than themselves. I am inclined to think, too, that they had not the
happy knack of imparting information, which seems to be a separate gift
from the faculty of acquiring it; a kind of sympathetic tact, which
instinctively perceives the difficulties that impede comprehension in a
child's mind, and that yet are too vague and unformed for it, with its
half-developed powers of expression, to explain by words. Consequently,
teaching very young children was anything but a "delightful task" to the
three Bronte sisters. With older girls, verging on womanhood, they might
have done better, especially if these had any desire for improvement. But
the education which the village clergyman's daughters had received, did
not as yet qualify them to undertake the charge of advanced pupils. They
knew but little French, and were not proficients in music; I doubt
whether Charlotte could play at all. But they were all strong again,
and, at any rate, Charlotte and Anne must put their shoulders to the
wheel. One daughter was needed at home, to stay with Mr. Bronte and Miss
Branwell; to be the young and active member in a household of four,
whereof three--the father, the aunt, and faithful Tabby--were past middle
age. And Emily, who suffered and drooped more than her sisters when away
from Haworth, was the one appointed to remain. Anne was the first to
meet with a situation.

"April 15th, 1839.

"I could not write to you in the week you requested, as about that
time we were very busy in preparing for Anne's departure. Poor child!
she left us last Monday; no one went with her; it was her own wish
that she might be allowed to go alone, as she thought she could manage
better and summon more courage if thrown entirely upon her own
resources. We have had one letter from her since she went. She
expresses herself very well satisfied, and says that Mrs. --- is
extremely kind; the two eldest children alone are under her care, the
rest are confined to the nursery, with which and its occupants she has
nothing to do . . . I hope she'll do. You would be astonished what a
sensible, clever letter she writes; it is only the talking part that I
fear. But I do seriously apprehend that Mrs. --- will sometimes
conclude that she has a natural impediment in her speech. For my own
part, I am as yet 'wanting a situation,' like a housemaid out of
place. By the way, I have lately discovered I have quite a t