Mr. Bront? was married at Hartshead and his two children, Maria and Eliza-beth, were born. Charlotte Bront? was born at Thornton, on the 21st of April, 1816. Fast on her heels followed Patrick Branwell, Emily Jane, and Anne. After the birth of this last daughter, Mrs. Bront?'s health began to decline.
Little Maria Bront? was delicate and small in appearance, which seemed to give greater effect to her wonderful precocity of intellect. She must have been her mother's companion and helpmate in many a household and nursery experi-ence, for Mr. Bront? was, of course, much engaged in his study; and besides, he was not naturally fond of children, and felt their frequent appearance on the scene as a drag both on his wife's strength, and as an interruption to the comfort of the household.
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