intelligent Yorkshire woman, who keeps a druggist’s shop in Haworth, and from her occupation, her experience, and excellent sense, holds the position of village doctress and nurse, and, as such, has been a friend, in many a time of trial, and sickness, and death, in the households round—­told me a characteristic little incident connected with Tabby’s fractured leg.  Mr. Bronte is truly generous and regardful of all deserving claims.  Tabby had lived with them for ten or twelve years, and was, as Charlotte expressed it, “one of the family.”  But on the other hand, she was past the age for any very active service, being nearer seventy than sixty at the time of the accident; she had a sister living in the village; and the savings she had accumulated, during many years’ service, formed a competency for one in her rank of life.  Or if, in this time of sickness, she fell short of any comforts which her state rendered necessary, the parsonage could supply them.  So reasoned Miss Branwell, the prudent, not to say anxious aunt; looking to the limited contents of Mr. Bronte’s purse, and the unprovided-for-future of her nieces; who were, moreover, losing the relaxation of the holidays, in close attendance upon Tabby.

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  They “struck” eating till the resolution was rescinded, and Tabby was allowed to remain a helpless invalid entirely dependent upon them.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.