believe if you were in my
place, and knew Miss Martineau as I do--if you had shared with me the
proofs of her rough but genuine kindliness, and had seen how she
secretly suffers from abandonment, you would be the last to give her
up; you would separate the sinner from the sin, and feel as if the
right lay rather in quietly adhering to her in her strait, while that
adherence is unfashionable and unpopular, than in turning on her your
back when the world sets the example. I believe she is one of those
whom opposition and desertion make obstinate in error, while patience
and tolerance touch her deeply and keenly, and incline her to ask of
her own heart whether the course she has been pursuing may not
possibly be a faulty course. However, I have time to think of this
subject, and I shall think of it seriously.

'As to what I have seen in London during my present visit, I hope one
day to tell you all about it by our fireside at home. When you write
again will you name a time when it would suit you to come and see me;
everybody in the house would be glad of your presence; your last
visit is pleasantly remembered by all.

'With kindest regards,--I am always, affectionately and respectfully
yours,

'C. BRONTE.'

A note to Miss Nussey written after Charlotte's death indicates a fairly
shrewd view on the part of Miss Wooler as regards the popularity of her
friend.

TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY

'MY DEAR MISS ELLEN,--The third edition of Charlotte's Life has at
length ventured out. Our curate tells me he is assured it is quite
inferior to the former ones. So you see Mrs. Gaskell displayed
worldly wisdom in going out of her way to furnish gossip for the
discerning public. Did I mention to you that Mrs. Gibson knows two
or three young ladies in Hull who finished their education at Mme.
Heger's pension? Mrs. G. said they read _Villette_ with keen
interest--of course they would. I had a nice walk with a Suffolk
lady, who was evidently delighted to meet with one who had personally
known our dear C. B., and would not soon have wearied of a
conversation in which she was the topic.--Love to yourself and
sisters, from--Your affectionate,

'M. WOOLER.'