[Mr Williams had asked whether the characters in Shirley were based on real individuals]

... The original of Mr Hall I have seen; he knows me slightly; but he would as soon think I had closely observed him or taken him for a character -- he would as soon, indeed, suspect me of writing a book -- a novel -- as he would his dog Prince.

Dear Ellen,

Fame says that you are on a visit with the renowned Currer Bell, the 'great unknown' of the present day. The celebrated 'Shirley' has just found its way hither. And as one always reads a book with more interest when one has a correct insight into the writer's designs, I write to ask a favour, which I ought not to be regarded as presumptuous in saying that I think I have a species of claim to ask, on the ground that it is a sort of "poetical justice". The interpretation of this enigma is, that the story goes, that either I or my father, exactly I do not know which, are part of 'Currer Bell's' stock-in-trade, in that Mr Hall is represented as black, bilious, of dismal aspect, stooping a trifle, and indulging a little now and then in the indigenous dialect. This seems to sit very well on your humble servant -- other traits do better for my good father than myself. However, though I had no idea that I should be made a means to amuse the public, Currer Bell is perfectly welcome to what she can make of so uncompromising a subject, But I think I have a fair claim in return to be let in to the secret of the company I have got into.. Some of them are good enough to tell, and need no Oedipus to solve the riddle. I can tabulate for instance the Yorke family for the Taylors, Mr Moore -- Mr Cartwright, and Mr Helstone is clearly meant for Mr Roberson, though the authoress has evidently got her idea of his character through an unfavourable medium, and does not understand the full value of one of the most admirbale characters I ever knew or expect to know. Mary thinks she descries Cecilia Crowther and Miss Johnstone (afterwards Mrs Westerman) as the two old maids. Now pray get us a full light on all the other names and localities that are adumbrated in this said 'Shirley'. When some of the prominent characters will be recognised by all who know our quarters there can be no harm in letting one know who may be intended by the rest. And if necessary, I will bear Currer Bell harmless, and not let the world know that I have my intelligence form headquarters. As I said before, I repeat now, that as I or mine are part of the stock in trade, I think I have an equitable claim to this intelligence, by way of my dividend. Mary and Harriet wish also to get at this information; and the latter at all events seems to have her own peculiar claim, as fame says she is 'in the book' too. One had need "walk warily in these dangerous days", when as Burns (is it not he?) says --

'A chield's among you taking notes,
and faith he'll prent it'

Yours sincerely,

W.M. Heald.

Mary and Harriet unite with me in the best wishes of the season to you and C--- B---. Pray give my best respects to Mr Bronte also, who may have some slight remembrance of me as a child. I just remember him when at Hartshead.

[Rev Heald's sister Harriet was buried on 29 Sep 1854]

... I cannot say that I wonder at Mr Heald's resignation. It seems to me that all who truly believe the doctrines and trust the promises of Christianity must, after watching the sufferings of sickness and agonies of death in one they love feel in the first instance a sort of peace in their release, and resignation to their loss. It is some time afterwards that dark and durable regrets arise, and perhaps surrounded by his family and parishioners, he may be spared some of these.

Feedback: j.heald@ucl.ac.uk

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