ThepooroldmanandIhavehadaterriblenightofit;hedoeshisbest—thepooroldman!butit’salloverwithme.”

CHAPTERXIV

Inthecourseofthissadautumnof1845,anewinterestcameup;faint,indeed,andoftenlostsightofinthevividpainandconstantpressureofanxietyrespectingtheirbrother.Inthebiographicalnoticeofhersisters,whichCharlotteprefixedtotheeditionof“WutheringHeights”and“AgnesGrey,”publishedin1850—apieceofwritingunique,asfarasIknow,initspathosanditspower—shesays:—

“Onedayintheautumnof1845,IaccidentallylightedonaMS.volumeofverse,inmysisterEmily’shandwriting.Ofcourse,Iwasnotsurprised,knowingthatshecouldanddidwriteverse:Ilookeditover,andsomethingmorethansurpriseseizedme—adeepconvictionthatthesewerenotcommoneffusions,noratalllikethepoetrywomengenerallywrite.Ithoughtthemcondensedandterse,vigorousandgenuine.Tomyeartheyhadalsoapeculiarmusic,wild,melancholy,andelevating.MysisterEmilywasnotapersonofdemonstrativecharacter,noroneontherecessesofwhosemindandfeelingseventhosenearestanddearesttohercould,withimpunity,intrudeunlicensed:ittookhourstoreconcilehertothediscoveryIhadmade,anddaystopersuadeherthatsuchpoemsmeritedpublication...Meantime,myyoungersisterquietlyproducedsomeofherowncompositions,intimatingthatsinceEmily’shadgivenmepleasure,Imightliketolookathers.Icouldnotbutbeapartialjudge,yetIthoughtthattheseversestoohadasweetsincerepathosoftheirown.Wehadveryearlycherishedthedreamofonedaybeingauthors.Weagreedtoarrangeasmallselectionofourpoems,and,ifpossible,getthemprinted.Aversetopersonalpublicity,weveiledourownnamesunderthoseofCurrer,Ellis,andActonBell;theambiguouschoicebeingdictatedbyasortofconscientiousscrupleatassumingChristiannames,positivelymasculine,whilewedidnotliketodeclareourselveswomen,because—withoutatthetimesuspectingthatourmodeofwritingandthinkingwasnotwhatiscalled‘feminine,’wehadavagueimpressionthatauthoressesareliabletobelookedonwithprejudice;wenoticedhowcriticssometimesusefortheir

chastisementtheweaponofpersonality,andfortheirreward,aflattery,whichisnottruepraise.Thebringingoutofourlittlebookwashardwork.Aswastobeexpected,neitherwenorourpoemswereatallwanted;butforthiswehadbeenpreparedattheoutset;thoughinexperiencedourselves,wehadreadtheexperienceofothers.Thegreatpuzzlelayinthedifficultyofgettinganswersofanykindfromthepublisherstowhomweapplied.Beinggreatlyharassedbythisobstacle,IventuredtoapplytotheMessrs.Chambers,ofEdinburgh,forawordofadvice;theymayhaveforgottenthecircumstance,butIhavenot,forfromthemIreceivedabriefandbusiness-like,butcivilandsensiblereply,onwhichweacted,andatlastmadeway.”

IinquiredfromMr.RobertChambers,andfound,asMissBrontëconjectured,thathehadentirelyforgottentheapplicationwhichhadbeenmadetohimandhisbrotherforadvice;norhadtheyanycopyormemorandumofthecorrespondence.

ThereisanintelligentmanlivinginHaworth,whohasgivenmesomeinterestingparticularsrelatingtothesistersaboutthisperiod.Hesays:—

“IhaveknownMissBrontë,asMissBrontë,alongtime;indeed,eversincetheycametoHaworthin1819.ButIhadnotmuchacquaintancewiththefamilytillabout1843,whenIbegantodoalittleinthestationeryline.NothingofthatkindcouldbehadnearerthanKeighleybeforeIbegan.Theyusedtobuyagreatdealofwritingpaper,andIusedtowonderwhatevertheydidwithsomuch.IsometimesthoughttheycontributedtotheMagazines.WhenIwasoutofstock,Iwasalwaysafraidoftheircoming;theyseemedsodistressedaboutit,ifIhadnone.IhavewalkedtoHalifax(adistanceoftenmiles)manyatime,forhalfareamofpaper,forfearofbeingwithoutitwhentheycame.Icouldnotbuymoreatatimeforwantofcapital.Iwasalwaysshortofthat.IdidsolikethemtocomewhenIhadanythingforthem;theyweresomuchdifferenttoanybodyelse;sogentleandkind,andsoveryquiet.Theynevertalkedmuch.Charlottesometimeswouldsitandinquireaboutourcircumstancessokindlyandfeelingly!...ThoughIamapoorworkingman(whichIhaveneverfelttobeanydegradation),Icouldtalkwithherwiththegreatestfreedom.Ialwaysfeltquiteathomewithher.ThoughIneverhadanyschooleducation,Ineverfeltthewantofitinhercompany.”

Thepublisherstowhomshefinallymadeasuccessfulapplicationfortheproductionof“Currer,Ellis,andActonBell’spoems,”wereMessrs.AylottandJones,PaternosterRow.Mr.Aylotthaskindlyplacedtheletterswhichshewrote

tothemonthesubjectatmydisposal.ThefirstisdatedJanuary28th,1846,andinitsheinquiresiftheywillpublishonevolumeoctavoofpoems;ifnotattheirownrisk,ontheauthor’saccount.Itissigned“C.Brontë.”Theymusthaverepliedprettyspeedily,foronJanuary31stshewritesagain:—

“GENTLEMEN,

“SinceyouagreetoundertakethepublicationoftheworkrespectingwhichIappliedtoyou,Ishouldwishnowtoknow,assoonaspossible,thecostofpaperandprinting.Iwillthensendthenecessaryremittance,togetherwiththemanuscript.Ishouldlikeittobeprintedinoneoctavovolume,ofthesamequalityofpaperandsizeoftypeasMoxon’slasteditionofWordsworth.Thepoemswilloccupy,Ishouldthink,from200to250pages.Theyarenottheproductionofaclergyman,noraretheyexclusivelyofareligiouscharacter;butIpresumethesecircumstanceswillbeimmaterial.Itwill,perhaps,benecessarythatyoushouldseethemanuscript,inordertocalculateaccuratelytheexpenseofpublication;inthatcaseIwillsenditimmediately.Ishouldlike,however,previously,tohavesomeideaoftheprobablecost;andif,fromwhatIhavesaid,youcanmakearoughcalculationonthesubject,Ishouldbegreatlyobligedtoyou.”

Inhernextletter,February6th,shesays:—

“Youwillperceivethatthepoemsaretheworkofthreepersons,relatives—theirseparatepiecesaredistinguishedbytheirrespectivesignatures.”

ShewritesagainonFebruary15th;andonthe16thshesays:—

“TheMS.willcertainlyformathinnervolumethanIhadanticipated.IcannotnameanothermodelwhichIshouldlikeitpreciselytoresemble,yet,Ithink,aduodecimoform,andasomewhatreduced,thoughstillcleartype,wouldbepreferable.Ionlystipulateforcleartype,nottoosmall,andgoodpaper.”

OnFebruary21stsheselectsthe“longprimertype”forthepoems,andwillremit31l.10s.inafewdays.

Minuteasthedetailsconveyedinthesenotesare,theyarenottrivial,becausetheyaffordsuchstrongindicationsofcharacter.Ifthevolumewastobepublishedattheirownrisk,itwasnecessarythatthesisterconductingthenegotiationshouldmakeherselfacquaintedwiththedifferentkindsoftype,andthevarioussizesofbooks.Accordinglysheboughtasmallvolume,fromwhich

tolearnallshecouldonthesubjectofpreparationforthepress.Nohalf-knowledge—notrustingtootherpeoplefordecisionswhichshecouldmakeforherself;andyetagenerousandfullconfidence,notmisplaced,inthethoroughprobityofMessrs.AylottandJones.Thecautioninascertainingtheriskbeforeembarkingintheenterprise,andthepromptpaymentofthemoneyrequired,evenbeforeitcouldbesaidtohaveassumedtheshapeofadebt,werebothpartsofaself-reliantandindependentcharacter.Self-containedalsowasshe.Duringthewholetimethatthevolumeofpoemswasinthecourseofpreparationandpublication,nowordwaswrittentellinganyone,outofthehouseholdcircle,whatwasinprogress.

Ihavehadsomeofthelettersplacedinmyhands,whichsheaddressedtoheroldschoolmistress,MissW-.Theybeginalittlebeforethistime.Actingontheconviction,whichIhaveallalongentertained,thatwhereCharlotteBrontë’sownwordscouldbeused,noothersoughttotaketheirplace,Ishallmakeextractsfromthisseries,accordingtotheirdates.

“Jan.30th,1846.

“MYDEARMISSW---,

“Ihavenotyetpaidmyvisitto---;itis,indeed,morethanayearsinceIwasthere,butIfrequentlyhearfromE.,andshedidnotfailtotellmethatyouweregoneintoWorcestershire;shewasunable,however,togivemeyourexactaddress.HadIknownit,Ishouldhavewrittentoyoulongsince.Ithoughtyouwouldwonderhowweweregettingon,whenyouheardoftherailwaypanic;andyoumaybesurethatIamverygladtobeabletoansweryourkindinquiriesbytheassurancethatoursmallcapitalisasyetundiminished.TheYorkandMidlandis,asyousay,averygoodline,yet,Iconfesstoyou,Ishouldwish,formyownpart,tobewiseintime.Icannotthinkthateventheverybestlineswillcontinueformanyyearsattheirpresentpremiums;andIhavebeenmostanxiousforustoselloursharesereitbetoolate,andtosecuretheproceedsinsomesafer,if,forthepresent,lessprofitableinvestment.Icannot,however,persuademysisterstoregardtheaffairpreciselyfrommypointofview;andIfeelasifIwouldratherruntheriskoflossthanhurtEmily’sfeelingsbyactingindirectoppositiontoheropinion.Shemanagedinamosthandsomeandablemannerforme,whenIwasinBrussels,andpreventedbydistancefromlookingaftermyowninterests;therefore,Iwilllethermanagestill,andtaketheconsequences.Disinterestedandenergeticshecertainlyis;andifshebenotquitesotractableoropentoconvictionasIcouldwish,Imustremember

perfectionisnotthelotofhumanity;andaslongaswecanregardthosewelove,andtowhomwearecloselyallied,withprofoundandnever-shakenesteem,itisasmallthingthattheyshouldvexusoccasionallybywhatappeartousunreasonableandheadstrongnotions.

“You,mydearMissW---,know,fullaswellasIdo,thevalueofsisters’affectiontoeachother;thereisnothinglikeitinthisworld,Ibelieve,whentheyarenearlyequalinage,andsimilarineducation,tastes,andsentiments.YouaskaboutBranwell;heneverthinksofseekingemployment,andIbegintofearthathehasrenderedhimselfincapableoffillinganyrespectablestationinlife;besides,ifmoneywereathisdisposal,hewoulduseitonlytohisowninjury;thefacultyofself-governmentis,Ifear,almostdestroyedinhim.YouaskmeifIdonotthinkthatmenarestrangebeings?Ido,indeed.Ihaveoftenthoughtso;andIthink,too,thatthemodeofbringingthemupisstrange:theyarenotsufficientlyguardedfromtemptation.Girlsareprotectedasiftheyweresomethingveryfrailorsillyindeed,whileboysareturnedlooseontheworld,asifthey,ofallbeingsinexistence,werethewisestandleastliabletobeledastray.IamgladyoulikeBroomsgrove,though,Idaresay,therearefewplacesyouwouldnotlike,withMrs.M.foracompanion.IalwaysfeelapeculiarsatisfactionwhenIhearofyourenjoyingyourself,becauseitprovesthattherereallyissuchathingasretributivejusticeeveninthisworld.Youworkedhard;youdeniedyourselfallpleasure,almostallrelaxation,inyouryouth,andintheprimeoflife;nowyouarefree,andthatwhileyouhavestill,Ihope,manyyearsofvigourandhealthinwhichyoucanenjoyfreedom.Besides,Ihaveanotherandveryegotisticalmotiveforbeingpleased;itseemsthateven‘alonewoman’canbehappy,aswellascherishedwivesandproudmothers.Iamgladofthat.Ispeculatemuchontheexistenceofunmarriedandnever-to-be-marriedwomennow-a-days;andIhavealreadygottothepointofconsideringthatthereisnomorerespectablecharacteronthisearththananunmarriedwoman,whomakesherownwaythroughlifequietly,perseveringly,withoutsupportofhusbandorbrother;andwho,havingattainedtheageofforty-fiveorupwards,retainsinherpossessionawell-regulatedmind,adispositiontoenjoysimplepleasures,andfortitudetosupportinevitablypains,sympathywiththesufferingsofothers,andwillingnesstorelievewantasfarashermeansextend.”

DuringthetimethatthenegotiationwithMessrs.AylottandCo.wasgoingon,

Charlottewenttovisitheroldschool-friend,withwhomshewasinsuchhabitsofconfidentialintimacy;butneitherthennorafterwards,didsheeverspeaktoherofthepublicationofthepoems;nevertheless,thisyoungladysuspectedthatthesisterswroteforMagazines;andinthisideashewasconfirmedwhen,ononeofhervisitstoHaworth,shesawAnnewithanumberof“Chambers’sJournal,”andagentlesmileofpleasurestealingoverherplacidfaceassheread.

“Whatisthematter?”askedthefriend.“Whydoyousmile?”

“OnlybecauseIseetheyhaveinsertedoneofmypoems,”wasthequietreply;andnotawordmorewassaidonthesubject.

TothisfriendCharlotteaddressedthefollowingletters:—

“March3rd,1846.

“Ireachedhomealittleaftertwoo’clock,allsafeandrightyesterday;Ifoundpapaverywell;hissightmuchthesame.EmilyandAnneweregoingtoKeighleytomeetme;unfortunately,Ihadreturnedbytheoldroad,whiletheyweregonebythenew,andwemissedeachother.Theydidnotgethometillhalf-pastfour,andwerecaughtintheheavyshowerofrainwhichfellintheafternoon.IamsorrytosayAnnehastakenalittlecoldinconsequence,butIhopeshewillsoonbewell.PapawasmuchcheeredbymyreportofMr.C.’sopinion,andofoldMrs.E.’sexperience;butIcouldperceivehecaughtgladlyattheideaofdeferringtheoperationafewmonthslonger.IwentintotheroomwhereBranwellwas,tospeaktohim,aboutanhourafterIgothome:itwasveryforcedworktoaddresshim.Imighthavesparedmyselfthetrouble,ashetooknonotice,andmadenoreply;hewasstupified.Myfearswerenotinvain.IhearthathegotasovereignwhileIhavebeenaway,underpretenceofpayingapressingdebt;hewentimmediatelyandchangeditatapublic-house,andhasemployeditaswastobeexpected.---concludedheraccountbysayinghewasa‘hopelessbeing;’itistootrue.Inhispresentstateitisscarcelypossibletostayintheroomwhereheis.WhatthefuturehasinstoreIdonotknow.”

“March31st,1846.

“OurpooroldservantTabbyhadasortoffit,afortnightsince,butisnearlyrecoverednow.Martha”(thegirltheyhadtoassistpooroldTabby,andwhoremainsstillthefaithfulservantattheparsonage,)“isillwithaswellinginherknee,andobligedtogohome.Ifearitwillbelongbefore

sheisinworkingconditionagain.Ireceivedthenumberofthe‘Record’yousent...IreadD’Aubigné’sletter.Itisclever,andinwhathesaysaboutCatholicismverygood.TheEvangelicalAlliancepartisnotverypracticable,yetcertainlyitismoreinaccordancewiththespiritoftheGospeltopreachunityamongChristiansthantoinculcatemutualintoleranceandhatred.IamverygladIwentto—whenIdid,forthechangedweatherhassomewhatchangedmyhealthandstrengthsince.Howdoyougeton?Ilongformildsouthandwestwinds.Iamthankfulpapacontinuesprettywell,thoughoftenmadeverymiserablebyBranwell’swretchedconduct.There—thereisnochangebutfortheworse.”

Meanwhiletheprintingofthevolumeofpoemswasquietlyproceeding.Aftersomeconsultationanddeliberation,thesistershaddeterminedtocorrecttheproofsthemselves,UptoMarch28ththepublishershadaddressedtheircorrespondentasC.Brontë,Esq.;butatthistimesome“littlemistakeoccurred,”andshedesiredMessrs.AylottandCo.infuturetodirecttoherrealaddress,“MissBrontë,”&c.Shehad,however,evidentlyleftittobeimpliedthatshewasnotactingonherownbehalf,butasagentfortherealauthors,sinceinanotedatedApril6th,shemakesaproposalonbehalfof“C.,E.,andA.Bell,”whichistothefollowingeffect,thattheyarepreparingforthepressaworkoffiction,consistingofthreedistinctandunconnectedtales,whichmaybepublishedeithertogether,asaworkofthreevolumes,oftheordinarynovelsize,orseparately,assinglevolumes,asmaybedeemedmostadvisable.Shestates,inaddition,thatitisnottheirintentiontopublishthesetalesontheirownaccount;butthattheauthorsdirecthertoaskMessrs.AylottandCo.whethertheywouldbedisposedtoundertakethework,afterhaving,ofcourse,bydueinspectionoftheMS.,ascertainedthatitscontentsaresuchastowarrantanexpectationofsuccess.Tothisletterofinquirythepublishersrepliedspeedily,andthetenoroftheiranswermaybegatheredfromCharlotte’s,datedApril11th.

“Ibegtothankyou,inthenameofC.,E.,andA.Bell,foryourobligingofferofadvice.Iwillavailmyselfofit,torequestinformationontwoorthreepoints.Itisevidentthatunknownauthorshavegreatdifficultiestocontendwith,beforetheycansucceedinbringingtheirworksbeforethepublic.Canyougivemeanyhintastothewayinwhichthesedifficultiesarebestmet?Forinstance,inthepresentcase,whereaworkoffictionisinquestion,inwhatformwouldapublisherbemostlikelytoaccepttheMS.?Whetherofferedasaworkofthreevols.,orastaleswhichmightbe

publishedinnumbers,orascontributionstoaperiodical?

“Whatpublisherswouldbemostlikelytoreceivefavourablyaproposalofthisnature?

“Woulditsufficetowritetoapublisheronthesubject,orwoulditbenecessarytohaverecoursetoapersonalinterview?

“Youropinionandadviceonthesethreepoints,oronanyotherwhichyourexperiencemaysuggestasimportant,wouldbeesteemedbyusasafavour.”

Itisevidentfromthewholetenorofthiscorrespondence,thatthetruthfulnessandprobityofthefirmofpublisherswithwhomshehadtodealinthisherfirstliteraryventure,werestronglyimpresseduponhermind,andwasfollowedbytheinevitableconsequenceofrelianceontheirsuggestions.Andtheprogressofthepoemswasnotunreasonablylengthyorlongdrawnout.OnApril20thshewritestodesirethatthreecopiesmaybesenttoher,andthatMessrs.Aylottwilladviseherastothereviewerstowhomcopiesoughttobesent.

Igivethenextletterasillustratingtheideasofthesegirlsastowhatperiodicalreviewsornoticesledpublicopinion.

“Thepoemstobeneatlydoneupincloth.Havethegoodnesstosendcopiesandadvertisements,asearlyaspossible,toeachoftheundermentionedperiodicals.

“‘Colburn’sNewMonthlyMagazine.’

“‘Bentley’sMagazine.’

“‘Hood’sMagazine.’

“‘Jerrold’sShillingMagazine.’

“‘Blackwood’sMagazine.’

“‘TheEdinburghReview.’

“‘Tait’sEdinburghMagazine.’

“‘TheDublinUniversityMagazine.’

“Alsotothe‘DailyNews’andtothe‘Britannia’papers.

“Ifthereareanyotherperiodicalstowhichyouhavebeeninthehabitofsendingcopiesofworks,letthembesuppliedalsowithcopies.IthinkthoseIhavementionedwillsufficeforadvertising.”

Incompliancewiththislatterrequest,Messrs.Aylottsuggestthatcopiesandadvertisementsoftheworkshouldbesenttothe“Athenæum,”“LiteraryGazette,”“Critic,”and“Times;”butinherreplyMissBrontësays,thatshethinkstheperiodicalsshefirstmentionedwillbesufficientforadvertisinginatpresent,astheauthorsdonotwishtolayoutalargersumthantwopoundsinadvertising,esteemingthesuccessofaworkdependentmoreonthenoticeitreceivesfromperiodicalsthanonthequantityofadvertisements.Incaseofanynoticeofthepoemsappearing,whetherfavourableorotherwise,Messrs.AylottandCo.arerequestedtosendherthenameandnumberofthoseperiodicalsinwhichsuchnoticesappear;asotherwise,sinceshehasnottheopportunityofseeingperiodicalsregularly,shemaymissreadingthecritique.“Shouldthepoemsberemarkeduponfavourably,itismyintentiontoappropriateafurthersumforadvertisements.If,ontheotherhand,theyshouldpassunnoticedorbecondemned,Iconsideritwouldbequiteuselesstoadvertise,asthereisnothing,eitherinthetitleofthework,orthenamesoftheauthors,toattractattentionfromasingleindividual.”

IsupposethelittlevolumeofpoemswaspublishedsometimeabouttheendofMay,1846.Itstoleintolife;someweekspassedover,withoutthemightymurmuringpublicdiscoveringthatthreemorevoiceswereutteringtheirspeech.And,meanwhile,thecourseofexistencemoveddrearilyalongfromdaytodaywiththeanxioussisters,whomusthaveforgottentheirsenseofauthorshipinthevitalcaregnawingattheirhearts.OnJune17th,Charlottewrites:—

“Branwelldeclaresthatheneithercannorwilldoanythingforhimself;goodsituationshavebeenofferedhim,forwhich,byafortnight’swork,hemighthavequalifiedhimself,buthewilldonothingexceptdrinkandmakeusallwretched.”

Inthe“Athenæum”ofJuly4th,undertheheadofpoetryforthemillion,cameashortreviewofthepoemsofC.,E.,andA.Bell.ThereviewerassignstoEllisthehighestrankofthethree“brothers,”ashesupposesthemtobe;hecallsEllis“afine,quaintspirit;”andspeaksof“anevidentpowerofwingthatmayreachheightsnothereattempted.”Again,withsomedegreeofpenetration,thereviewersays,thatthepoemsofEllis“conveyanimpressionoforiginalitybeyondwhathiscontributionstothesevolumesembody.”CurrerisplacedmidwaybetweenEllisandActon.Butthereislittleinthereviewtostrainout,at

thisdistanceoftime,asworthpreserving.Still,wecanfancywithwhatinterestitwasreadatHaworthParsonage,andhowthesisterswouldendeavourtofindoutreasonsforopinions,orhintsforthefutureguidanceoftheirtalents.

IcallparticularattentiontothefollowingletterofCharlotte’s,datedJuly10th,1846.Towhomitwaswritten,mattersnot;butthewholesomesenseofdutyinit—thesenseofthesupremacyofthatdutywhichGod,inplacingusinfamilies,haslaidoutforus,seemstodeserveespecialregardinthesedays.

“Iseeyouareinadilemma,andoneofapeculiaranddifficultnature.Twopathsliebeforeyou;youconscientiouslywishtochoosetherightone,eventhoughitbethemoststeep,strait,andrugged;butyoudonotknowwhichistherightone;youcannotdecidewhetherdutyandreligioncommandyoutogooutintothecoldandfriendlessworld,andtheretoearnyourlivingbygovernessdrudgery,orwhethertheyenjoinyourcontinuedstaywithyouragedmother,neglecting,forthepresent,everyprospectofindependencyforyourself,andputtingupwithdailyinconvenience,sometimesevenwithprivations.Icanwellimagine,thatitisnexttoimpossibleforyoutodecideforyourselfinthismatter,soIwilldecideitforyou.Atleast,Iwilltellyouwhatismyearnestconvictiononthesubject;Iwillshowyoucandidlyhowthequestionstrikesme.Therightpathisthatwhichnecessitatesthegreatestsacrificeofself-interest—whichimpliesthegreatestgoodtoothers;andthispath,steadilyfollowed,willlead,Ibelieve,intime,toprosperityandtohappiness,thoughitmayseem,attheoutset,totendquiteinacontrarydirection.Yourmotherisbotholdandinfirm;oldandinfirmpeoplehavebutfewsourcesofhappiness—feweralmostthanthecomparativelyyoungandhealthycanconceive;todeprivethemofoneoftheseiscruel.Ifyourmotherismorecomposedwhenyouarewithher,staywithher.Ifshewouldbeunhappyincaseyoulefther,staywithher.Itwillnotapparently,asfarasshort-sightedhumanitycansee,beforyouradvantagetoremainat---,norwillyoubepraisedandadmiredforremainingathometocomfortyourmother;yet,probably,yourownconsciencewillapprove,andifitdoes,staywithher.IrecommendyoutodowhatIamtryingtodomyself.”

Theremainderofthisletterisonlyinterestingtothereaderasitconveysaperemptorydisclaimerofthereportthatthewriterwasengagedtobemarriedtoherfather’scurate—theverysamegentlemantowhom,eightyearsafterwards,shewasunited;andwho,probably,evennow,althoughshewasunconsciousof

thefact,hadbegunhisservicetoher,inthesametenderandfaithfulspiritasthatinwhichJacobservedforRachel.Othersmayhavenoticedthis,thoughshedidnot.

Afewmorenotesremainofhercorrespondence“onbehalfoftheMessrs.Bell”withMr.Aylott.OnJuly15thshesays,“Isuppose,asyouhavenotwritten,noothernoticeshaveyetappeared,norhasthedemandfortheworkincreased.Willyoufavourmewithalinestatingwhetherany,orhowmanycopieshaveyetbeensold?”

Butfew,Ifear;for,threedayslater,shewrotethefollowing:—

“TheMessrs.Belldesiremetothankyouforyoursuggestionrespectingtheadvertisements.Theyagreewithyouthat,sincetheseasonisunfavourable,advertisinghadbetterbedeferred.Theyareobligedtoyoufortheinformationrespectingthenumberofcopiessold.”

OnJuly23rdshewritestotheMessrs.Aylott:—

“TheMessrs.BellwouldbeobligedtoyoutoposttheenclosednoteinLondon.Itisananswertotheletteryouforwarded,whichcontainedanapplicationfortheirautographsfromapersonwhoprofessedtohavereadandadmiredtheirpoems.IthinkIbeforeintimated,thattheMessrs.Bellaredesirousforthepresentofremainingunknown,forwhichreasontheypreferhavingthenotepostedinLondontosendingitdirect,inordertoavoidgivinganycluetoresidence,oridentitybypost-mark,&c.”

Oncemore,inSeptember,shewrites,“Astheworkhasreceivednofurthernoticefromanyperiodical,Ipresumethedemandforithasnotgreatlyincreased.”

Inthebiographicalnoticeofhersisters,shethusspeaksofthefailureofthemodesthopesvestedinthispublication.“Thebookwasprinted;itisscarcelyknown,andallofitthatmeritstobeknownarethepoemsofEllisBell.

“ThefixedconvictionIheld,andhold,oftheworthofthesepoems,hasnot,indeed,receivedtheconfirmationofmuchfavourablecriticism;butImustretainitnotwithstanding.”

FOOTNOTES:

{1}Areviewerpointedoutthediscrepancybetweentheage(twenty-sevenyears)assigned,onthemuraltablet,toAnneBrontëatthetimeofherdeathin1849,andtheallegedfactthatshewasbornatThornton,fromwhichplaceMr.BrontëremovedonFebruary25th,1820.Iwasawareofthediscrepancy,butIdidnotthinkitofsufficientconsequencetoberectifiedbyanexaminationoftheregisterofbirths.Mr.Brontë’sownwords,onwhichIgroundedmystatementastothetimeofAnneBrontë’sbirth,areasfollows:—

“InThornton,Charlotte,PatrickBranwell,EmilyJane,andAnnewereborn.”AndsuchoftheinhabitantsofHaworthashavespokenonthesubjectsaythatallthechildrenofMr.andMrs.BrontëwerebornbeforetheyremovedtoHaworth.Thereisprobablysomemistakeintheinscriptiononthetablet.

{2}InthemonthofApril1858,aneatmuraltabletwaserectedwithintheCommunionrailingoftheChurchatHaworth,tothememoryofthedeceasedmembersoftheBrontëfamily.ThetabletisofwhiteCarraramarbleonagroundofdove-colouredmarble,withacornicesurmountedbyanornamentalpedimentofchastedesign.Betweenthebracketswhichsupportthetablet,isinscribedthesacredmonogramI.H.S.,inoldEnglishletters.

InMemoryof

Maria,wifeoftheRev.P.Brontë,A.B.,MinisterofHaworth,

ShediedSept.15th,1821,inthe39thyearofherage.

Also,ofMaria,theirdaughter,whodiedMay6th,1825,inthe12thyearofherage.

Also,ofElizabeth,theirdaughter,whodiedJune15th,1825,inthe11thyearofherage.

Also,ofPatrickBranwell,theirson,whodiedSept.24th,1848,aged31years.

Also,ofEmilyJane,theirdaughter,whodiedDec.19th,1848,aged30years.

Also,ofAnne,theirdaughter,whodiedMay28th,1849,aged29years.ShewasburiedattheOldChurch,Scarborough.

Also,ofCharlotte,theirdaughter,wifeoftheRev.A.B.Nicholls,B.A.ShediedMarch31st,1855,inthe39thyearofherage.

“Thestingofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw,butthanksbetoGodwhichgivethusthevictorythroughourLordJesusChrist.”—1Cor.xv.56,57.

{3}Withregardtomyownopinionofthepresentschool,Icanonlygiveitasformedafterwhatwasmerelyacursoryandsuperficialinspection,asIdonotbelievethatIwasinthehouseabovehalfanhour;butitwasandisthis,—thatthehouseatCastertonseemedthoroughlyhealthyandwellkept,andissituatedinalovelyspot;thatthepupilslookedbright,happy,andwell,andthattheladysuperintendentwasamostprepossessinglookingperson,who,onmymakingsomeinquiryastotheaccomplishmentstaughttothepupils,saidthattheschemeofeducationwasmateriallychangedsincetheschoolhadbeenopened.Iwouldhaveinsertedthistestimonyinthefirstedition,hadIbelievedthatanyweightcouldbeattachedtoanopinionformedonsuchslightandsuperficialgrounds.

{4}“JaneEyre,”vol.I.,page20.

{5}Scottdescribesthesport,“ShootingatthePopinjay,”“asanancientgameformerlypractisedwitharchery,butatthisperiod(1679)withfirearms.Thiswasthefigureofabirddeckedwithparti-colouredfeathers,soastoresembleapopinjayorparrot.Itwassuspendedtoapole,andservedforamarkatwhichthecompetitorsdischargedtheirfuseesandcarbinesinrotation,atthedistanceofseventypaces.HewhoseballbroughtdownthemarkheldtheproudtitleofCaptainofthePopinjayfortheremainderoftheday,andwasusuallyescortedintriumphtothemostrespectablechange-houseintheneighbourhood,wheretheeveningwasclosedwithconviviality,conductedunderhisauspices,andifhewasabletomaintainit,athisexpense.”—OldMortality.

{6}InthisGutenbergeBookM.Héger’scommentsaregivenin{}atapproximatelytheplacewheretheyoccur—DP.

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