Jerkins; and, in consequence, it was decided that, if
the terms suited, Miss Bronte and Emily should proceed thither. M. Heger
informs me that, on receipt of a letter from Charlotte, making very
particular inquiries as to the possible amount of what are usually termed
"extras," he and his wife were so much struck by the simple earnest tone
of the letter, that they said to each other:--"These are the daughters of
an English pastor, of moderate means, anxious to learn with an ulterior
view of instructing others, and to whom the risk of additional expense is
of great consequence. Let us name a specific sum, within which all
expenses shall be included."
This was accordingly done; the agreement was concluded, and the Brontes
prepared to leave their native county for the first time, if we except
the melancholy and memorable residence at Cowan Bridge. Mr. Bronte
determined to accompany his daughters. Mary and her brother, who were
experienced in foreign travelling, were also of the party. Charlotte
first saw London in the day or two they now stopped there; and, from an
expression in one of her subsequent letters, they all, I believe, stayed
at the Chapter Coffee House, Paternoster Row--a strange, old-fashioned
tavern, of which I shall have more to say hereafter.
Mary's account of their journey is thus given.
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