The original manuscript of this story is in the possession of Mr. T. J. Wise.
It appears to be the first manuscript which Charlotte Brontë attempted to complete in the form of a book, i.e. with a title-page and Preface. The title-page is written in capital letters resembling printing, and the Preface in the young authoress’s ordinary writing.
The story contains the earliest known poem by Charlotte Brontë.
I am indebted to Mr. T. J. Wise for the loan of the original manuscript, thus enabling me to correct and complete a copy of the story in my keeping, and to present an accurate text.
The story was written by Charlotte Brontë at the age of thirteen years.
C. W. H.
THE SEARCH AFTER
HAPPINESS
A TALE BY
CHARLOTTE
BRONTË
PRINTED BY HERSELF
AND
SOLD BY
NOBODY &c. &c.
AUGUST
THE
SEVENTEENTH
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED
AND
TWENTY-NINE