Though Charlotte made light of her loneliness, it did indeed signify. In following her desire to return to Brussels she had not reckoned on the consequences of being alone, without the constant companionship of Emily which had made her first residence there not only bearable but happy. Then it had not mattered that there was a self-erected barrier between the Brontës and their fellow pupils. Now, however, when she stood in great need of friends, she had few resources to call upon.
