ay_ 28_th_, 1853.

'MY DEAR SIR,--The box of books arrived safely yesterday evening, and
I feel especially obliged for the selection, as it includes several
that will be acceptable and interesting to my father.

'I despatch to-day a box of return books. Among them will be found
two or three of those just sent, being such as I had read
before--_i.e._, Moore's _Life and Correspondence_, 1st and 2nd vols.;
Lamartine's _Restoration of the Monarchy_, etc. I have thought of
you more than once during the late bright weather, knowing how genial
you find warmth and sunshine. I trust it has brought this season its
usual cheering and beneficial effect. Remember me kindly to Mrs.
Williams and her daughters, and,--Believe me, yours sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'_December_ 6_th_, 1853.

'MY DEAR SIR,--I forwarded last week a box of return books to
Cornhill, which I trust arrived safely. To-day I received the
_Edinburgh Guardian_, {402} for which I thank you.

'Do not trouble yourself to select or send any more books. These
courtesies must cease some day, and I would rather give them up than
wear them out.--Believe me, yours sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

CHAPTER XV: WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY

The devotion of Charlotte Bronte to Thackeray, or rather to Thackeray's
genius, is a pleasant episode in literary history. In 1848 he sent Miss
Bronte, as we have seen, a copy of _Vanity Fair_. In 1852 he sent her a
copy of _Esmond_, with the more cordial inscription which came of
friendship.

[Picture: Second Thackeray Inscription]

The second edition of _Jane Eyre_ was dedicated to him as possessed of
'an intellect profounder and more unique than his contemporaries have yet
recognised,' and as 'the first social regenerator of the day.' And when
Currer Bell was dead, it was Thackeray who wrote by far the most eloquent
tribute to her memory. When a copy of Lawrence's portrait of Thackeray
{403} was sent to Haworth by Mr. George Smith, Charlotte Bronte stood in
front of it and, half playfully, half seriously, shook her fist,
apostrophising its original as 'Thou Titan!'

With all this hero-worship, it may be imagined tha