[32] Gaskell's 'Life of Charlotte Brontë,' chap. ix.
[33] 'Pictures of the Past,' p. 89.
[34] 'Pictures of the Past,' p. 90.
[35] 'Pictures of the Past,' pp. 90-92.
[36] Vol. xxviii, p. 54. 1873.
[37] It should be stated, perhaps, that one recent newspaper writer, possibly with the intention of discrediting any claim that might be set up for Branwell's authorship of 'Wuthering Heights,' has drawn from the depths of his memory, or, possibly, of his imagination, a story that Branwell had read to him, as his own, the plot of 'Shirley.' But, since 'Shirley' was not commenced very many months before Branwell's death, and since he had been in his grave a year when it was published, it is obviously impossible that he can ever have desired to draw to himself the praise which was bestowed upon it. And this ingenious writer has adopted, curiously enough, almost the phraseology of Mr. Dearden's account, published eighteen years ago, saying, 'he took from his hat, the usual receptacle, &c.,' which suggests an impression of unconscious plagiarism.
[38] 'Pictures of the Past,' by Francis H. Grundy, C.E. 1879, p. 80.
[39] Lecture by Mr. T. Wemyss Reid.
[40] 'Wuthering Heights,' chap. xxxiii.
[41] Gaskell's 'Life of Charlotte Brontë,' chap. ix.