GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Wandsworth, [18 August 1860]
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Wandsworth, [18 August 1860]
Title
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Wandsworth, [18 August 1860]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon
Date(s)
- 1860-08-18
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Wandsworth, [18 August 1860]
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Extracts published: Cross, II, 268.
Holly Lodge | Saturday Evening.
Dear Barbara
I am thoroughly vexed that we didn't go to Lawrence's today. We made an effort. but it was raining too hard at the only time that would serve us to reach the train.
That comes of our inconvenient situation, so far off the railway; and alas, no one comes to take our house off our hands! We may be forced to stay here after all. A Mr. Barry, son of Sir Charles, 613 seemed inclined to take it, but appears to have been deterred by the distance.
Yet, I can't help being glad that you and the Doctor went in vain to Lawrence's today -- it is so sweet to know that there are loving souls in the world, who really rejoice in our joy. Tell the Doctor, his act of human fellowship was not thrown away, since we know of it and are gladdened by it.
I don't wonder at your yearning to get away from town. Our movements are all in obscurity. George must run down to Edinburgh for a few days by and by, to see about a family with whom we can place Thorney, the second boy, who is going to study at the High School there, under Dr. Schmitz. That is the only thing we are certain about at present.
One of the things I shall count upon if we are able to get nearer London is, to see more of your schools 614 and other good works. That would help me to do without the fields for many months in the year.
I am glad to hear that poor Bessie is going to have a holiday. Give my love to her. And will you tell your sister Nannie, when you see her, that I was relieved to have her note telling me of the arrival in due time at Hampstead, after our feminine failure to catch the train. She is very charming, to my mind -- so clear and direct, and so modest in her strength. I hope I shall know her better.
God bless you, dear Barbara, we both say -- and both add, affectionate remembrances to the Doctor.
Ever yours
Marian.
MS: Mr. Philip Leigh-Smith. Extracts published: Cross, II, 268.
Holly Lodge | Saturday Evening.
Dear Barbara
I am thoroughly vexed that we didn't go to Lawrence's today. We made an effort. but it was raining too hard at the only time that would serve us to reach the train.
That comes of our inconvenient situation, so far off the railway; and alas, no one comes to take our house off our hands! We may be forced to stay here after all. A Mr. Barry, son of Sir Charles, 613 seemed inclined to take it, but appears to have been deterred by the distance.
Yet, I can't help being glad that you and the Doctor went in vain to Lawrence's today -- it is so sweet to know that there are loving souls in the world, who really rejoice in our joy. Tell the Doctor, his act of human fellowship was not thrown away, since we know of it and are gladdened by it.
I don't wonder at your yearning to get away from town. Our movements are all in obscurity. George must run down to Edinburgh for a few days by and by, to see about a family with whom we can place Thorney, the second boy, who is going to study at the High School there, under Dr. Schmitz. That is the only thing we are certain about at present.
One of the things I shall count upon if we are able to get nearer London is, to see more of your schools 614 and other good works. That would help me to do without the fields for many months in the year.
I am glad to hear that poor Bessie is going to have a holiday. Give my love to her. And will you tell your sister Nannie, when you see her, that I was relieved to have her note telling me of the arrival in due time at Hampstead, after our feminine failure to catch the train. She is very charming, to my mind -- so clear and direct, and so modest in her strength. I hope I shall know her better.
God bless you, dear Barbara, we both say -- and both add, affectionate remembrances to the Doctor.
Ever yours
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Barbara [Mme Eugene] Bodichon, Wandsworth, [18 August 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/93086