GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 30 August 1869
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 30 August 1869
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 30 August 1869
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Date(s)
- 1869-08-30
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 30 August 1869
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library. Envelope: Madame Bodichon | 5 Blandford Square. Endorsed: Aug. 1869.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
August 30. 69.
Dearest Barbara
I think no one but you could be the kind donor of the beautiful flowers and the bulrushes which were addressed to Thornie the other day. I delighted in them, but Thornie seemed to be grateful for the kindness only and not for the material signs of it. He is fond of flowers in the field and on the mountains, and, you know, was a great collector of them, but he says they do not affect him agreeably in a room. Du reste, he is strangly indifferent about everything now, in contrast with his former vivacity. I tell you the truth about the flowers, because I value the time and trouble and pretty thoughts you give to such efforts for others' pleasure, far too highly to be willing that you should bestow them -- if not in vain, at least with rather a different result from the one you contemplated.
Physically, Thornie has gone on suffering less and less pain, and acquiring comparatively good looks in the face. He moves himself better in the bed, but he has not quite recovered the power of standing, &unknown;still less&unknown; not to speak of walking. Usually he has ceased to care about conversation, unless it is with some male friend who is a rare or a new visitor. He eats fruit, and drinks milk chiefly, and seems to flourish on this diet.
I hope you are still thoroughly enjoying your country life. I am rather hungry to have a word from you that will give me some assurance of your being well and happy.
Ever your loving
Marian.
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library. Envelope: Madame Bodichon | 5 Blandford Square. Endorsed: Aug. 1869.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
August 30. 69.
Dearest Barbara
I think no one but you could be the kind donor of the beautiful flowers and the bulrushes which were addressed to Thornie the other day. I delighted in them, but Thornie seemed to be grateful for the kindness only and not for the material signs of it. He is fond of flowers in the field and on the mountains, and, you know, was a great collector of them, but he says they do not affect him agreeably in a room. Du reste, he is strangly indifferent about everything now, in contrast with his former vivacity. I tell you the truth about the flowers, because I value the time and trouble and pretty thoughts you give to such efforts for others' pleasure, far too highly to be willing that you should bestow them -- if not in vain, at least with rather a different result from the one you contemplated.
Physically, Thornie has gone on suffering less and less pain, and acquiring comparatively good looks in the face. He moves himself better in the bed, but he has not quite recovered the power of standing, &unknown;still less&unknown; not to speak of walking. Usually he has ceased to care about conversation, unless it is with some male friend who is a rare or a new visitor. He eats fruit, and drinks milk chiefly, and seems to flourish on this diet.
I hope you are still thoroughly enjoying your country life. I am rather hungry to have a word from you that will give me some assurance of your being well and happy.
Ever your loving
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, London, 30 August 1869, 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/93058