very practicable, yet certainly it is more in accordance with the spirit of the Gospel to preach unity among Christians than to inculcate mutual intolerance and hatred.  I am very glad I went to—­when I did, for the changed weather has somewhat changed my health and strength since.  How do you get on?  I long for mild south and west winds.  I am thankful papa continues pretty well, though often made very miserable by Branwell’s wretched conduct. There—­there is no change but for the worse.”

Meanwhile the printing of the volume of poems was quietly proceeding.  After some consultation and deliberation, the sisters had determined to correct the proofs themselves, Up to March 28th the publishers had addressed their correspondent as C. Bronte, Esq.; but at this time some “little mistake occurred,” and she desired Messrs. Aylott and Co. in future to direct to her real address, “Miss Bronte,” &c.  She had, however, evidently left it to be implied that she was not acting on her own behalf, but as agent for the real authors, since in a note dated April 6th, she makes a proposal on behalf of “C., E., and A. Bell,” which is to the following effect, that they are preparing for the press a work of fiction, consisting of three distinct and unconnected tales, which may be published either together, as a work of three volumes, of the ordinary novel size, or separately, as single volumes, as may be deemed most advisable.  She states, in addition, that it is not their intention to publish these tales on their own account; but that the authors direct her to ask Messrs. Aylott and Co. whether they would be disposed to undertake the work, after having, of course, by due inspection of the MS., ascertained that its contents are such as to warrant an expectation of success.  To this letter of inquiry the publishers replied speedily, and the tenor of their answer may be gathered from Charlotte’s, dated April 11th.

“I beg to thank you, in the name of C., E., and A. Bell, for your obliging offer of advice.  I will avail myself of it, to request information on two or three points.  It is evident that unknown authors have great difficulties to contend with, before they can succeed in bringing their works before the public.  Can you give me any hint as to the way in which these difficulties are best met?  For instance, in the present case, where a work of fiction is in question, in what form would a publisher be most likely to accept the MS.?  Whether offered as a work of three vols., or as tales which might be published in numbers, or as contributions to a periodical?

   “What publishers would be most likely to receive favourably a proposal
   of this nature?

   “Would it suffice to write to a publisher on the subject, or would
   it be necessary to have recourse to a personal interview?

   “Your opinion and advice on these three points, or on any other which
   your experience may suggest as important, would be esteemed by us as a
   favour.”