GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 4 March 1875
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 4 March 1875
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 4 March 1875
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Mrs. Elma Stuart
Date(s)
- 1875-03-04
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 4 March 1875
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 42-44.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 4. 75.
Dearest Elma
Yes! the beautiful Saint Esprit came duly, and I must have been in a state of more than usually dulled sensibility or I should have sent on a letter to Dinan immediately that you might know of your messenger Dove being in its destined place at once on your arrival. The dulled sensibility is to be accounted for by a wrong condition of body which has been creeping over me for some time and which according to the doctor, has just declared itself as the presence of that admirable substance called [gravel] in the place where it is least wanted -- even less than in one's boots. The attack, however, has been a very slight one. 219 I lay in bed all yesterday, but this morning I am in my study chair, as usual, to receive the parcel of Elma's comfortable devices -- the flannel belt, with the bit of extra flannel and sewing-silk in case of need, the pattern-shirt; and the bath-slippers. I believe in Providence, and one of its many names is Elma.
I had meant to wear the Saint Esprit tonight at a musical party 220 where Joachim and all the next best to him were to play divinest music. But I am forbidden to stir out, and have to resign myself. Worn the Dove will be, if I live -- and the flannel belt and the slippers. About the shirt I will report in the future. "Ever more thanks, the exchequer of the poor." 221
I enclose with this note the autograph of Charlotte Bronte. The unlovely sarcasms with which it is wound up refer to the course taken by the "Leader" concerning the "Ecclesiastical Tithes Bill." 222 It is altogether a characteristic letter. Also I return Mrs. Anderson's prescription, which Mr. Lewes has already had made up in preparation for distant needs, promptitude being the vehicle of all his virtues -- the briskest little vehicle imaginable.
I will not write more now, because my head is achy. But it comforts me to send this scrap of writing which in its way is also a winged messenger carrying the love of your affectionate
Mother.
Let us know how your health goes on.
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 42-44.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 4. 75.
Dearest Elma
Yes! the beautiful Saint Esprit came duly, and I must have been in a state of more than usually dulled sensibility or I should have sent on a letter to Dinan immediately that you might know of your messenger Dove being in its destined place at once on your arrival. The dulled sensibility is to be accounted for by a wrong condition of body which has been creeping over me for some time and which according to the doctor, has just declared itself as the presence of that admirable substance called [gravel] in the place where it is least wanted -- even less than in one's boots. The attack, however, has been a very slight one. 219 I lay in bed all yesterday, but this morning I am in my study chair, as usual, to receive the parcel of Elma's comfortable devices -- the flannel belt, with the bit of extra flannel and sewing-silk in case of need, the pattern-shirt; and the bath-slippers. I believe in Providence, and one of its many names is Elma.
I had meant to wear the Saint Esprit tonight at a musical party 220 where Joachim and all the next best to him were to play divinest music. But I am forbidden to stir out, and have to resign myself. Worn the Dove will be, if I live -- and the flannel belt and the slippers. About the shirt I will report in the future. "Ever more thanks, the exchequer of the poor." 221
I enclose with this note the autograph of Charlotte Bronte. The unlovely sarcasms with which it is wound up refer to the course taken by the "Leader" concerning the "Ecclesiastical Tithes Bill." 222 It is altogether a characteristic letter. Also I return Mrs. Anderson's prescription, which Mr. Lewes has already had made up in preparation for distant needs, promptitude being the vehicle of all his virtues -- the briskest little vehicle imaginable.
I will not write more now, because my head is achy. But it comforts me to send this scrap of writing which in its way is also a winged messenger carrying the love of your affectionate
Mother.
Let us know how your health goes on.
Signature
Mother.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 4 March 1875, 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/93415