I soon observed that her habits of order were such that she could not go on with the conversation if a chair was out of its place; everything was arranged with delicate regularity.... I told her of ----’s admiration of ‘Shirley,’ which pleased her, for the character of ‘Shirley’ was meant for her sister Emily, about whom she is never tired of talking, nor I of listening. Emily must have been a remnant of the Titans--great-grand-daughter of the giants who used to inhabit the earth. One day Miss Brontë brought down a rough, common-looking oil painting, done by her brother, of herself--a little, rather prim-looking girl of eighteen--and the two other sisters, girls of sixteen and fourteen, with cropped hair, and sad, dreamy-looking eyes. MRS. GASKELL: ‘Life of Charlotte Brontë.’ * * * * * [Sidenote: Charlotte’s life-long friendship with Ellen Nussey.] In the sombre web of Charlotte’s existence there shone one thread of silver, all the brighter and more blessed for the contrast--it was the warm, steady, unfailing friendship of her school-fellow “E.” (Ellen Nussey). “Ma bien aimée, ma précieuse E., mon amie chère et chérie,” she calls her in one of her earlier letters. “If we had but a cottage and a competency of our own, I do think we might live and love on till death, without being dependent on any third person for happiness.” “What am I compared to you?” she exclaims; “I feel my own utter worthlessness when I make the comparison. I am a very coarse, commonplace wretch.” But the affection that overflowed in such loving extravagance was no passing sentiment. As life deepened and grew more and more intense--and fuller of pain--for each, the closer became their attachment, the more constantly Charlotte turned for sympathy and support to her faithful companion. In her, indeed, she found all the greater rest and refreshment because of the difference in their natures. Her individuality colors the Caroline Helstone of ‘Shirley.’ R. W. GILDER, in ‘The Old Cabinet,’ in _Scribner’s Monthly_, now _The Century_, May, 1871. * * * * * [Sidenote: Charlotte’s marriage.]