copies. I wonder how it will be
received. I should say it merits the epithets of "vigorous" and
"original" much more decidedly than _Jane Eyre_ did. _Agnes Grey_
should please such critics as Mr. Lewes, for it is "true" and
"unexaggerated" enough. The books are not well got up--they abound
in errors of the press. On a former occasion I expressed myself with
perhaps too little reserve regarding Mr. Newby, yet I cannot but
feel, and feel painfully, that Ellis and Acton have not had the
justice at his hands that I have had at those of Messrs. Smith &
Elder.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'_December_ 31_st_, 1847.

'DEAR SIRS,--I think, for the reasons you mention, it is better to
substitute _author_ for _editor_. I should not be ashamed to be
considered the author of _Wuthering Heights_ and _Agnes Grey_, but,
possessing no real claim to that honour, I would rather not have it
attributed to me, thereby depriving the true authors of their just
meed.

'You do very rightly and very kindly to tell me the objections made
against _Jane Eyre_--they are more essential than the praises. I
feel a sort of heart-ache when I hear the book called "godless" and
"pernicious" by good and earnest-minded men; but I know that
heart-ache will be salutary--at least I trust so.

'What is meant by the charges of _trickery_ and _artifice_ I have yet
to comprehend. It was no art in me to write a tale--it was no trick
in Messrs. Smith & Elder to publish it. Where do the trickery and
artifice lie?

'I have received the _Scotsman_, and was greatly amused to see Jane
Eyre likened to Rebecca Sharp--the resemblance would hardly have
occurred to me.

'I wish to send this note by to-day's post, and must therefore
conclude in haste.--I am, dear sir, yours respectfully,

'C. BELL.'

TO W. S. WILLIAMS

'HAWORTH, _January_ 4_th_, 1848.

'DEAR SIR,--Your letter made me ashamed of myself that I should ever
have uttered a murmur, or expressed by any sign that I was sensible
of pain from the unfavourable opinions of some misjudging but
well-meaning people. But, indeed, let me assure you, I am not
ungrateful