When she appeared in the schoolroom, her dress was changed, but just as old.

She looked a little old woman, so short-sighted that she always appeared to be seeking something, and moving her head from side to side to catch a sight of it.

She was very shy and nervous, and spoke with a strong Irish accent.

When a book was given her, she dropped her head over it till her nose nearly touched it, and when she was told to hold her head up, up went the book after it, still close to her nose, so that it was not possible to help laughing." This was the first impression she made upon one of those whose dear and valued friend she was to become in after-life.

Another of the girls recalls her first sight of Charlotte, on the day she came, standing by the schoolroom window, looking out on the snowy landscape, and crying, while all the rest were at play.