(seq. 49)

[88]

Mrs. E. G. Gaskells Life of
Charlotte Bronte

2d Vol. Page 40 - Henceforward
Charlotte Bronte's existence
becomes divided into two
parallel currents - her life
as Currer Bell, the author;
her life as Charlotte Bronte,
the woman. Here were
separate duties belonging to
each character - not opposing
each other; not impossible,
but dificult to be reconciled.

When a man becomes an
author, it is probably, merely
a change of employment
to him. He takes a portion
of that time, which has hitherto
been devoted to some other study
or pursuit; he give up some-
thing of the legal or medical
profession, in which he has
hitherto endeavored to serve others,
or relinquishes part of the trade
or business by which he has been
striving to gain a livelihood;
and another Merchant, or Lawyer

[89]

or Doctor, steps into his vacant
place, & probably does as well as he.

But no other can take up the
quiet, regular duties of the
daughter, the wife, or the
mother, as well as she whom
God has apointed to fill that
particular place; a woman's
principal work in life is
hardly left to her own choice;
nor can she drop the do-
mestic charges devolving on her
as an individual, for the exercise
of the most splendid talents ever
bestowed. And yet she must
not hide her gift in a napkin;
it was meant for the use and
service of others. In a humble
& faithful spirit, must she labor to
do what is not impossible, or
God would not have set her
to do it. I put into words,
what Charlotte Bronte put into action __
--Letter to W. D. Williams

2d Vol. Page 184 --. Speaking of pleasant
associations & friendship at Corn-
hill, She says - "Will these alter their
character some day. Perhaps they
may -- though I have faith to