GE to Mme Francois D'albert-Durade, Wandsworth, 3 July 1860
Title
GE to Mme Francois D'albert-Durade, Wandsworth, 3 July 1860
Title
GE to Mme Francois D'albert-Durade, Wandsworth, 3 July 1860
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Mme Francois D'albert-Durade
Date(s)
- 1860-07-03
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GE to Mme Francois D'albert-Durade, Wandsworth, 3 July 1860
Text: Cross, New Edition, pp. 317-318.
Here, then, is the lock of hair which, now it is severed from its companions, may be mistaken for a lock from some youthful head, full of brightest hopes. 574 My hopes, you know, were never very bright, even in my youthful days, and it was always my fears that painted my future for me. That has, at least, saved me from some disappointment and has brought me some unexpected joys in life. For instance, I had never ventured to hope that you would bear me so tenderly in your mind through long years, and gladden my heart by such strong sympathy as your eyes and voice assured me of during our short stay with you.
Very few things have happened to me, apart from my domestic life, that have cheered me more than the feeling that you and M. D'Albert are woven into my outward practical existence, no longer as mere memories, however cherished, but as actual breathing friends, ready to share my thoughts and help me with your encouraging words. I will say nothing to you on the subject of Mr Lewes's letter to M. D'Albert, 575 because I am sure you know all the feeling that is implied in the wish he has expressed on behalf of us both. I am rather weighed down with anxiety now, dear Maman, and find life, even in the middle of my many blessings, still a difficult and sometimes a toilsome journey. I have always to struggle against a selfish longing for repose.
You will write to me, I know, and tell me now and then how it fares with you. 576 It is doubly pleasant to read details about a friend's life, when we know just how she looks, and where she sits through long, quiet days.
I fear I gave very feeble signs of the gratitude I felt towards you for your affectionate reception of me and mine, and all the delicate attentions you showed us. All speech was difficult to me just then, and especially on matters of feeling. Nevertheless, I have confidence that you interpreted me more kindly than any even of my unexpressed feelings deserved, and that you believe in me as your always true and grateful friend.
Text: Cross, New Edition, pp. 317-318.
Here, then, is the lock of hair which, now it is severed from its companions, may be mistaken for a lock from some youthful head, full of brightest hopes. 574 My hopes, you know, were never very bright, even in my youthful days, and it was always my fears that painted my future for me. That has, at least, saved me from some disappointment and has brought me some unexpected joys in life. For instance, I had never ventured to hope that you would bear me so tenderly in your mind through long years, and gladden my heart by such strong sympathy as your eyes and voice assured me of during our short stay with you.
Very few things have happened to me, apart from my domestic life, that have cheered me more than the feeling that you and M. D'Albert are woven into my outward practical existence, no longer as mere memories, however cherished, but as actual breathing friends, ready to share my thoughts and help me with your encouraging words. I will say nothing to you on the subject of Mr Lewes's letter to M. D'Albert, 575 because I am sure you know all the feeling that is implied in the wish he has expressed on behalf of us both. I am rather weighed down with anxiety now, dear Maman, and find life, even in the middle of my many blessings, still a difficult and sometimes a toilsome journey. I have always to struggle against a selfish longing for repose.
You will write to me, I know, and tell me now and then how it fares with you. 576 It is doubly pleasant to read details about a friend's life, when we know just how she looks, and where she sits through long, quiet days.
I fear I gave very feeble signs of the gratitude I felt towards you for your affectionate reception of me and mine, and all the delicate attentions you showed us. All speech was difficult to me just then, and especially on matters of feeling. Nevertheless, I have confidence that you interpreted me more kindly than any even of my unexpressed feelings deserved, and that you believe in me as your always true and grateful friend.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Mme Francois D'albert-Durade, Wandsworth, 3 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/93113