GE to Emily Susannah Clarke, London, 4 September 1876
Title
GE to Emily Susannah Clarke, London, 4 September 1876
Title
GE to Emily Susannah Clarke, London, 4 September 1876
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Emily Susannah Clarke
Date(s)
- 1876-09-04
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Emily Susannah Clarke, London, 4 September 1876
MS: Mr. C. E. Clarke. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 4. 76.
Dearest Emily
On returning home from a three months' journey on the Continent I found your letter among the large heap awaiting me. It was written, I see, on the 12th of July, when I had already been a month away and was on the other side of Switzerland, at Ragatz, taking walks and waters in order to get up my strength. I felt very sorry, after I had left home on the 10th of June, that I had not managed to send you a letter, as I had had it in my mind to do. The many details I had to occupy my attention, and my failing strength, caused me to forget what was not at all a matter of indifference to me. I thought of my omission very soon after I had left England, but for a long while I was so poorly that the news I had to tell would not have cheered you, and afterwards I imagined you enjoying your holidays in some place away from Brighton.
Enough of myself and my leaving-undone what I ought to have done. I am very well now, and we are hoping that before the pleasant autumn weather is all gone we shall get down to Brighton for a day to see your dear face, and hear all the little things that you could tell us in conversation so much better than in writing. I long to see you again.
I gather from your letter that you have had only a week of change from your Brighton air this summer, and that grieves me. I want to inquire into your finances and plans for other holidays. Pray go on studying your German. It may be of great use to you in many ways. I think Wednesday used to be your half holiday -- is it so still?
The last letter you wrote me before I went away contained the news of Walter's engagement, 517 and I imagine that the marriage must have taken place by this time, though it has not occurred to you to mention the fact.
All blessings on you, dear Child. If you saw the many letters I have to open, you would not suppose that my silence to you implies any want of love and care for you. But now I shall be more at liberty, and shall not be in danger of neglecting you any longer. Mr. Lewes sends his best love to you, and unites with me in all tender wishes for you.
Ever your loving and faithful
Aunt Polly.
MS: Mr. C. E. Clarke. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 4. 76.
Dearest Emily
On returning home from a three months' journey on the Continent I found your letter among the large heap awaiting me. It was written, I see, on the 12th of July, when I had already been a month away and was on the other side of Switzerland, at Ragatz, taking walks and waters in order to get up my strength. I felt very sorry, after I had left home on the 10th of June, that I had not managed to send you a letter, as I had had it in my mind to do. The many details I had to occupy my attention, and my failing strength, caused me to forget what was not at all a matter of indifference to me. I thought of my omission very soon after I had left England, but for a long while I was so poorly that the news I had to tell would not have cheered you, and afterwards I imagined you enjoying your holidays in some place away from Brighton.
Enough of myself and my leaving-undone what I ought to have done. I am very well now, and we are hoping that before the pleasant autumn weather is all gone we shall get down to Brighton for a day to see your dear face, and hear all the little things that you could tell us in conversation so much better than in writing. I long to see you again.
I gather from your letter that you have had only a week of change from your Brighton air this summer, and that grieves me. I want to inquire into your finances and plans for other holidays. Pray go on studying your German. It may be of great use to you in many ways. I think Wednesday used to be your half holiday -- is it so still?
The last letter you wrote me before I went away contained the news of Walter's engagement, 517 and I imagine that the marriage must have taken place by this time, though it has not occurred to you to mention the fact.
All blessings on you, dear Child. If you saw the many letters I have to open, you would not suppose that my silence to you implies any want of love and care for you. But now I shall be more at liberty, and shall not be in danger of neglecting you any longer. Mr. Lewes sends his best love to you, and unites with me in all tender wishes for you.
Ever your loving and faithful
Aunt Polly.
Signature
Aunt Polly.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Emily Susannah Clarke, London, 4 September 1876, 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/92324