PREFACE
The persons meant by the Chief of the City and his sons are the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis of Douro, and Lord Wellesley.
The city is the Glass Town.
Henry O’Donell and Alexander Delancy are Captain Tarry-not-at-home and Monsieur Like-to-live-in-lonely-places.
CHARLOTTE BRONTË,
August the 17th, 1829.
CHAPTER I
CHARACTER OF O’DONELL—CAUSE OF HIS TRAVELS
Not many years ago there lived in a certain city a person of the name of Henry O’Donell. In figure he was tall, of a dark complexion, and searching black eye. His mind was strong and unbending, his disposition unsociable, and though respected by many he was loved by few.
The city where he resided was very great and magnificent. It was governed by a warrior, a mighty man of valour, whose deeds had resounded to the ends of the earth.
This soldier had two sons, who were at that time of the separate ages of six and seven years.