ave been kept busy till now.

'I reached home about five o'clock in the afternoon, and the anxiety
which is inseparable from a return after absence was pleasantly
relieved by finding papa well and cheerful. He inquired after you
with interest. I gave him your kind regards, and he specially
charged me whenever I wrote to present his in return, and to say also
that he hoped to see you at Haworth at the earliest date which shall
be convenient to you.

'The week I spent at Hornsea was a happy and pleasant week. Thank
you, my dear Miss Wooler, for the true kindness which gave it its
chief charm. I shall think of you often, especially when I walk out,
and during the long evenings. I believe the weather has at length
taken a turn: to-day is beautifully fine. I wish I were at Hornsea
and just now preparing to go out with you to walk on the sands or
along the lake.

I would not have you to fatigue yourself with writing to me when you
are not inclined, but yet I should be glad to hear from you some day
ere long. When you _do_ write, tell me how you liked _The Experience
of Life_, and whether you have read _Esmond_, and what you think of
it.--Believe me always yours, with true affection and respect,

'C. BRONTE.'

TO MISS WOOLER

'BROOKROYD, _December_ 7_th_, 1852.

'MY DEAR MISS WOOLER,--Since you were so kind as to take some
interest in my small tribulation of Saturday, I write a line to tell
you that on Sunday morning a letter came which put me out of pain and
obviated the necessity of an impromptu journey to London.

'The _money transaction_, of course, remains the same, and perhaps is
not quite equitable; but when an author finds that his work is
cordially approved, he can pardon the rest--indeed, my chief regret
now lies in the conviction that papa will be disappointed: he
expected me to earn 500 pounds, nor did I myself anticipate that a
lower sum would be offered; however, 250 pounds is not to be
despised. {275}

'Your sudden departure from Brookroyd left a legacy of consternation
to the bereaved breakfast-table. Ellen was not easily to be soothed,
though I diligently represented to her that you had quitted Haworth
with the same inexorable ha