Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones to GE, Whitby, 2 August [1870]
Title
Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones to GE, Whitby, 2 August [1870]
Title
Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones to GE, Whitby, 2 August [1870]
Sender
Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones
Recipient
George Eliot
Date(s)
- 1870-08-02
Place
Whitby
Letter Content
Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones to GE, Whitby, 2 August [1870]
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Haight, George Eliot, p. 429.
East Terrace. | Tuesday. | August 2nd.
Dearest Mrs. Lewes,
Don't laugh if I say that my impulse is to address you as "Honoured Madam" -- I wish you wouldn't think it ludicrous and would allow me to do so -- it so exactly says what I mean. I miss your kind selves very much -- and am only reconciled to your having gone by the hope that you will be the better for it. The mist has more than fulfilled your prediction, for here it is still, in spite of warmth and a ghastly effort at sunshine -- indeed I'm almost used to it now, and feel quite grateful if it rises for a few minutes so far as to give me a glimpse of the red roofs beyond the river -- I don't expect the church or Abbey. Do you think I shall get to like it?
I think much of you, and of your kindness to me during this past fortnight, and my heart smites me that I have somewhat resembled those friends who talk only of themselves to you. I thought so on Sunday evening, but would not do so embarrassing a thing as to fit on to my head a cap which I am sure your kindness did not mean for me, however I might see its suitability. Forgive me if it has been so, and reflect upon what a trap for egotism your unselfishness and tender thought for others is. The only atonement I can make is a resolve that what you have said to me in advice and warning shall not be lost. Give me also, please, a little credit for bashfulness before you, and a fear of appearing inquisitive, and then I think I need spend no more time in this looking back -- the balance of everything is that you have won my grateful affection, and I hope you will accept it.
There was mention of books which you would lend me -- Balzac, and some milk for babes, about great things, which you mentioned. Will it be too much to ask you to leave them for me at the Priory, that I may have them for the fetching? I have not ventured on a line of Faust by myself, and know well that I shall meet with no other helper and expounder of it like you -- but I think you have launched me safely into its spirit and atmosphere, and that is a great thing with regard to a great work. I might have been helped by some kind, prosaic friend to a literal, but comparatively dead translation, mightn't I? It is sad to think how the best things may be regarded, as our dear Dickens says "in a boney light." 918
I do hope you were neither of you quite knocked up with the long journey -- we followed you on it with our thoughts. And I trust you found Ben 919 well and happy, with a good account of how he has spent the quiet time your absence gave him? I suppose he will go with you into Surrey -- at least I hope so for his sake. The children are out or would join me in much love to you both. Please not to look on this as something which must be answered -- a line from you at your leisure is what I venture to hope for.
Believe me in truth, Your loving
Georgie.
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Haight, George Eliot, p. 429.
East Terrace. | Tuesday. | August 2nd.
Dearest Mrs. Lewes,
Don't laugh if I say that my impulse is to address you as "Honoured Madam" -- I wish you wouldn't think it ludicrous and would allow me to do so -- it so exactly says what I mean. I miss your kind selves very much -- and am only reconciled to your having gone by the hope that you will be the better for it. The mist has more than fulfilled your prediction, for here it is still, in spite of warmth and a ghastly effort at sunshine -- indeed I'm almost used to it now, and feel quite grateful if it rises for a few minutes so far as to give me a glimpse of the red roofs beyond the river -- I don't expect the church or Abbey. Do you think I shall get to like it?
I think much of you, and of your kindness to me during this past fortnight, and my heart smites me that I have somewhat resembled those friends who talk only of themselves to you. I thought so on Sunday evening, but would not do so embarrassing a thing as to fit on to my head a cap which I am sure your kindness did not mean for me, however I might see its suitability. Forgive me if it has been so, and reflect upon what a trap for egotism your unselfishness and tender thought for others is. The only atonement I can make is a resolve that what you have said to me in advice and warning shall not be lost. Give me also, please, a little credit for bashfulness before you, and a fear of appearing inquisitive, and then I think I need spend no more time in this looking back -- the balance of everything is that you have won my grateful affection, and I hope you will accept it.
There was mention of books which you would lend me -- Balzac, and some milk for babes, about great things, which you mentioned. Will it be too much to ask you to leave them for me at the Priory, that I may have them for the fetching? I have not ventured on a line of Faust by myself, and know well that I shall meet with no other helper and expounder of it like you -- but I think you have launched me safely into its spirit and atmosphere, and that is a great thing with regard to a great work. I might have been helped by some kind, prosaic friend to a literal, but comparatively dead translation, mightn't I? It is sad to think how the best things may be regarded, as our dear Dickens says "in a boney light." 918
I do hope you were neither of you quite knocked up with the long journey -- we followed you on it with our thoughts. And I trust you found Ben 919 well and happy, with a good account of how he has spent the quiet time your absence gave him? I suppose he will go with you into Surrey -- at least I hope so for his sake. The children are out or would join me in much love to you both. Please not to look on this as something which must be answered -- a line from you at your leisure is what I venture to hope for.
Believe me in truth, Your loving
Georgie.
Signature
Georgie.
Citation
Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones, Georgiana [Mrs. Edward] Burne-Jones to GE, Whitby, 2 August [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/95563