GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Redhill, 4 June 1872
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Redhill, 4 June 1872
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Redhill, 4 June 1872
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Date(s)
- 1872-06-04
Place
Redhill
Letter Content
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Redhill, 4 June 1872
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Extracts published: Cross, III, 158-159.
June 4. 72.
My dear Barbara
I am glad to know that you are having a time of refreshing in fine scenery, with entire freedom to paint. I am in a corresponding state of relief from the noises and small excitements that break up the day and scatter one's nervous energy in London.
We have been in our hiding place about twelve days now, 527 and I am enjoying it more and more -- getting more bodily ease and mental clearness than I have had for the last six months. Unhappily George is rather ailing, having slipped back a few degrees in the hurry and fatigue of book-packing etc. on our migration.
Our house is not in the least beautiful, but it is well-situated and comfortable, perfectly still in the middle of a garden surrounded by fields and meadows, and yet within reach of shops and "civilization."
We managed to get to the Academy Exhibition one day before leaving town. 528 I was delighted with Walker's picture -- were you? -- and Mason's unfinished Reapers, and a few, very few, others. Also, we went twice to the opera 529 in order to save ourselves from any yearnings after it when we should have settled in the country. We have taken our house only till the end of August, and have the option of quitting it at the end of July.
George, being a little heady, and unable to occupy his mornings with writing, is going tomorrow to see the aquarium at the Crystal Palace of which one sees such beautiful accounts.
We tell no one our address and have our letters sent on from the Priory. I have no other news to tell you. But I must say that it vexed me to miss having you with us to lunch that day when you could have come. We went to rather a grand luncheon 530 which was not a great delight to me -- and it is always something pleasanter than that to see you.
Your affectionate
Marian.
G. sends his love. When you see Julia Wedgwood do remember, if you can, to tell her that I thought of her much before leaving, but abstained from writing notes as a necessary part of hygiene.
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Extracts published: Cross, III, 158-159.
June 4. 72.
My dear Barbara
I am glad to know that you are having a time of refreshing in fine scenery, with entire freedom to paint. I am in a corresponding state of relief from the noises and small excitements that break up the day and scatter one's nervous energy in London.
We have been in our hiding place about twelve days now, 527 and I am enjoying it more and more -- getting more bodily ease and mental clearness than I have had for the last six months. Unhappily George is rather ailing, having slipped back a few degrees in the hurry and fatigue of book-packing etc. on our migration.
Our house is not in the least beautiful, but it is well-situated and comfortable, perfectly still in the middle of a garden surrounded by fields and meadows, and yet within reach of shops and "civilization."
We managed to get to the Academy Exhibition one day before leaving town. 528 I was delighted with Walker's picture -- were you? -- and Mason's unfinished Reapers, and a few, very few, others. Also, we went twice to the opera 529 in order to save ourselves from any yearnings after it when we should have settled in the country. We have taken our house only till the end of August, and have the option of quitting it at the end of July.
George, being a little heady, and unable to occupy his mornings with writing, is going tomorrow to see the aquarium at the Crystal Palace of which one sees such beautiful accounts.
We tell no one our address and have our letters sent on from the Priory. I have no other news to tell you. But I must say that it vexed me to miss having you with us to lunch that day when you could have come. We went to rather a grand luncheon 530 which was not a great delight to me -- and it is always something pleasanter than that to see you.
Your affectionate
Marian.
G. sends his love. When you see Julia Wedgwood do remember, if you can, to tell her that I thought of her much before leaving, but abstained from writing notes as a necessary part of hygiene.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Redhill, 4 June 1872, 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/93075