ere already at school at Liverpool; thought the undertaking
a most praiseworthy one, but feared I should have some difficulty in
making it succeed on account of the _situation_. Such is the answer I
receive from almost every one. I tell them the _retired situation_ is,
in some points of view, an advantage; that were it in the midst of a
large town I could not pretend to take pupils on terms so moderate (Mrs.
B. remarked that she thought the terms very moderate), but that, as it
is, not having house-rent to pay, we can offer the same privileges of
education that are to be had in expensive seminaries, at little more than
half their price; and as our number must be limited, we can devote a
large share of time and pains to each pupil. Thank you for the very
pretty little purse you have sent me. I make to you a curious return in
the shape of half a dozen cards of terms. Make such use of them as your
judgment shall dictate. You will see that I have fixed the sum at
35_l_., which I think is the just medium, considering advantages and
disadvantages."

This was written in July; August, September, and October passed away, and
no pupils were to be heard of. Day after day, there was a little hope
felt by the sisters until the post came in. But Haworth village was wild
and lonely, and the Brontes but little known, owing to their want of
connections. Charlotte writes on the subject, in the early winter
months, to this effect--

"I, Emily, and Anne, are truly obliged to you for the efforts you have
made in our behalf; and if you have not been successful, you are only
like ourselves. Every one wishes us well; but there are no pupils to
be had. We have no present intention, however, of breaking our hearts
on the subject, still less of feeling mortified at defeat. The effort
must be beneficial, whatever the result may be, because it teaches us
experience, and an additional knowledge of this world. I send you two
more circulars."

A month later, she says:--

"We have made no alterations yet in our house. It would be folly to
do so, while there is so little likelihood of our ever getting pupils.
I fear you are giving yourself too much trouble on our account. Depend
upon it, if you were to persuade a mamma to bring her child to
Haworth, the aspect of the place would frighten her, and she would
probably take the dear girl back with her, instanter. We are glad
that we have made