GE to Eleanor Cross, Witley, [17 November 1880]
Title
GE to Eleanor Cross, Witley, [17 November 1880]
Title
GE to Eleanor Cross, Witley, [17 November 1880]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Eleanor Cross
Date(s)
- 1880-11-17
Place
Witley
Letter Content
GE to Eleanor Cross, Witley, [17 November 1880]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: Novr. '80. Hitherto unpublished.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
Wednesday.
Dearest Dove
What have you been thinking of me all these days that I have made no sign in return for all the kind trouble you have taken to equip me with undergarments? But I believe you are wont to "exercise your imagination in the service of charity," and perhaps you have imagined the true excuse for me. The fact is, Johnnie has been so weighted with details to be thought of each day, that he was only yesterday able to remember the parcel at the right moment, and you will understand that I waited to try on the [Divine Garment] -- the latest development of the nineteenth century -- before writing in answer to your dear note.
All is excellent in design. The only drawback to the chamois dress is that it is a little heavy for my weak shoulders, but as the weight is due to the skin, the disadvantage is not likely to be remediable. I feel myself very rich with these comforts that you have provided for me and am very grateful to you -- which is another sort of wealth.
Emily and Mr. Otter were so good as to come to see me when I was alone yesterday and I enjoyed their visit greatly. Today I am especially glad of the sunshine, for my poor Johnnie is gone to superintend the moving of the books, which is the most important part of the flitting.
I should have sent you a cheque for the two bills but that Johnnie recommended me to wait till we saw you, coin being the less troublesome form of a small sum. He has to go into the city tomorrow and Friday also, Mr. Benson having proposed a holiday for himself.
Best love to all and several from your affectionate
Sister.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: Novr. '80. Hitherto unpublished.
The Heights, Witley, | Nr. Godalming.
Wednesday.
Dearest Dove
What have you been thinking of me all these days that I have made no sign in return for all the kind trouble you have taken to equip me with undergarments? But I believe you are wont to "exercise your imagination in the service of charity," and perhaps you have imagined the true excuse for me. The fact is, Johnnie has been so weighted with details to be thought of each day, that he was only yesterday able to remember the parcel at the right moment, and you will understand that I waited to try on the [Divine Garment] -- the latest development of the nineteenth century -- before writing in answer to your dear note.
All is excellent in design. The only drawback to the chamois dress is that it is a little heavy for my weak shoulders, but as the weight is due to the skin, the disadvantage is not likely to be remediable. I feel myself very rich with these comforts that you have provided for me and am very grateful to you -- which is another sort of wealth.
Emily and Mr. Otter were so good as to come to see me when I was alone yesterday and I enjoyed their visit greatly. Today I am especially glad of the sunshine, for my poor Johnnie is gone to superintend the moving of the books, which is the most important part of the flitting.
I should have sent you a cheque for the two bills but that Johnnie recommended me to wait till we saw you, coin being the less troublesome form of a small sum. He has to go into the city tomorrow and Friday also, Mr. Benson having proposed a holiday for himself.
Best love to all and several from your affectionate
Sister.
Signature
Sister.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Eleanor Cross, Witley, [17 November 1880], 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/92287