CHAPTER V.
For the reason just stated, the little girls were sent home in the autumn of 1825, when Charlotte was little more than nine years old.
About this time, an elderly woman of the village came to live as servant at the parsonage.

She remained there, as a member of the household, for thirty years; and from the length of her faithful service, and the attachment and respect which she inspired, is deserving of mention.

Tabby was a thorough specimen of a Yorkshire woman of her class, in dialect, in appearance, and in character.

She abounded in strong practical sense and shrewdness.

Her words were far from flattery; but she would spare no deeds in the cause of those whom she kindly regarded.