(naming the originals of Lowood, Mr. Brocklehurst and Miss Temple).
He had known them all. I wondered whether he would recognise the
portraits, and was gratified to find that he did, and that, moreover,
he pronounced them faithful and just. He said, too, that Mr. ---
(Brocklehurst) "deserved the chastisement he had got."

'He did not recognise Currer Bell. What author would be without the
advantage of being able to walk invisible? One is thereby enabled to
keep such a quiet mind. I make this small observation in confidence.

'What makes you say that the notice in the _Westminster Review_ is
not by Mr. Lewes? It expresses precisely his opinions, and he said
he would perhaps insert a few lines in that periodical.

'I have sometimes thought that I ought to have written to Mr. Lewes
to thank him for his review in _Fraser_; and, indeed, I did write a
note, but then it occurred to me that he did not require the author's
thanks, and I feared it would be superfluous to send it, therefore I
refrained; however, though I have not _expressed_ gratitude I have
_felt_ it.

'I wish you, too, _many many_ happy new years, and prosperity and
success to you and yours.--Believe me, etc.,

'CURRER BELL.

'I have received the _Courier_ and the _Oxford Chronicle_.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'_January_ 22_nd_, 1848.

'DEAR SIR,--I have received the _Morning Herald_, and was much
pleased with the notice, chiefly on account of the reference made to
that portion of the preface which concerns Messrs. Smith & Elder. If
my tribute of thanks can benefit my publishers, it is desirable that
it should have as much publicity as possible.

'I do not know if the part which relates to Mr. Thackeray is likely
to be as well received; but whether generally approved of and
understood or not, I shall not regret having written it, for I am
convinced of its truth.

'I see I was mistaken in my idea that the _Athenaeum_ and others
wished to ascribe the authorship of _Wuthering Heights_ to Currer
Bell; the contrary is the case, _Jane Eyre_ is given to Ellis Bell;
and Mr. Newby, it appears, thinks it expedient so to frame his
advertisements as to favour the misapprehension. If Mr. New