After giving careful consideration to this mass of conflicting evidence, I have made such alterations and omissions in this chapter as seem to me to be required.
It is but just to state that the major part of the testimony with which I have been favoured from old pupils is in high praise of Mr.Wilson.

Among the letters that I have read, there is one whose evidence ought to be highly respected.

It is from the husband of "Miss Temple." She died in 1856, but he, a clergyman, thus wrote in reply to a letter addressed to him on the subject by one of Mr.Wilson's friends:--"Often have I heard my late dear wife speak of her sojourn at Cowan Bridge; always in terms of admiration of Mr.Carus Wilson, his parental love to his pupils, and their love for him; of the food and general treatment, in terms of approval.

I have heard her allude to an unfortunate cook, who used at times to spoil the porridge, but who, she said, was soon dismissed." The recollections left of the four Bronte sisters at this period of their lives, on the minds of those who associated with them, are not very distinct.

Wild, strong hearts, and powerful minds, were hidden under an enforced propriety and regularity of demeanour and expression, just as their faces had been concealed by their father, under his stiff, unchanging mask.