g Mr. Bronte excited in him only
amusement--indeed, I have not seen him laugh as much for some months
as he did while I was reading the article to him. We are both well
in health, but lonely and desolate.

'Mr. Bronte unites with me in kind regards.--Yours sincerely,

'A. B. NICHOLLS.'

TO MISS ELLEN NUSSEY

'HAWORTH, _July_ 24_th_, 1855.

'DEAR MISS NUSSEY,--Some other erroneous notices of Charlotte having
appeared, Mr. Bronte has deemed it advisable that some authentic
statement should be put forth. He has therefore adopted your
suggestion and applied to Mrs. Gaskell, who has undertaken to write a
life of Charlotte. Mrs. Gaskell came over yesterday and spent a few
hours with us. The greatest difficulty seems to be in obtaining
materials to show the development of Charlotte's character. For this
reason Mrs. Gaskell is anxious to see her letters, especially those
of any early date. I think I understood you to say that you had
some; if so, we should feel obliged by your letting us have any that
you may think proper, not for publication, but merely to give the
writer an insight into her mode of thought. Of course they will be
returned after a little time.

'I confess that the course most consonant with my own feelings would
be to take no steps in the matter, but I do not think it right to
offer any opposition to Mr. Bronte's wishes.

'We have the same object in view, but should differ in our mode of
proceeding. Mr. Bronte has not been very well. Excitement on Sunday
(our Rush-bearing) and Mrs. Gaskell's visit yesterday have been
rather much for him.--Believe me, sincerely yours,

'A. B. NICHOLLS.'

Mrs. Gaskell, however, wanted to make Miss Nussey's acquaintance, and
asked if she might visit her; and added that she would also like to see
Miss Wooler, Charlotte's schoolmistress, if that lady were still alive.
To this letter Miss Nussey made the following reply:--

TO MRS. GASKELL, MANCHESTER

'ILKLEY, _July_ 26_th_, 1855.

'MY DEAR MADAM,--Owing to my absence from home your letter has only
just reached me. I had not heard of Mr. Bronte's request, b