We are all obliged to you for your kind suggestion about Leeds; but I think our school schemes are, for the present, at rest." "Dec.

31st, 1845.
"You say well, in speaking of -- -, that no sufferings are so awful as those brought on by dissipation; alas! I see the truth of this observation daily proved.

--and--must have as weary and burdensome a life of it in waiting upon their unhappy brother.

It seems grievous, indeed, that those who have not sinned should suffer so largely." In fact, all their latter days blighted with the presence of cruel, shameful suffering,--the premature deaths of two at least of the sisters,--all the great possibilities of their earthly lives snapped short,--may be dated from Midsummer 1845.
For the last three years of Branwell's life, he took opium habitually, by way of stunning conscience; he drank moreover, whenever he could get the opportunity.

The reader may say that I have mentioned his tendency to intemperance long before.