studied every book that came within reach. Themselves they knew well:
the world, through books only. This probably accounts for the weird
and even morbid character of much of their work. Their vivid
imaginations, unchecked by experience, in a commonplace world were
allowed free play, and as a result we find some of the most original
creations in the whole realm of literature.

The life of the Bronte sisterhood should convince the literary aspirant
that the creative imagination is sufficient unto itself and independent
of the stimulus of contact with the busy hum of men. If it be
necessary, the literary genius by divination can portray life without
seeing it. Bricks are produced without straw.

From "Life of Charlotte Bronte," by Mrs. E. C. Gaskell.

But the children did not want society. To small infantine gayeties
they were unaccustomed. They were all in all to each other. I do not
suppose that there ever was a family more tenderly bound to each other.
Maria read the newspapers, and reported intelligence to her younger
sisters which it is wonderful they could take an interest in. But I
suspect that they had no "children's books," and their eager minds
"browzed undisturbed among the wholesome pasturage of English
literature," as Charles Lamb expresses it. The servants of the
household appear to have been much impressed with the little Brontes'
extraordinary cleverness. In a letter which I had from him on this
subject, their father writes: "The servants often said they had never
seen such a clever little child" (as Charlotte), "and that they were
obliged to be on their guard as to what they said and did before her.
Yet she and the servants always lived on good terms with each
other. . . ."

I return to the father's letter. He says:

"When mere children, as soon as they could read and write, Charlotte
and her brothers and sisters used to invent and act little plays of
their own in which the Duke of Wellington, my daughter Charlotte's
hero, was sure to come off conqueror; when a dispute would not
unfrequently arise amongst them regarding the comparative merits of
him, Bonaparte, Hannibal, and Caesar. When the argument got warm, and
rose to its height, as their mother was then dead, I had sometimes to
come in as arbitrator, and settle the dispute according to the best of
my judgment. Generally, in the management of these concerns, I
frequently thought that I discovered signs of rising talent, which I