and decent residence and
respectable protection. I should have the opportunity of seeing her
frequently, she would make me acquainted with the city; and, with the
assistance of her cousins, I should probably in time be introduced to
connections far more improving, polished, and cultivated, than any I
have yet known.

'These are advantages which would turn to vast account, when we
actually commenced a school--and, if Emily could share them with me,
only for a single half-year, we could take a footing in the world
afterwards which we can never do now. I say Emily instead of Anne;
for Anne might take her turn at some future period, if our school
answered. I feel certain, while I am writing, that you will see the
propriety of what I say; you always like to use your money to the
best advantage; you are not fond of making shabby purchases; when you
do confer a favour, it is often done in style; and depend upon it 50,
or 100 pounds, thus laid out, would be well employed. Of course, I
know no other friend in the world to whom I could apply on this
subject except yourself. I feel an absolute conviction that, if this
advantage were allowed us, it would be the making of us for life.
Papa will perhaps think it a wild and ambitious scheme; but who ever
rose in the world without ambition? When he left Ireland to go to
Cambridge University, he was as ambitious as I am now. I want us all
to go on. I know we have talents, and I want them to be turned to
account. I look to you, aunt, to help us. I think you will not
refuse. I know, if you consent, it shall not be my fault if you ever
repent your kindness. With love to all, and the hope that you are
all well,--Believe me, dear aunt, your affectionate niece,

'MISS BRANWELL. C. BRONTE.'

_Mrs. Gaskell's_ '_Life_.' _Corrected and completed from original letter
in the possession of Mr. A. B. Nicholls_.

{107} Miss Mary Dixon, the sister of Mr. George Dixon, M.P., is still
alive, but she has unfortunately not preserved her letters from Charlotte
Bronte.

{109a} 'The Brontes at Brussels,' by Frederika Macdonald.--_The Woman at
Home_, July 1894.

{109b} This statement has received the separate endorsement of the Rev.
A. B. Nicholls and of Miss Ellen Nussey.

{110} M. and Mme. Heger celebrated their golden wedding in 1888, but
Mme. Heger died the next year.