GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 21 December [1865]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 21 December [1865]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 21 December [1865]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1865-12-21
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 21 December [1865]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: 65. Extract published: Cross, II, 414-415.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
December 21.
Dear Sara
I have mentioned your question to George. He desires me to say that the Fortnightly does make a rule of returning MSS., but that it is too full at present for any probability that the article in question would be accepted.
I am heartily grieved to hear of Mrs. J. Cash's sad condition. I fear, from your account, that the disease must cause her much bodily suffering. And then there is the wife's and the mother's anguish at the prospect of leaving her place empty. 394
"A merry Christmas and a happy New Year" is a sort of hieroglyph for I love you and wish you well all the year round. Christmas to me is like a great many other pleasures which I am glad to imagine as enjoyed by others, but have no delight in, myself. Berried holly, and smiling faces, and snapdragon -- grandmamma and the children -- turkey and plum-pudding -- they are all precious things, and I would not have the world without them. But they tire me a little. I enjoy the common days of the year more. But for the sake of those who are stronger, I rejoice in Christmas.
Ever your,
Pollian.
You don't speak of Mr. Bray's teeth, so I hope he is easy now. Love -- and "the compliments of the coming season" to him and Cara.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: 65. Extract published: Cross, II, 414-415.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
December 21.
Dear Sara
I have mentioned your question to George. He desires me to say that the Fortnightly does make a rule of returning MSS., but that it is too full at present for any probability that the article in question would be accepted.
I am heartily grieved to hear of Mrs. J. Cash's sad condition. I fear, from your account, that the disease must cause her much bodily suffering. And then there is the wife's and the mother's anguish at the prospect of leaving her place empty. 394
"A merry Christmas and a happy New Year" is a sort of hieroglyph for I love you and wish you well all the year round. Christmas to me is like a great many other pleasures which I am glad to imagine as enjoyed by others, but have no delight in, myself. Berried holly, and smiling faces, and snapdragon -- grandmamma and the children -- turkey and plum-pudding -- they are all precious things, and I would not have the world without them. But they tire me a little. I enjoy the common days of the year more. But for the sake of those who are stronger, I rejoice in Christmas.
Ever your,
Pollian.
You don't speak of Mr. Bray's teeth, so I hope he is easy now. Love -- and "the compliments of the coming season" to him and Cara.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 21 December [1865], 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/94020