GHL to Robert Lytton, Harrogate, 5 July [1870]
Title
GHL to Robert Lytton, Harrogate, 5 July [1870]
Title
GHL to Robert Lytton, Harrogate, 5 July [1870]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Robert Lyt
Date(s)
- 1870-07-05
Place
Harrogate
Letter Content
GHL to Robert Lytton, Harrogate, 5 July [1870]
MS: Lady Hermione Cobbold.
7 Brunswick Terrace, | Harrogate | Tuesday 5 July.
My dear Lytton
It is only your affectionate and grateful nature that could conceive a debt of thanks for the very very small efforts I have yet been able to make for you. Would they had been greater and more successful!
Macmillan was in my eye in case you should not come to terms with Smith. But the matter is so far propounded to Smith that on this ground, as well as on others, I think he ought to have the first refusal. Were I in town I would see him about it; but if Forster could do so he would be even more influential with Smith; and should Smith object to the terms (which I do not think -- having an eye to Cornhill publication) then Macmillan might fairly be approached. You will understand that in no sense are you bound to make any mention of the subject to Smith. I kept you entirely out of the matter, acting as if only on my own wish to bring you both together in business relations. Still if you did not offer him the book there would be so much of an implied slight. I think you would like to have him to deal with; and moreover if he does not come to terms you have done all "that could be expected." I don't think better terms could be got -- the volume being necessarily a small one and it would take 5,000 to pay, were there no publication in magazine.
I am sorry to hear of Forster's health, and the unfortunate accident. At such a time too!
Cromer did me no good, so we came here in the hopes of the bracing air (quite Bergluft) and the chalybeate water giving some strength to this much needing party. My pulse is better and my appetite begins to show more vigour, but I can't read long and writing is so entirely out of the question that I don't even write notes unless forced. Mrs. Lewes will now write to Mrs. Lytton, to whom give my love. We shall remain here some days yet.
Ever yours faithfully,
G. H. Lewes.
MS: Lady Hermione Cobbold.
7 Brunswick Terrace, | Harrogate | Tuesday 5 July.
My dear Lytton
It is only your affectionate and grateful nature that could conceive a debt of thanks for the very very small efforts I have yet been able to make for you. Would they had been greater and more successful!
Macmillan was in my eye in case you should not come to terms with Smith. But the matter is so far propounded to Smith that on this ground, as well as on others, I think he ought to have the first refusal. Were I in town I would see him about it; but if Forster could do so he would be even more influential with Smith; and should Smith object to the terms (which I do not think -- having an eye to Cornhill publication) then Macmillan might fairly be approached. You will understand that in no sense are you bound to make any mention of the subject to Smith. I kept you entirely out of the matter, acting as if only on my own wish to bring you both together in business relations. Still if you did not offer him the book there would be so much of an implied slight. I think you would like to have him to deal with; and moreover if he does not come to terms you have done all "that could be expected." I don't think better terms could be got -- the volume being necessarily a small one and it would take 5,000 to pay, were there no publication in magazine.
I am sorry to hear of Forster's health, and the unfortunate accident. At such a time too!
Cromer did me no good, so we came here in the hopes of the bracing air (quite Bergluft) and the chalybeate water giving some strength to this much needing party. My pulse is better and my appetite begins to show more vigour, but I can't read long and writing is so entirely out of the question that I don't even write notes unless forced. Mrs. Lewes will now write to Mrs. Lytton, to whom give my love. We shall remain here some days yet.
Ever yours faithfully,
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Robert Lytton, Harrogate, 5 July [1870], 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/94997