GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 27 March 1878
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 27 March 1878
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 27 March 1878
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Mrs. Elma Stuart
Date(s)
- 1878-03-27
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 27 March 1878
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 102-105.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 27. 78.
Dearest Elma
Ever since the sweet violets came we have been thinking of you more than usual, and yesterday Mr. Lewes had especially emphasized in his own mind the intention to write to you, when lo! on our return from a concert 38 which deserved to be called heavenly but for the hard seatbacks and the something less than angelic audience -- we found your dear letter.
I confess that the thought of your having suffered so much from rheumatism predominates over all the more gladsome impressions from what you have prettily told me about your winter's experience. But I will try to banish that painful past in favour of the brighter picture -- the visit to Paris with your dear Boy. Still, do let me know when you are quite free from deafness and altogether restored.
We remember having travelled to Oxford with a Bishop and his family, and the Paterfamilias corresponded to your description. I am delighted to hear of an episcopal example on the side of -- I will not say tolerance but -- respect for the other people's opinions.
As to the XIXth Century, my beloved daughter, Mr. Lewes has no intention at present of writing in that periodical, being entirely occupied in producing a Fourth Volume of Problems, of which I am now reading the first sheaves in M.S. His days of writing for periodicals have long been past. He is very bright and well, not having been troubled with headache for some weeks.
A little while ago I was tormented with a succession of sore throats, but I have at last got rid of them and am bearing this late winter better than might have been expected of my shivering frame.
The nice cambric handkerchief which protected the violets shall be taken care of till your happy arrival -- or rather, I will send it you by post, a natural proceeding which has only just occurred to my blockheadism.
We have been having much musical pleasure of late, this being the time of Joachim's visit to England. Also, a great baritone singer, Henschel, has taken up his abode in London and stirs one's soul by singing fine Handel and other songs. But we are chiefly content in the prospect of getting to our Witley Heights again. This can hardly be till the end of May, workmen being still there, and no chip of furniture bought. I wish all the outsides of our life could be managed for us by handy sprites like Rumpelstiltchen -- I would never anger them by being too curious and wanting to look on.
One is most unhappy about the threat of war, and the frightful demonstration how little way the best ideas have made in the government of nations. I am glad Roly is not to be a soldier. The [only son of his mother, and she a widow] ought to be spared from that service.
All blessing on you, dear -- in which Mr. Lewes joins.
Ever your loving
Mother.
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 102-105.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 27. 78.
Dearest Elma
Ever since the sweet violets came we have been thinking of you more than usual, and yesterday Mr. Lewes had especially emphasized in his own mind the intention to write to you, when lo! on our return from a concert 38 which deserved to be called heavenly but for the hard seatbacks and the something less than angelic audience -- we found your dear letter.
I confess that the thought of your having suffered so much from rheumatism predominates over all the more gladsome impressions from what you have prettily told me about your winter's experience. But I will try to banish that painful past in favour of the brighter picture -- the visit to Paris with your dear Boy. Still, do let me know when you are quite free from deafness and altogether restored.
We remember having travelled to Oxford with a Bishop and his family, and the Paterfamilias corresponded to your description. I am delighted to hear of an episcopal example on the side of -- I will not say tolerance but -- respect for the other people's opinions.
As to the XIXth Century, my beloved daughter, Mr. Lewes has no intention at present of writing in that periodical, being entirely occupied in producing a Fourth Volume of Problems, of which I am now reading the first sheaves in M.S. His days of writing for periodicals have long been past. He is very bright and well, not having been troubled with headache for some weeks.
A little while ago I was tormented with a succession of sore throats, but I have at last got rid of them and am bearing this late winter better than might have been expected of my shivering frame.
The nice cambric handkerchief which protected the violets shall be taken care of till your happy arrival -- or rather, I will send it you by post, a natural proceeding which has only just occurred to my blockheadism.
We have been having much musical pleasure of late, this being the time of Joachim's visit to England. Also, a great baritone singer, Henschel, has taken up his abode in London and stirs one's soul by singing fine Handel and other songs. But we are chiefly content in the prospect of getting to our Witley Heights again. This can hardly be till the end of May, workmen being still there, and no chip of furniture bought. I wish all the outsides of our life could be managed for us by handy sprites like Rumpelstiltchen -- I would never anger them by being too curious and wanting to look on.
One is most unhappy about the threat of war, and the frightful demonstration how little way the best ideas have made in the government of nations. I am glad Roly is not to be a soldier. The [only son of his mother, and she a widow] ought to be spared from that service.
All blessing on you, dear -- in which Mr. Lewes joins.
Ever your loving
Mother.
Signature
Mother.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 27 March 1878, 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/93404