GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 20 November 1874
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 20 November 1874
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 20 November 1874
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1874-11-20
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 20 November 1874
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, III, 244-245.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
November 20. 74.
My dear Sara
How are you on this anniversary? 163 Without threat of troublesome winter cough, I trust -- though colds seem to be the common lot at this season -- and also with strength of body enough to enjoy the activity of your mind. I know you will let me have some news of you at this epoch, and please tell me about everything -- Harriet and all other persons and things that affect your comfort.
From Mrs. Call 164 I have heard of Mr. Bray's increasing trouble with his asthma and of his visit to Bournemouth, with the conclusion that home is the best place for him. But I have heard no other particulars about the family well-being or the contrary so that any news you can tell me will be fresh.
We have spent this year in much happiness and are sorry to part with it. From the beginning of June to the end of September we had a house in Surrey, and enjoyed delicious quiet with daily walks and drives in the lovely scenery round Reigate and Dorking. October we spent in a country visit to friends and in a journey to Paris and through the Ardennes homeward, finishing off our travels by some excursions in our own country which we are ready to say we will never quit again -- it is so much better worth knowing than most places one travels abroad to see. Now we are settled for the winter in the old spot. It has been a joy to us lately that our good Charles (father of two children and wearing spectacles) has been promoted to be the head of a department in the Post Office -- a result of conscientious work and practical ability. 165
We make ourselves amends for being in London by going to museums to see the wonderful works of men, and the other day I was taken over the Bank of England and to Woolwich arsenal 166 -- getting object-lessons in my old age, you perceive.
Mr. Lewes is half through the proof-correcting of his second volume, and it will be matter of rejoicing when the other half is done, for we both hate proof-correcting (do you?) -- the writing always seems worse than it really is, when one reads it in patches, looking out for mistakes. This is the gossip of our lives, and now give me yours.
I hear from Madame Bodichon that Miss Julia Smith has been with her at Hastings for a short time. What a beautiful, gentle old lady she is! The last time I talked to her she expressed very strongly the pleasure she had had in your society.
We have not yet read Mill's book 167 which everybody is talking about, preferring to wait so as not to be tempted into joining in the too hasty judgments which are being passed. I don't know whether you are interested in his opinions.
Please tell Cara that I shall expect soon to receive the account for the printing of her book, which I hope has gone on without let or hindrance. And give my love to her, please, and my sympathy to Mr. Bray in that worrying trial of asthma.
You all enjoyed the Handel Music in the summer? -- And is the Sydenham house let again? I am so idle in correspondence myself that I don't deserve to have my questions answered, but please deal generously with me.
All possible comforts to you, dear Sara, would be among my first wishes if wishes would bring what I want.
Always your affectionate
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, III, 244-245.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
November 20. 74.
My dear Sara
How are you on this anniversary? 163 Without threat of troublesome winter cough, I trust -- though colds seem to be the common lot at this season -- and also with strength of body enough to enjoy the activity of your mind. I know you will let me have some news of you at this epoch, and please tell me about everything -- Harriet and all other persons and things that affect your comfort.
From Mrs. Call 164 I have heard of Mr. Bray's increasing trouble with his asthma and of his visit to Bournemouth, with the conclusion that home is the best place for him. But I have heard no other particulars about the family well-being or the contrary so that any news you can tell me will be fresh.
We have spent this year in much happiness and are sorry to part with it. From the beginning of June to the end of September we had a house in Surrey, and enjoyed delicious quiet with daily walks and drives in the lovely scenery round Reigate and Dorking. October we spent in a country visit to friends and in a journey to Paris and through the Ardennes homeward, finishing off our travels by some excursions in our own country which we are ready to say we will never quit again -- it is so much better worth knowing than most places one travels abroad to see. Now we are settled for the winter in the old spot. It has been a joy to us lately that our good Charles (father of two children and wearing spectacles) has been promoted to be the head of a department in the Post Office -- a result of conscientious work and practical ability. 165
We make ourselves amends for being in London by going to museums to see the wonderful works of men, and the other day I was taken over the Bank of England and to Woolwich arsenal 166 -- getting object-lessons in my old age, you perceive.
Mr. Lewes is half through the proof-correcting of his second volume, and it will be matter of rejoicing when the other half is done, for we both hate proof-correcting (do you?) -- the writing always seems worse than it really is, when one reads it in patches, looking out for mistakes. This is the gossip of our lives, and now give me yours.
I hear from Madame Bodichon that Miss Julia Smith has been with her at Hastings for a short time. What a beautiful, gentle old lady she is! The last time I talked to her she expressed very strongly the pleasure she had had in your society.
We have not yet read Mill's book 167 which everybody is talking about, preferring to wait so as not to be tempted into joining in the too hasty judgments which are being passed. I don't know whether you are interested in his opinions.
Please tell Cara that I shall expect soon to receive the account for the printing of her book, which I hope has gone on without let or hindrance. And give my love to her, please, and my sympathy to Mr. Bray in that worrying trial of asthma.
You all enjoyed the Handel Music in the summer? -- And is the Sydenham house let again? I am so idle in correspondence myself that I don't deserve to have my questions answered, but please deal generously with me.
All possible comforts to you, dear Sara, would be among my first wishes if wishes would bring what I want.
Always your affectionate
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 20 November 1874, 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/94018