At first, I thought it would be folly to reply to it, and I would let it die.

Afterwards, I determined to give one answer, once for all.

'Three or four people,' it seems, 'have the idea that the future _epoux_ of Mademoiselle Bronte is on the Continent.' These people are wiser than I am.

They could not believe that I crossed the sea merely to return as teacher to Madame Hegers.

I must have some more powerful motive than respect for my master and mistress, gratitude for their kindness, &c., to induce me to refuse a salary of 50_l_.