Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon to GE, [London, 28 June 1859]
Title
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon to GE, [London, 28 June 1859]
Title
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon to GE, [London, 28 June 1859]
Sender
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Recipient
George Eliot
Date(s)
- 1859-06-28
Place
London
Letter Content
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon to GE, [London, 28 June 1859]
MS: Tinker Collection, Yale. Hitherto unpublished.
My dear Marian --
I am going to tell you exactly what I heard from Mrs. O. Jones last night as it may be of some use to you. 186
They both (the OJ's) attacked me as knowing all about it. I talked that off and then asked for their evidence that it was you -- I having strong testimony it was a man from Ld B. etc. etc. I asked "How did Mr. Pigot know." Answer through H. Spencer who said he knew the authoress and had seen her lately -- etc. Also Mr. P. knew Mrs. Lewes was at work on a novel for a long time. Also the Lewes style of living was changed. Also Mr. Lewes talked long ago of Clerical Scenes and Mr. OJ said his eyes kindled at any praises of A.B. or C. Scenes. Mrs. OJ said also that there is a reason for secrecy great enough to explain the obstinate mystery, for the book could not have succeeded if it had been known as hers; every newspaper critic would have written against it (!!!) Evidently they think when it is know[n] the book will be differently judged.
They assured me all the literary men were certain it was Marian Lewes: 'abthat they should not assert it before they were told by Mr. Lewes but'bb that they did not much like saying so because it would do so much harm, but Mr. OJ seemed to have no doubt.
From their way of talking it was evident they thought you would do the book more harm than the book do you good in public opinion.
I tried to make Mrs. OJ say she would like to know you (not that you would like to know her) but she seemed to feel fear! I do not think she would call even if she knew you were George Eliot. I said a great deal about my pleasant visits. I was trying experiments on her for my own satisfaction not on your account at all. Oh Marian, Marian, what cowards people are!
I want to tell my Aunt Julia 187 as soon as I may for the satisfaction of seeing the 1st emotions. I shall be sorry if she hears it from any one but me. I want to say, "Are you sorry or glad" and to see what is really her feeling.
Almost all women are jealous of you. From this feeling I fear a 'abhowl'bb yell mixed with the men's hypocritical howl.
Yours affectionately
B. L. S. B.
MS: Tinker Collection, Yale. Hitherto unpublished.
My dear Marian --
I am going to tell you exactly what I heard from Mrs. O. Jones last night as it may be of some use to you. 186
They both (the OJ's) attacked me as knowing all about it. I talked that off and then asked for their evidence that it was you -- I having strong testimony it was a man from Ld B. etc. etc. I asked "How did Mr. Pigot know." Answer through H. Spencer who said he knew the authoress and had seen her lately -- etc. Also Mr. P. knew Mrs. Lewes was at work on a novel for a long time. Also the Lewes style of living was changed. Also Mr. Lewes talked long ago of Clerical Scenes and Mr. OJ said his eyes kindled at any praises of A.B. or C. Scenes. Mrs. OJ said also that there is a reason for secrecy great enough to explain the obstinate mystery, for the book could not have succeeded if it had been known as hers; every newspaper critic would have written against it (!!!) Evidently they think when it is know[n] the book will be differently judged.
They assured me all the literary men were certain it was Marian Lewes: 'abthat they should not assert it before they were told by Mr. Lewes but'bb that they did not much like saying so because it would do so much harm, but Mr. OJ seemed to have no doubt.
From their way of talking it was evident they thought you would do the book more harm than the book do you good in public opinion.
I tried to make Mrs. OJ say she would like to know you (not that you would like to know her) but she seemed to feel fear! I do not think she would call even if she knew you were George Eliot. I said a great deal about my pleasant visits. I was trying experiments on her for my own satisfaction not on your account at all. Oh Marian, Marian, what cowards people are!
I want to tell my Aunt Julia 187 as soon as I may for the satisfaction of seeing the 1st emotions. I shall be sorry if she hears it from any one but me. I want to say, "Are you sorry or glad" and to see what is really her feeling.
Almost all women are jealous of you. From this feeling I fear a 'abhowl'bb yell mixed with the men's hypocritical howl.
Yours affectionately
B. L. S. B.
Signature
B. L. S. B.
Citation
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon to GE, [London, 28 June 1859], 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/95537