ugh I did not
enter into details or tell her all. Unless I greatly mistake, she
and you and Mr. Smith would get on well together; but one does not
know what causes there may be to prevent her from doing as she would
wish in such a case. I think Mr. Smith will not object to my
occasionally sending her any of the Cornhill books that she may like
to see. I have already taken the liberty of lending her Wordsworth's
_Prelude_, as she was saying how much she wished to have the
opportunity of reading it.

'I do not tack remembrances to Mrs. Williams and your daughters and
Miss Kavanagh to all my letters, because that makes an empty form of
what should be a sincere wish, but I trust this mark of courtesy and
regard, though rarely expressed, is always understood.--Believe me,
yours sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

Miss Bronte twice visited Mrs. Gaskell in her Manchester home, first in
1851 and afterwards in 1853, and concerning this latter visit we have the
following letter:--

TO MRS. GASKELL, MANCHESTER

'HAWORTH, _April_ 14_th_, 1853.

'MY DEAR MRS. GASKELL,--Would it suit you if I were to come next
Thursday, the 21st?

'If that day tallies with your convenience, and if my father
continues as well as he is now, I know of no engagement on my part
which need compel me longer to defer the pleasure of seeing you.

'I should arrive by the train which reaches Manchester at 7 o'clock
P.M. That, I think, would be about your tea-time, and, of course, I
should dine before leaving home. I always like evening for an
arrival; it seems more cosy and pleasant than coming in about the
busy middle of the day. I think if I stay a week that will be a very
long visit; it will give you time to get well tired of me.

'Remember me very kindly to Mr. Gaskell and Marianna. As to Mesdames
Flossy and Julia, those venerable ladies are requested beforehand to
make due allowance for the awe with which they will be sure to
impress a diffident admirer. I am sorry I shall not see
Meta.--Believe me, my dear Mrs. Gaskell, yours affectionately and
sincerely,

'C. BRONTE.'

In the autumn of 1853 Mrs. Gaskell returned Charlotte Bronte's visit a