h, and from her occupation, her
experience, and excellent sense, holds the position of village doctress
and nurse, and, as such, has been a friend, in many a time of trial, and
sickness, and death, in the households round--told me a characteristic
little incident connected with Tabby's fractured leg. Mr. Bronte is
truly generous and regardful of all deserving claims. Tabby had lived
with them for ten or twelve years, and was, as Charlotte expressed it,
"one of the family." But on the other hand, she was past the age for any
very active service, being nearer seventy than sixty at the time of the
accident; she had a sister living in the village; and the savings she had
accumulated, during many years' service, formed a competency for one in
her rank of life. Or if, in this time of sickness, she fell short of any
comforts which her state rendered necessary, the parsonage could supply
them. So reasoned Miss Branwell, the prudent, not to say anxious aunt;
looking to the limited contents of Mr. Bronte's purse, and the unprovided-
for-future of her nieces; who were, moreover, losing the relaxation of
the holidays, in close attendance upon Tabby.

Miss Branwell urged her views upon Mr. Bronte as soon as the immediate
danger to the old servant's life was over. He refused at first to listen
to the careful advice; it was repugnant to his liberal nature. But Miss
Branwell persevered; urged economical motives; pressed on his love for
his daughters. He gave way. Tabby was to be removed to her sister's,
and there nursed and cared for, Mr. Bronte coming in with his aid when
her own resources fell short. This decision was communicated to the
girls. There were symptoms of a quiet, but sturdy rebellion, that winter
afternoon, in the small precincts of Haworth parsonage. They made one
unanimous and stiff remonstrance. Tabby had tended them in their
childhood; they, and none other, should tend her in her infirmity and
age. At tea-time, they were sad and silent, and the meal went away
untouched by any of the three. So it was at breakfast; they did not
waste many words on the subject, but each word they did utter was
weighty. They "struck" eating till the resolution was rescinded, and
Tabby was allowed to remain a helpless invalid entirely dependent upon
them. Herein was the strong feeling of Duty being paramount to pleasure,
which lay at the foundation of Charlotte's character, made most apparent;
for we have seen how she year