m. I do not mean, of course,
to stay, but just for a call of an hour or two? If it is not absolute
treason, I do fervently request that you will contrive, in some way or
other, to let me have a sight of your face. Yet I feel, at the same
time, that I am making a very foolish and almost impracticable demand;
yet this is only four miles from B---!"

* * * * *

"March 21st.

"You must excuse a very short answer to your most welcome letter; for
my time is entirely occupied. Mrs. --- expected a good deal of sewing
from me. I cannot sew much during the day, on account of the
children, who require the utmost attention. I am obliged, therefore,
to devote the evenings to this business. Write to me often; very long
letters. It will do both of us good. This place is far better than
---, but God knows, I have enough to do to keep a good heart in the
matter. What you said has cheered me a little. I wish I could always
act according to your advice. Home-sickness affects me sorely. I
like Mr. --- extremely. The children are over-indulged, and
consequently hard at times to manage. _Do, do_, do come and see me;
if it be a breach of etiquette, never mind. If you can only stop an
hour, come. Talk no more about my forsaking you; my darling, I could
not afford to do it. I find it is not in my nature to get on in this
weary world without sympathy and attachment in some quarter; and
seldom indeed do we find it. It is too great a treasure to be ever
wantonly thrown away when once secured."

Miss Bronte had not been many weeks in her new situation before she had a
proof of the kind-hearted hospitality of her employers. Mr. --- wrote to
her father, and urgently invited him to come and make acquaintance with
his daughter's new home, by spending a week with her in it; and Mrs. ---
expressed great regret when one of Miss Bronte's friends drove up to the
house to leave a letter or parcel, without entering. So she found that
all her friends might freely visit her, and that her father would be
received with especial gladness. She thankfully acknowledged this
kindness in writing to urge her friend afresh to come and see her; which
she accordingly did.

"June, 1841.

"You can hardly fancy it possible, I dare say, that I cannot find a
quarter of an hour to scribble a note in; but so it is; and when a
note is written, it has to be carried a mile t