GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 10 April 1866
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 10 April 1866
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 10 April 1866
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Date(s)
- 1866-04-10
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 10 April 1866
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Mostly published: Cross, II, 425-426.
North Bank | April 10. 66.
My dear Barbara
The happiness in your letter was delightful to me, as you guessed it would be. See how much better things may turn out for all mankind, since they mend for single mortals, even in this confused state of the bodies social and politic.
George has read your Dr. Janetti's diagnosis and prescription, and says it does not inspire him with any confidence. It is vague. But I hardly know what would inspire confidence in cases of medical treatment.
We have been going on as usual -- both of us better and worse by turns. Yet happier and happier. As soon as we can leave, we shall go away, probably to Germany, for six weeks or so. But that will not be till June. I am finishing a book, which has been growing slowly like a sickly child, because of my own ailments; but now I am in the later acts of it. I can't move till it is done.
You know all the news public and private -- all about the sad Cattle Plague, and the Reform Bill 423 and who is going to be married and who is dead. So I need tell you nothing. You will still find the English world extremely like what it was when you left it -- conversation more or less trivial and insincere, literature just now not much better, and politics worse than either. Bring some sincerity and energy to make a little draught of pure air in your particular world. I shall expect you to be a heroine in the best sense now you are happier after a time of suffering. See what a talent I have for telling other people to be good!
Is it not pretty that excellent little Isa Craig is going to marry her not distinguished but solid cousin, 424 after her three years' engagement? She seems to me to have one of the soundest minds in one of the soundest bodies I ever met with in a woman who has made a business of literature.
Our children at Hampstead are gone for their month's holiday to the Isle of Wight. Dear Gertrude, who shows herself more and more of a treasure, has the joy now of expecting a little one -- but not till the autumn. We are getting patriarchal, and think of old age and death as journeys not far off -- all knowledge, all thought, all achievement seems more precious and enjoyable to me than it ever was before in life. But as soon as one has found the key of life "it opes the gates of death." 425 Youth has not learned the art of living, and we go on bungling till our experience can only serve us for a very brief space. That is the "external order" we must submit to.
I am too busy to write except when I am tired, and don't know very well what I say. So you must not be surprized if I write in a dreamy way.
Kind remembrances to all whom you know me to remember, especially to your sister. George sends his love with mine.
Always your affectionate
Marian.
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Mostly published: Cross, II, 425-426.
North Bank | April 10. 66.
My dear Barbara
The happiness in your letter was delightful to me, as you guessed it would be. See how much better things may turn out for all mankind, since they mend for single mortals, even in this confused state of the bodies social and politic.
George has read your Dr. Janetti's diagnosis and prescription, and says it does not inspire him with any confidence. It is vague. But I hardly know what would inspire confidence in cases of medical treatment.
We have been going on as usual -- both of us better and worse by turns. Yet happier and happier. As soon as we can leave, we shall go away, probably to Germany, for six weeks or so. But that will not be till June. I am finishing a book, which has been growing slowly like a sickly child, because of my own ailments; but now I am in the later acts of it. I can't move till it is done.
You know all the news public and private -- all about the sad Cattle Plague, and the Reform Bill 423 and who is going to be married and who is dead. So I need tell you nothing. You will still find the English world extremely like what it was when you left it -- conversation more or less trivial and insincere, literature just now not much better, and politics worse than either. Bring some sincerity and energy to make a little draught of pure air in your particular world. I shall expect you to be a heroine in the best sense now you are happier after a time of suffering. See what a talent I have for telling other people to be good!
Is it not pretty that excellent little Isa Craig is going to marry her not distinguished but solid cousin, 424 after her three years' engagement? She seems to me to have one of the soundest minds in one of the soundest bodies I ever met with in a woman who has made a business of literature.
Our children at Hampstead are gone for their month's holiday to the Isle of Wight. Dear Gertrude, who shows herself more and more of a treasure, has the joy now of expecting a little one -- but not till the autumn. We are getting patriarchal, and think of old age and death as journeys not far off -- all knowledge, all thought, all achievement seems more precious and enjoyable to me than it ever was before in life. But as soon as one has found the key of life "it opes the gates of death." 425 Youth has not learned the art of living, and we go on bungling till our experience can only serve us for a very brief space. That is the "external order" we must submit to.
I am too busy to write except when I am tired, and don't know very well what I say. So you must not be surprized if I write in a dreamy way.
Kind remembrances to all whom you know me to remember, especially to your sister. George sends his love with mine.
Always your affectionate
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 10 April 1866, 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/93018