ime.

"December 21st, 1839

"We are at present, and have been during the last month, rather busy,
as, for that space of time, we have been without a servant, except a
little girl to run errands. Poor Tabby became so lame that she was at
length obliged to leave us. She is residing with her sister, in a
little house of her own, which she bought with her savings a year or
two since. She is very comfortable, and wants nothing; as she is
near, we see her very often. In the meantime, Emily and I are
sufficiently busy, as you may suppose: I manage the ironing, and keep
the rooms clean; Emily does the baking, and attends to the kitchen. We
are such odd animals, that we prefer this mode of contrivance to
having a new face amongst us. Besides, we do not despair of Tabby's
return, and she shall not be supplanted by a stranger in her absence.
I excited aunt's wrath very much by burning the clothes, the first
time I attempted to iron; but I do better now. Human feelings are
queer things; I am much happier black-leading the stoves, making the
beds, and sweeping the floors at home, than I should be living like a
fine lady anywhere else. I must indeed drop my subscription to the
Jews, because I have no money to keep it up. I ought to have
announced this intention to you before, but I quite forgot I was a
subscriber. I intend to force myself to take another situation when I
can get one, though I _hate_ and _abhor_ the very thoughts of
governess-ship. But I must do it; and, therefore, I heartily wish I
could hear of a family where they need such a commodity as a
governess."

CHAPTER IX

The year 1840 found all the Brontes living at home, except Anne. As I
have already intimated, for some reason with which I am unacquainted, the
plan of sending Branwell to study at the Royal Academy had been
relinquished; probably it was found, on inquiry, that the expenses of
such a life, were greater than his father's slender finances could
afford, even with the help which Charlotte's labours at Miss W---'s gave,
by providing for Anne's board and education. I gather from what I have
heard, that Branwell must have been severely disappointed when the plan
fell through. His talents were certainly very brilliant, and of this he
was fully conscious, and fervently desired, by their use, either in
writing or drawing, to make himself a name. At the same time, h