GE to Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray, London, 28 March 1861
Title
GE to Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray, London, 28 March 1861
Title
GE to Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray, London, 28 March 1861
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray
Date(s)
- 1861-03-28
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray, London, 28 March 1861
MS: National Library of Scotland, transferred from the Edinburgh Public Library. Extract published: Haight, George Eliot, p. 459.
6 Blandford Square | March 28. 61.
Dear Cara
I have not been well enough to write to you earlier, and I am not sure that I am quite well enough yet to say just what I mean and feel -- the most difficult and rarely achieved task of "speech-dividing man."
It is perhaps well to exchange a written word now and then, for it is not in my nature to believe in any love that makes no sign. But I know that is a shallow-hearted irreligious disposition, and no words, or deeds either, have any value apart from the faith -- the trust in our friend's goodness -- that interprets them.
I suppose I must lose my memory altogether before I could forget all the tenderness, forbearance, and generous belief that made the unvarying character of your friendship towards me when we used to be a great deal together. I think I was not insensible to these things at any time, but experience deepens our insight into the past, and we feel we never understood or appreciated it thoroughly while it was the present. I should think it quite a chief blessing if that past which lives invisibly, though it has gone away from our outward daily existence, could have some sort of worthy worship in the present. I hardly know what other word to use but worship; for there is no such thing as a return, or a making amends for deficiencies. We can only feel that very great and good things have been given to us, and that they ought to be hallowed for ever more in our speech and actions. So that if ever you can let me be in any way a sharer and helper in trouble as far as our parted lives and duties make that possible, you will be adding something more to what you have already given of trust and kindness.
Mr. Lewes read aloud to me the "Hidden Fires," 529 and I asked him particularly for his criticism. I said, "What should you say if that paper had been sent to you as an editor?" His answer was: "I should say that the writer had a turn for essay and reflective writing, and I should advise her to expand the introductory part." I think he has a wonderfully correct and rapid estimate of writing, and for that reason I venture to send you his opinion. But I think the Welcome Guest ought to have paid you before this. The rule is to pay on publication, for periodical writing; though the rule is not always observed.
Tell Sara, if she has any questions to note -- to ask them, and I will answer. My portrait is still in Mr. Lawrence's hands, Mr. Blackwood being under the sad trouble of expecting the death of his brother, Major Blackwood, so that his coming to town is likely to be deferred. We hear from those who know Mr. Lawrence well that his conduct in this matter is not an isolated instance. 530 Farewell.
Ever yours
Marian.
MS: National Library of Scotland, transferred from the Edinburgh Public Library. Extract published: Haight, George Eliot, p. 459.
6 Blandford Square | March 28. 61.
Dear Cara
I have not been well enough to write to you earlier, and I am not sure that I am quite well enough yet to say just what I mean and feel -- the most difficult and rarely achieved task of "speech-dividing man."
It is perhaps well to exchange a written word now and then, for it is not in my nature to believe in any love that makes no sign. But I know that is a shallow-hearted irreligious disposition, and no words, or deeds either, have any value apart from the faith -- the trust in our friend's goodness -- that interprets them.
I suppose I must lose my memory altogether before I could forget all the tenderness, forbearance, and generous belief that made the unvarying character of your friendship towards me when we used to be a great deal together. I think I was not insensible to these things at any time, but experience deepens our insight into the past, and we feel we never understood or appreciated it thoroughly while it was the present. I should think it quite a chief blessing if that past which lives invisibly, though it has gone away from our outward daily existence, could have some sort of worthy worship in the present. I hardly know what other word to use but worship; for there is no such thing as a return, or a making amends for deficiencies. We can only feel that very great and good things have been given to us, and that they ought to be hallowed for ever more in our speech and actions. So that if ever you can let me be in any way a sharer and helper in trouble as far as our parted lives and duties make that possible, you will be adding something more to what you have already given of trust and kindness.
Mr. Lewes read aloud to me the "Hidden Fires," 529 and I asked him particularly for his criticism. I said, "What should you say if that paper had been sent to you as an editor?" His answer was: "I should say that the writer had a turn for essay and reflective writing, and I should advise her to expand the introductory part." I think he has a wonderfully correct and rapid estimate of writing, and for that reason I venture to send you his opinion. But I think the Welcome Guest ought to have paid you before this. The rule is to pay on publication, for periodical writing; though the rule is not always observed.
Tell Sara, if she has any questions to note -- to ask them, and I will answer. My portrait is still in Mr. Lawrence's hands, Mr. Blackwood being under the sad trouble of expecting the death of his brother, Major Blackwood, so that his coming to town is likely to be deferred. We hear from those who know Mr. Lawrence well that his conduct in this matter is not an isolated instance. 530 Farewell.
Ever yours
Marian.
Signature
Marian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Caroline [Mrs. Charles] Bray, London, 28 March 1861, 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/93301