Miss Branwell urged her views upon Mr. Bronte as soon as the immediate
danger to the old servant's life was over. He refused at first to listen
to the careful advice; it was repugnant to his liberal nature. But Miss
Branwell persevered; urged economical motives; pressed on his love for
his daughters. He gave way. Tabby was to be removed to her sister's,
and there nursed and cared for, Mr. Bronte coming in with his aid when
her own resources fell short. This decision was communicated to the
girls. There were symptoms of a quiet, but sturdy rebellion, that winter
afternoon, in the small precincts of Haworth parsonage. They made one
unanimous and stiff remonstrance. Tabby had tended them in their
childhood; they, and none other, should tend her in her infirmity and
age. At tea-time, they were sad and silent, and the meal went away
untouched by any of the three. So it was at breakfast; they did not
waste many words on the subject, but each word they did utter was
weighty. They "struck" eating till the resolution was rescinded, and
Tabby was allowed to remain a helpless invalid entirely dependent upon
them. Herein was the strong feeling of Duty being paramount to pleasure,
which lay at the foundation of Charlotte's character, made most apparent;
for we have seen how she yearned for her friend's company; but it was to
be obtained only by shrinking from what she esteemed right, and that she
never did, whatever might be the sacrifice.
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