GE to Charles Bray, Wandsworth, 18 July 1860
Title
GE to Charles Bray, Wandsworth, 18 July 1860
Title
GE to Charles Bray, Wandsworth, 18 July 1860
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Charles Bray
Date(s)
- 1860-07-18
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GE to Charles Bray, Wandsworth, 18 July 1860
MS: Yale. Extract published: Cross, II, 267.
Holly Lodge | July 18. 60.
Dear Friend
Your letter of this morning has interested me painfully, making more distinct to me the causes of anxiety which have been pressing on you during these last months. But I don't write now for the sake of saying sentimental phrases. In practical matters, the only thing for friends to do is, either to help, or else clearly to define the impossibility of help.
First, about the investment. I know no capitalist to whom I could mention it, so that the question confines itself to my personal circumstances. At present I have no money that I could invest, the sums which I am to receive for my last work not being yet due. But I have a small sum in the Bank of Deposit, which we keep there to supply extra calls, and from this I could manage, on due notice, to lend you £100, if that would fill up any temporary deficit caused by this payment for libel. I am sure you will not think me too plain and blunt in mentioning this possibility of small help, just by way of saving time or doubt, in case circumstances should happen to make it useful.
We are quite uncertain about our plans at present. Our second boy, Thornie, is going to leave Hofwyl and to be placed in some more expensive position in order to the carrying on of his education in a more complete way, so that we are thinking of avoiding for the present any final establishment of ourselves, which would necessarily be attended with additional outlay. Besides, these material cares draw rather too severely on my strength and spirits. But until Charley's career has taken shape, we frame no definite projects.
Ever your affectionate Friend,
Marian.
MS: Yale. Extract published: Cross, II, 267.
Holly Lodge | July 18. 60.
Dear Friend
Your letter of this morning has interested me painfully, making more distinct to me the causes of anxiety which have been pressing on you during these last months. But I don't write now for the sake of saying sentimental phrases. In practical matters, the only thing for friends to do is, either to help, or else clearly to define the impossibility of help.
First, about the investment. I know no capitalist to whom I could mention it, so that the question confines itself to my personal circumstances. At present I have no money that I could invest, the sums which I am to receive for my last work not being yet due. But I have a small sum in the Bank of Deposit, which we keep there to supply extra calls, and from this I could manage, on due notice, to lend you £100, if that would fill up any temporary deficit caused by this payment for libel. I am sure you will not think me too plain and blunt in mentioning this possibility of small help, just by way of saving time or doubt, in case circumstances should happen to make it useful.
We are quite uncertain about our plans at present. Our second boy, Thornie, is going to leave Hofwyl and to be placed in some more expensive position in order to the carrying on of his education in a more complete way, so that we are thinking of avoiding for the present any final establishment of ourselves, which would necessarily be attended with additional outlay. Besides, these material cares draw rather too severely on my strength and spirits. But until Charley's career has taken shape, we frame no definite projects.
Ever your affectionate Friend,
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Charles Bray, Wandsworth, 18 July 1860, 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/92184