Even before their departure, on the morning after they received the first intelligence of illness--when they were on the very point of starting--came a second letter, telling them of their aunt's death.

It could not hasten their movements, for every arrangement had been made for speed.

They sailed from Antwerp; they travelled night and day, and got home on a Tuesday morning.

The funeral and all was over, and Mr.Bronte and Anne were sitting together, in quiet grief for the loss of one who had done her part well in their household for nearly twenty years, and earned the regard and respect of many who never knew how much they should miss her till she was gone.

The small property which she had accumulated, by dint of personal frugality and self-denial, was bequeathed to her nieces.