GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Dresden, 23 August 1867
Title
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Dresden, 23 August 1867
Title
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Dresden, 23 August 1867
Sender
George Henry Lewes (and George Eliot)
Recipient
Charles Lee Lewes
Date(s)
- 1867-08-23
Place
Dresden
Letter Content
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Dresden, 23 August 1867
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Paterson, pp. 131-133.
Waisenhaus Gasse, Dresden
August 1867.
Dearest Boy
Your letter which awaited us here was eminently acceptable in its pleasant news -- that about Hardy 669 being foremost, as you may imagine.
My previsions about Ilmenau were most charmingly falsified, and instead of staying only one week we stayed two, and left it with many regrets, not having half exhausted the matchless walks through the pine forests, on every side. The weather was continuously lovely, not too hot, the sun being tempered by the delicious mountain air in which I spent the greater part of the day, greatly to my benefit. I soon lost all my unpleasant symptoms, and felt stronger than I have felt since Spain. Our daily programme was this: At 6.30 we rose; after breakfast the little Mutter retired to her room where she sat reading and writing till 12. I meanwhile sauntered in the woods or climbed one of the heights, taking my note book with me to jot down any thoughts (not many) that might occur. Then I came back and fetched Mutter for our warm bath -- after which a stroll and at 1.15 table d'h'f4te (we found one trial of having our dinner sent to us enough). This lasted till 'bd past 2 in a low, hot, crowded room, noisy with noisy Germans of a small shopkeeping class. But the food was excellent, and the length of time over dinner was good for digestion so that consoled us for the weariness. Then we walked back to our lodging and had coffee and after my cigar (sometimes followed by a nap) the Mutter read aloud till 5 when we started for our evening walk, always beautiful but sometimes very fatiguing. We usually got back by 8 -- then supper at the hotel -- trout or venison every day and light Rhenish wine. Then a cigarette while the Mutter read the Pall Mall aloud and bed soon after 9.
We left Ilmenau on Tuesday -- the hottest day yet -- and came on at once to Dresden, where to my disgust I find it exceedingly difficult to get lodgings for so short a time as a month. I spent two whole mornings in hot and wearisome search, and although we at last lighted on the very thing we desired, it is still somewhat uncertain whether we shall be able to get into them before Tuesday (NB address as above) and the hotel though comfortable is in so noisy a situation that sleep is difficult, and unless the windows are closed we can't hear each other speak. We have twice been to the Br'fchlsche Terrace where the evening open air concerts remind us of old days; and this evening we were to have gone to the opera to see Wagner's Fliegende Holl'e4nder but unfortunately it is postponed. I shall write more details in my next. The Mutter wishes to add a word so I leave her space. Love to all
From your loving
Pater.
P.S. Just learned that we can get into our lodgings in the Waisenhaus Gasse No. 5.B. on Monday next. A most charming first floor all to ourselves!
[In GE's hand]
Dearest Boy
I must break my usual silence to tell you of my hearty joy and sympathy in your joy at Hardy's recognition of your efforts. I like the news better than any other you could have sent us about yourself, for I am chiefly ambitious for you that you should make yourself felt as valuable in your business -- after that, in any other good work. But John Mill's Logic would not have been an excuse for his doing his work at the India House badly.
Little Pater looks gloriously well, and has enjoyed our travel greatly. Give my best love to all your three guardian angels. You have more than your share. Also to Aunt Susanna when you see her, with congratulations on her having got through the horrors of removal. Always your
Mutter.
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Paterson, pp. 131-133.
Waisenhaus Gasse, Dresden
August 1867.
Dearest Boy
Your letter which awaited us here was eminently acceptable in its pleasant news -- that about Hardy 669 being foremost, as you may imagine.
My previsions about Ilmenau were most charmingly falsified, and instead of staying only one week we stayed two, and left it with many regrets, not having half exhausted the matchless walks through the pine forests, on every side. The weather was continuously lovely, not too hot, the sun being tempered by the delicious mountain air in which I spent the greater part of the day, greatly to my benefit. I soon lost all my unpleasant symptoms, and felt stronger than I have felt since Spain. Our daily programme was this: At 6.30 we rose; after breakfast the little Mutter retired to her room where she sat reading and writing till 12. I meanwhile sauntered in the woods or climbed one of the heights, taking my note book with me to jot down any thoughts (not many) that might occur. Then I came back and fetched Mutter for our warm bath -- after which a stroll and at 1.15 table d'h'f4te (we found one trial of having our dinner sent to us enough). This lasted till 'bd past 2 in a low, hot, crowded room, noisy with noisy Germans of a small shopkeeping class. But the food was excellent, and the length of time over dinner was good for digestion so that consoled us for the weariness. Then we walked back to our lodging and had coffee and after my cigar (sometimes followed by a nap) the Mutter read aloud till 5 when we started for our evening walk, always beautiful but sometimes very fatiguing. We usually got back by 8 -- then supper at the hotel -- trout or venison every day and light Rhenish wine. Then a cigarette while the Mutter read the Pall Mall aloud and bed soon after 9.
We left Ilmenau on Tuesday -- the hottest day yet -- and came on at once to Dresden, where to my disgust I find it exceedingly difficult to get lodgings for so short a time as a month. I spent two whole mornings in hot and wearisome search, and although we at last lighted on the very thing we desired, it is still somewhat uncertain whether we shall be able to get into them before Tuesday (NB address as above) and the hotel though comfortable is in so noisy a situation that sleep is difficult, and unless the windows are closed we can't hear each other speak. We have twice been to the Br'fchlsche Terrace where the evening open air concerts remind us of old days; and this evening we were to have gone to the opera to see Wagner's Fliegende Holl'e4nder but unfortunately it is postponed. I shall write more details in my next. The Mutter wishes to add a word so I leave her space. Love to all
From your loving
Pater.
P.S. Just learned that we can get into our lodgings in the Waisenhaus Gasse No. 5.B. on Monday next. A most charming first floor all to ourselves!
[In GE's hand]
Dearest Boy
I must break my usual silence to tell you of my hearty joy and sympathy in your joy at Hardy's recognition of your efforts. I like the news better than any other you could have sent us about yourself, for I am chiefly ambitious for you that you should make yourself felt as valuable in your business -- after that, in any other good work. But John Mill's Logic would not have been an excuse for his doing his work at the India House badly.
Little Pater looks gloriously well, and has enjoyed our travel greatly. Give my best love to all your three guardian angels. You have more than your share. Also to Aunt Susanna when you see her, with congratulations on her having got through the horrors of removal. Always your
Mutter.
Signature
Pater.
Citation
George Henry Lewes (and George Eliot), GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Dresden, 23 August 1867, 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/94259