The foregoing preface was written by my wife with a view to the
publication of "The Professor," shortly after the appearance of
"Shirley." Being dissuaded from her intention, the authoress
made some use of the materials in a subsequent work--"Villette,"
As, however, these two stories are in most respects unlike, it
has been represented to me that I ought not to withhold "The
Professor" from the public. I have therefore consented to its
publication.

A. B. NICHOLLS

Haworth Parsonage,
September 22nd, 1856.

*



T H E P R O F E S S O R



CHAPTER I.


INTRODUCTORY.

THE other day, in looking over my papers, I found in my desk the