They knew that they were never likely to inherit much money.

Mr.Bronte had but a small stipend, and was both charitable and liberal.

Their aunt had an annuity of 50_l_., but it reverted to others at her death, and her nieces had no right, and were the last persons in the world to reckon upon her savings.

What could they do?
Charlotte and Emily were trying teaching, and, as it seemed, without much success.

The former, it is true, had the happiness of having a friend for her employer, and of being surrounded by those who knew her and loved her; but her salary was too small for her to save out of it; and her education did not entitle her to a larger.