GHL to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, [26 August 1878]
Title
GHL to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, [26 August 1878]
Title
GHL to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, [26 August 1878]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Charles Lee Lewes
Date(s)
- 1878-08-26
Place
Witley
Letter Content
GHL to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, [26 August 1878]
MS: Mrs. Carrington Ouvry. Endorsed: Aug. 1878. Extracts published: Paterson, pp. 171-172.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
Dearest Charles
I was not sure where a letter would reach you until you got to Hofwyl, and I didn't send one there, because I wanted to let you know about the Trollope visit which only finished on the 23rd and that would have been too late; so I send this to greet your return home.
Your holiday I hope turned out more successful in its later stages -- meeting one's friends abroad is not the best of relaxations. But pension at 4.70!
Our even tenor has been varied with headaches and cramps, but with few visitors. Johnnie and Mary Cross, Edith Simcox, the Roundells, Dr. and Mrs. Congreve have paid visits of a few hours, 130 Tom Trollope and his wife a visit of two days. This last was exciting and fatiguing but extremely pleasant. We had not seen them since 69. We took them walks -- to the King Edward's school -- and to Tennyson's. The poet read two new poems; and as the Trollopes had never seen the poet before the visit was a great treat to them. The Du Mauriers came that evening to dinner, which went off very pleasantly, D.M. making himself extremely agreeable, singing and telling stories till 11 at night.
Only Tennyson and Mrs. Greville, among our neighbours, have been seen by us this time. They have all learned that we desire retirement, and respect it. The other day Tennyson was to read to the Mutter and me his new play (for which I am responsible in so far that he had relinquished the subject in despair until my encouragement of his dramatic power made him take it once more in hand) -- but when the day arrived she was in bed with sick headache so I had to go alone.
We nearly lost our coachman the other day. He was writing a letter at dinner, and swallowed a mutton bone which stuck in his throat. It was forced down by the surgeon but tore the lining of his throat and made his state ticklish for a day or two. However I hope he is now in a fair way. 131
When your removal has been accomplished I suppose we shall see you here. You must select your own time. When ever it will suit you and G. best, we shall be ready -- only let us know before hand in case of some engagement. Our love to Gertrude
Ever your loving
Pater.
MS: Mrs. Carrington Ouvry. Endorsed: Aug. 1878. Extracts published: Paterson, pp. 171-172.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
Dearest Charles
I was not sure where a letter would reach you until you got to Hofwyl, and I didn't send one there, because I wanted to let you know about the Trollope visit which only finished on the 23rd and that would have been too late; so I send this to greet your return home.
Your holiday I hope turned out more successful in its later stages -- meeting one's friends abroad is not the best of relaxations. But pension at 4.70!
Our even tenor has been varied with headaches and cramps, but with few visitors. Johnnie and Mary Cross, Edith Simcox, the Roundells, Dr. and Mrs. Congreve have paid visits of a few hours, 130 Tom Trollope and his wife a visit of two days. This last was exciting and fatiguing but extremely pleasant. We had not seen them since 69. We took them walks -- to the King Edward's school -- and to Tennyson's. The poet read two new poems; and as the Trollopes had never seen the poet before the visit was a great treat to them. The Du Mauriers came that evening to dinner, which went off very pleasantly, D.M. making himself extremely agreeable, singing and telling stories till 11 at night.
Only Tennyson and Mrs. Greville, among our neighbours, have been seen by us this time. They have all learned that we desire retirement, and respect it. The other day Tennyson was to read to the Mutter and me his new play (for which I am responsible in so far that he had relinquished the subject in despair until my encouragement of his dramatic power made him take it once more in hand) -- but when the day arrived she was in bed with sick headache so I had to go alone.
We nearly lost our coachman the other day. He was writing a letter at dinner, and swallowed a mutton bone which stuck in his throat. It was forced down by the surgeon but tore the lining of his throat and made his state ticklish for a day or two. However I hope he is now in a fair way. 131
When your removal has been accomplished I suppose we shall see you here. You must select your own time. When ever it will suit you and G. best, we shall be ready -- only let us know before hand in case of some engagement. Our love to Gertrude
Ever your loving
Pater.
Signature
Pater.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Charles Lee Lewes, Witley, [26 August 1878], 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/94481