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 the attempt, and we will not be cast down because it
has not succeeded."
There were, probably, growing up in each sister's heart, secret
unacknowledged feelings of relief, that their plan had not succeeded.
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