GE to Charles Bray, [London, 4 October 1851]
Title
GE to Charles Bray, [London, 4 October 1851]
Title
GE to Charles Bray, [London, 4 October 1851]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
CHARLES BRAY
Date(s)
- 1851-10-04
Place
[LONDON]
Letter Content
GE to Charles Bray, [London, 4 October 1851]
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, I, 259-260.
Strand.
Dear Friend
Your letter of this morning has set my heart at rest after two or three days' anxiety. Mrs. C. Hennell sent her Father word of Harry's 1010 illness, and so I came to know of it. I did not like to teaze you with letters, asking questions or condoling, but I waited with painful anxiety for some news of you. I am glad to think that it has not been illness which has kept you all so silent.
Dr. Brabant returned to Bath yesterday. He very politely took me to the Crystal Palace, the theatre, and the [Overland Route.] 1011 On Friday we had Foxton, Wilson 1012 and some other nice people among others a Mr. Herbert Spencer who has just brought out a large work on "Social Statics," 1013 which Lewes pronounces the best book he has seen on the subject. You must see the book if possible. Mr. Chapman is going to send you Miss Martineau's work, or rather Mr. Atkinson's 1014 which you must review in the Herald. I have been reading the copy which was to be sent to you, but last night I managed very adroitly to inundate it with grease. Sic transitur -- i.e. the money from my pocket. Whatever else one may think of the book it is certainly the boldest I have seen in the English language.
I get nothing done here, there are so many distractions -- moreover I have hardly been well a day since I came. I wish I were rich enough to go to the coast and have some plunges in the sea to brace me. Nevertheless, do not suppose that I don't enjoy being here. I like seeing the new people etc. and I am afraid I shall think the country rather dull after it.
I am in a hurry today. Mr. C. wants me for something and I must have 2 hours' work before dinner. So imagine everything I have not said or rather reflect that this scrap is quite as much as you deserve after being so slow to write to me.
Your affectionate
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, I, 259-260.
Strand.
Dear Friend
Your letter of this morning has set my heart at rest after two or three days' anxiety. Mrs. C. Hennell sent her Father word of Harry's 1010 illness, and so I came to know of it. I did not like to teaze you with letters, asking questions or condoling, but I waited with painful anxiety for some news of you. I am glad to think that it has not been illness which has kept you all so silent.
Dr. Brabant returned to Bath yesterday. He very politely took me to the Crystal Palace, the theatre, and the [Overland Route.] 1011 On Friday we had Foxton, Wilson 1012 and some other nice people among others a Mr. Herbert Spencer who has just brought out a large work on "Social Statics," 1013 which Lewes pronounces the best book he has seen on the subject. You must see the book if possible. Mr. Chapman is going to send you Miss Martineau's work, or rather Mr. Atkinson's 1014 which you must review in the Herald. I have been reading the copy which was to be sent to you, but last night I managed very adroitly to inundate it with grease. Sic transitur -- i.e. the money from my pocket. Whatever else one may think of the book it is certainly the boldest I have seen in the English language.
I get nothing done here, there are so many distractions -- moreover I have hardly been well a day since I came. I wish I were rich enough to go to the coast and have some plunges in the sea to brace me. Nevertheless, do not suppose that I don't enjoy being here. I like seeing the new people etc. and I am afraid I shall think the country rather dull after it.
I am in a hurry today. Mr. C. wants me for something and I must have 2 hours' work before dinner. So imagine everything I have not said or rather reflect that this scrap is quite as much as you deserve after being so slow to write to me.
Your affectionate
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Charles Bray, [London, 4 October 1851], Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92092