Wilson. Among
the letters that I have read, there is one whose evidence ought to be
highly respected. It is from the husband of "Miss Temple." She died in
1856, but he, a clergyman, thus wrote in reply to a letter addressed to
him on the subject by one of Mr. Wilson's friends:--"Often have I heard
my late dear wife speak of her sojourn at Cowan Bridge; always in terms
of admiration of Mr. Carus Wilson, his parental love to his pupils, and
their love for him; of the food and general treatment, in terms of
approval. I have heard her allude to an unfortunate cook, who used at
times to spoil the porridge, but who, she said, was soon dismissed."
The recollections left of the four Bronte sisters at this period of their
lives, on the minds of those who associated with them, are not very
distinct. Wild, strong hearts, and powerful minds, were hidden under an
enforced propriety and regularity of demeanour and expression, just as
their faces had been concealed by their father, under his stiff,
unchanging mask. Maria was delicate, unusually clever and thoughtful for
her age, gentle, and untidy. Of her frequent disgrace from this last
fault--of her sufferings, so patiently borne--I have already spoken. The
only glimpse we get of Elizabeth, through the few years of her short
life, is contained in a letter which I have received from "Miss Temple.
Pages:
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101