GE to Annie Leigh Smith, [Wandsworth, 8? July 1859]
Title
GE to Annie Leigh Smith, [Wandsworth, 8? July 1859]
Title
GE to Annie Leigh Smith, [Wandsworth, 8? July 1859]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Annie Leigh Smith
Date(s)
- 1859-07-08
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GE to Annie Leigh Smith, [Wandsworth, 8? July 1859]
Text: Copy owned by Mr. Douglas C. Ewing.
My dear Miss S
You are the first person in the world, the world as distinguished among my very few intimates, who has said to me -- "I am more glad of Adam Bede because it is yours." I tell you that because there are moments in all our lives when we find it a comfort to remember the instances in which we have been able to help another by word or deed. And when such moments come upon you, remember this act of yours in writing me that kind letter at the right season.
And now the picture 462 is come -- a charming bit of color for my eye to rest on in the pauses of my writing. I wanted something pretty before me very much, and now I have it.
The picture too turns out to have a symbolism perfectly fitted for my case, for after it came yesterday I had reason to foresee the great need I should have of the Princess Parizade's 463 cotton wool in my ears, lest certain noises should distract me from going steadily along my way. It is a beautiful story and you could not have given me a happier suggestion. I thank you. You will always be gratefully remembered by
[signature lacking.]
Text: Copy owned by Mr. Douglas C. Ewing.
My dear Miss S
You are the first person in the world, the world as distinguished among my very few intimates, who has said to me -- "I am more glad of Adam Bede because it is yours." I tell you that because there are moments in all our lives when we find it a comfort to remember the instances in which we have been able to help another by word or deed. And when such moments come upon you, remember this act of yours in writing me that kind letter at the right season.
And now the picture 462 is come -- a charming bit of color for my eye to rest on in the pauses of my writing. I wanted something pretty before me very much, and now I have it.
The picture too turns out to have a symbolism perfectly fitted for my case, for after it came yesterday I had reason to foresee the great need I should have of the Princess Parizade's 463 cotton wool in my ears, lest certain noises should distract me from going steadily along my way. It is a beautiful story and you could not have given me a happier suggestion. I thank you. You will always be gratefully remembered by
[signature lacking.]
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Annie Leigh Smith, [Wandsworth, 8? July 1859], Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92018