GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 26 October 1874
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 26 October 1874
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 26 October 1874
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Mrs. Elma Stuart
Date(s)
- 1874-10-26
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 26 October 1874
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 30-31.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
October 26. 74.
Dearest Elma
Edith 151 was here yesterday, the first Sunday of our presence at home, and she told us things about your health which made me grievously anxious about you. I beseech you to learn as far as possible what is physiologically wise in the treatment of yourself and to act upon the knowledge. The reason why I feel strongly on this point is, that I have had hard experience how all the good in oneself and one's lot may be marred by inconsiderateness about health in the younger years when various better possibilities are still open. Please try and remember that it is a sin to waste your nights in sleeplessness, or squander your young strength in the day-time, when you have any power over the circumstances that bring about such results. I cannot bear to think of your bright spirit being ruined by the eating malaise of imperfect health.
And you have been having a serious fortnight's illness! I shall not be quite happy till I hear that you are as well as usual again, and that you are prevailed on to promise self-care for the future.
In your case, I imagine, it is hardly ludicrous to say, "Take care of yourself for the sake of others" -- perhaps, remembering what you have said to me, I may venture to say in answer, Take care of your body and soul for my sake.
We came home on Friday, but are still bent on one more excursion for a week. After that, we shall be voluntary prisoners in this dim city for many months to come. Let us always know something about you.
Ever your loving
Mother.
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 30-31.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
October 26. 74.
Dearest Elma
Edith 151 was here yesterday, the first Sunday of our presence at home, and she told us things about your health which made me grievously anxious about you. I beseech you to learn as far as possible what is physiologically wise in the treatment of yourself and to act upon the knowledge. The reason why I feel strongly on this point is, that I have had hard experience how all the good in oneself and one's lot may be marred by inconsiderateness about health in the younger years when various better possibilities are still open. Please try and remember that it is a sin to waste your nights in sleeplessness, or squander your young strength in the day-time, when you have any power over the circumstances that bring about such results. I cannot bear to think of your bright spirit being ruined by the eating malaise of imperfect health.
And you have been having a serious fortnight's illness! I shall not be quite happy till I hear that you are as well as usual again, and that you are prevailed on to promise self-care for the future.
In your case, I imagine, it is hardly ludicrous to say, "Take care of yourself for the sake of others" -- perhaps, remembering what you have said to me, I may venture to say in answer, Take care of your body and soul for my sake.
We came home on Friday, but are still bent on one more excursion for a week. After that, we shall be voluntary prisoners in this dim city for many months to come. Let us always know something about you.
Ever your loving
Mother.
Signature
Mother.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 26 October 1874, 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/93403