CHAPTER XI.

MARRIAGE AND DEATH 148

A Secret History--Mr. Nicholls--Offer of Marriage--Mr. Brontë's Opposition--A Cruel Struggle--Mr. Nicholls leaves Haworth--The High Church Party and "Villette"--Miss Martineau--A Trip to Scotland--Brighter Prospects--Engaged to Mr. Nicholls--New Out-look upon Life--The Wedding--Married Life--The Last Christmas--Illness and Death.