GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 5 March 1879
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 5 March 1879
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 5 March 1879
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Date(s)
- 1879-03-05
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 5 March 1879
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Mostly published: Cross, III, 350-351.
N.B. | March 5. 79.
My dear Barbara
Your letter which tells me that you are benefiting by the "clear sunny air" is very welcome. Yes, here too the weather is more merciful and I drive out most days. I am better bodily, but I never feel thoroughly comfortable in that material sense, and I am incredibly thin. 192 As to my mind, I am full of occupation, but the sorrow deepens down instead of diminishing. I mean to go to Witley in a few months, that I may look again on the spots that he enjoyed, and that we enjoyed together, but I cannot tell beforehand whether I shall care to go again afterwards.
Everybody is very kind to me, and by and by I shall begin to see a few intimate friends. 193 I can do or go through anything that is business or duty, but time and strength seem lacking for everything else.
Give my love to Bessie. You and she must excuse my weakness, remembering that for nearly 25 years I have been used to find my happiness in his. I can find it nowhere else. But we can live and be helpful without happiness, and I have had more than myriads who were and are better fitted for it.
I am really very busy and have been sadly delayed by want of health. One project I have entered on is to found a studentship which will be called after my husband's name. I am getting help from experienced men. 194
Is Nannie in England still? Surely not. But when you write to her, assure her of my affectionate grateful remembrance.
Always your loving
Marian.
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Mostly published: Cross, III, 350-351.
N.B. | March 5. 79.
My dear Barbara
Your letter which tells me that you are benefiting by the "clear sunny air" is very welcome. Yes, here too the weather is more merciful and I drive out most days. I am better bodily, but I never feel thoroughly comfortable in that material sense, and I am incredibly thin. 192 As to my mind, I am full of occupation, but the sorrow deepens down instead of diminishing. I mean to go to Witley in a few months, that I may look again on the spots that he enjoyed, and that we enjoyed together, but I cannot tell beforehand whether I shall care to go again afterwards.
Everybody is very kind to me, and by and by I shall begin to see a few intimate friends. 193 I can do or go through anything that is business or duty, but time and strength seem lacking for everything else.
Give my love to Bessie. You and she must excuse my weakness, remembering that for nearly 25 years I have been used to find my happiness in his. I can find it nowhere else. But we can live and be helpful without happiness, and I have had more than myriads who were and are better fitted for it.
I am really very busy and have been sadly delayed by want of health. One project I have entered on is to found a studentship which will be called after my husband's name. I am getting help from experienced men. 194
Is Nannie in England still? Surely not. But when you write to her, assure her of my affectionate grateful remembrance.
Always your loving
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 5 March 1879, 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/93066