s be known by their
results. Miss W--- did most kindly propose that I should come to
Dewsbury Moor and attempt to revive the school her sister had
relinquished. She offered me the use of her furniture. At first, I
received the proposal cordially, and prepared to do my utmost to bring
about success; but a fire was kindled in my very heart, which I could
not quench. I so longed to increase my attainments--to become
something better than I am; a glimpse of what I felt, I showed to you
in one of my former letters--only a glimpse; Mary cast oil upon the
flames--encouraged me, and in her own strong, energetic language,
heartened me on. I longed to go to Brussels; but how could I get
there? I wished for one, at least, of my sisters to share the
advantage with me. I fixed on Emily. She deserved the reward, I
knew. How could the point be managed? In extreme excitement, I wrote
a letter home, which carried the day. I made an appeal to aunt for
assistance, which was answered by consent. Things are not settled;
yet it is sufficient to say we have a _chance_ of going for half a
year. Dewsbury Moor is relinquished. Perhaps, fortunately so. In my
secret soul, I believe there is no cause to regret it. My plans for
the future are bounded to this intention: if I once get to Brussels,
and if my health is spared, I will do my best to make the utmost of
every advantage that shall come within my reach. When the half-year
is expired, I will do what I can.

* * * * *

"Believe me, though I was born in April, the month of cloud and
sunshine, I am not changeful. My spirits are unequal, and sometimes I
speak vehemently, and sometimes I say nothing at all; but I have a
steady regard for you, and if you will let the cloud and shower pass
by, be sure the sun is always behind, obscured, but still existing."

At Christmas she left her situation, after a parting with her employers
which seems to have affected and touched her greatly. "They only made
too much of me," was her remark, after leaving this family; "I did not
deserve it."

* * * * *

All four children hoped to meet together at their father's house this
December. Branwell expected to have a short leave of absence from his
employment as a clerk on the Leeds and Manchester Railway, in which he
had been engaged for five months. Anne arrived before Christmas-day. She
had rendered herself so