GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 29 September 1866
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 29 September 1866
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 29 September 1866
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1866-09-29
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 29 September 1866
MS: Yale. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 29. 66.
Dear Sara
Your words of kind feeling for us all were very sweet. The trial is all the greater to poor Gertrude because she had looked forward to her maternity with more than the usual share of serious joy, and she was so well and vigorous to the last moment beforehand, that we were all full of hope. The little one was a fine child, too, and died only from an accident during its birth. 536 We reckon it a great alleviation for Gertrude that she never even heard it cry. She is so precious to us that all regret seems merged in relief at the promise of her speedy recovery. Sometimes it requires an effort to feel affectionately towards those who are bound to us by ties of family, but it is as easy to me to love Gertrude as it is to love the clear air.
You write as if you were rather depressed, dear Sara. Is it not the weather, which affects everybody, and is really a cause of melancholy in its far-off as well as immediate results? I have often wondered whether you had lately seen Harriet and am glad to know that you are at ease about her.
Alas -- for the empty houses! Best love to Cara -- I wish such a true message were of any use to her. You see, I have disobeyed you about writing -- obeyed rather my own impulse which is always that of answering whenever I can.
Yours lovingly
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 29. 66.
Dear Sara
Your words of kind feeling for us all were very sweet. The trial is all the greater to poor Gertrude because she had looked forward to her maternity with more than the usual share of serious joy, and she was so well and vigorous to the last moment beforehand, that we were all full of hope. The little one was a fine child, too, and died only from an accident during its birth. 536 We reckon it a great alleviation for Gertrude that she never even heard it cry. She is so precious to us that all regret seems merged in relief at the promise of her speedy recovery. Sometimes it requires an effort to feel affectionately towards those who are bound to us by ties of family, but it is as easy to me to love Gertrude as it is to love the clear air.
You write as if you were rather depressed, dear Sara. Is it not the weather, which affects everybody, and is really a cause of melancholy in its far-off as well as immediate results? I have often wondered whether you had lately seen Harriet and am glad to know that you are at ease about her.
Alas -- for the empty houses! Best love to Cara -- I wish such a true message were of any use to her. You see, I have disobeyed you about writing -- obeyed rather my own impulse which is always that of answering whenever I can.
Yours lovingly
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 29 September 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/94045