valuable in her difficult situation, that her
employers vehemently urged her to return, although she had announced her
resolution to leave them; partly on account of the harsh treatment she
had received, and partly because her stay at home, during her sisters'
absence in Belgium, seemed desirable, when the age of the three remaining
inhabitants of the parsonage was taken into consideration.

After some correspondence and much talking over plans at home, it seemed
better, in consequence of letters which they received from Brussels
giving a discouraging account of the schools there, that Charlotte and
Emily should go to an institution at Lille, in the north of France, which
was highly recommended by Baptist Noel, and other clergymen. Indeed, at
the end of January, it was arranged that they were to set off for this
place in three weeks, under the escort of a French lady, then visiting in
London. The terms were 50_l_. each pupil, for board and French alone,
but a separate room was to be allowed for this sum; without this
indulgence, it was lower. Charlotte writes:--

"January 20th, 1842.

"I consider it kind in aunt to consent to an extra sum for a separate
room. We shall find it a great privilege in many ways. I regret the
change from Brussels to Lille on many accounts, chiefly that I shall
not see Martha. Mary has been indefatigably kind in providing me with
information. She has grudged no labour, and scarcely any expense, to
that end. Mary's price is above rubies. I have, in fact, two
friends--you and her--staunch and true, in whose faith and sincerity I
have as strong a belief as I have in the Bible. I have bothered you
both--you especially; but you always get the tongs and heap coals of
fire upon my head. I have had letters to write lately to Brussels, to
Lille, and to London. I have lots of chemises, nightgowns, pocket-
handkerchiefs, and pockets to make; besides clothes to repair. I have
been, every week since I came home, expecting to see Branwell, and he
has never been able to get over yet. We fully expect him, however,
next Saturday. Under these circumstances how can I go visiting? You
tantalize me to death with talking of conversations by the fireside.
Depend upon it, we are not to have any such for many a long month to
come. I get an interesting impression of old age upon my face; and
when you see me next I shall certainly wear caps a