iet Martineau. For her character--as revealed in her
works--I have a lively admiration, a deep esteem. Will you inclose
with the volume the accompanying note?

'The letter you forwarded this morning was from Mrs. Gaskell,
authoress of _Mary Barton_; she said I was not to answer it, but I
cannot help doing so. The note brought the tears to my eyes. She is
a good, she is a great woman. Proud am I that I can touch a chord of
sympathy in souls so noble. In Mrs. Gaskell's nature it mournfully
pleases me to fancy a remote affinity to my sister Emily. In Miss
Martineau's mind I have always felt the same, though there are wide
differences. Both these ladies are above me--certainly far my
superiors in attainments and experience. I think I could look up to
them if I knew them.--I am, dear sir, yours sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'_November_ 29_th_, 1849.

'DEAR SIR,--I inclose two notes for postage. The note you sent
yesterday was from Harriet Martineau; its contents were more than
gratifying. I ought to be thankful, and I trust I am, for such
testimonies of sympathy from the first order of minds. When Mrs.
Gaskell tells me she shall keep my works as a treasure for her
daughters, and when Harriet Martineau testifies affectionate
approbation, I feel the sting taken from the strictures of another
class of critics. My resolution of seclusion withholds me from
communicating further with these ladies at present, but I now know
how they are inclined to me--I know how my writings have affected
their wise and pure minds. The knowledge is present support and,
perhaps, may be future armour.

'I trust Mrs. Williams's health and, consequently, your spirits are
by this time quite restored. If all be well, perhaps I shall see you
next week.--Yours sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'_January_ 1_st_, 1850.

'MY DEAR SIR,--May I beg that a copy of _Wuthering Heights_ may be
sent to Mrs. Gaskell; her present address is 3 Sussex Place, Regent's
Park. She has just sent me the _Moorland Cottage_. I felt