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BRONTË, Charlotte. Autograph letter signed ("C Brontë") to the Rev. Henry Nussey, Haworth, 26 May 1840. 4pp., 4 o ( 227 x 187mm). The second leaf neatly inlaid.
BRONTË, Charlotte. Autograph letter signed ("C Brontë") to the Rev. Henry Nussey, Haworth, 26 May 1840. 4pp., 4 o ( 227 x 187mm). The second leaf neatly inlaid. "YOU MUST NOT AGAIN ASK ME TO WRITE IN A REGULAR LITERARY WAY...I CANNOT DO IT AT ALL - DO YOU THINK I AM, A BLUE-STOCKING? A lengthy, thoughtful letter, praising Ellen Nussey's character, considering the different insights of men and women and the risks and rewards of matrimony. Charlotte has neglected to answer a letter of Henry's: "Your sister Ellen often accuses me of want of punctuality in answering letters and I think her accusation is here justified." But, she explains, "when the letter came Ellen was staying with me, and I was so fully occupied in talking to her, that I had no time to think of writing to others - this is no great compliment, but it is no insult either -- you know Ellen's worth -- you know how seldom I see her, and from these Jeremiads you may easily draw the influence that her company when once obtained is to valuable to be wasted for a moment..." She comments on "a certain Mr. Vincent, evidently a prospective suitor to Ellen: "I hope then he is a good and clever man or else I will take the liberty of saying, he is not deserving of the prize destined for him. This is speaking boldly -- but you must excuse it. One woman can appreciate the value of another better than a man than a man can do; men very often only see the outside gloss which dazzles in prosperity -- women have opportunities for close observation and they learn to value those qualities which are useful in adversity. There is much too, in that mild even temper and that placid equanimity which keep the domestic hearth always bright and peaceful -- this is better than the ardent nature that changes twenty times in a day -- I have studied Ellen and I think she would make a good wife, that is if she had a good husband -- if she married a fool or a tyrant there is spirit enough in her composition to withstand the dictates of either insolence or weakness...." She apologizes that "my letters are all didactic, they contain no news -- because I know of none which I think would interest you...I am still at home...uneasy only because only I cannot yet hear of a situation." She compliments Henry's choice of "a future partner," and assures him that "she will be one who will help you to get cheerfully through the difficulties of this world and to attain a permanent rest in the next...You do right to conduct the matter with due deliberation -- for on the step you are about to take depends the happiness of your whole life-time." She gently mocks his request for an edifying letter from her: "You must not again ask me to write in a regular literary way to you on some particular topic -- I cannot do it at all -- do you think I am a Blue-stocking? I feel half-inclined to laugh at you for the idea, but perhaps you would be angry. What was the topic to be -- Chemistry? Or Astronomy? Or Mechanics ? Or Conchology or Entomology or what other -ology? I know nothing at all about any of these -- I am not scientific, I am not a Linguist -- You think me far more learned that I am -- If I told you all my Ignorance I am afraid you would be shocked, -- however as I wish still to retain a little corner in your good opinion I will hold my tongue...." Published in Letters ed. T.J. Wise and Symington, no.96. Provenance: Library Fund of the Grolier Club Benefit Auction (sale, Christie's New York, 25 March 1980, part lot B).