GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 8 March 1874
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 8 March 1874
Title
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 8 March 1874
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Mrs. Elma Stuart
Date(s)
- 1874-03-08
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 8 March 1874
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 18-20.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 8. 74.
My dear daughter Elma
I must send you a few words, in spite of your considerate prohibition, to say that the pretty little book is arrived with your precious letter, which makes me very grateful -- and what feeling is happier than gratitude? since it takes all the good that is given us, as the goodness of others.
You will not surprize me by any stories of energy on your part, for you struck me as an incarnation of fun, industry, and lovingness -- three best forms of energy. And it is cheering to think that there are blue clocks as well as troubles in the world. There is another spiritual daughter of mine whom I should gladly see eager about some small delight -- a china monster or a silver clasp -- instead of telling me that nothing delights her. One can never see the condition of the world truly when one is dead to little joys.
I should like to know something else about Mrs. Fitzgerald than that she is rich. But I am uneasy in the sense that at the moment she and her companion appealed to my attention in that pretty way, I was distracted by thoughts of the half-blind lady on my arm, and I fear that I should hardly know Mrs. F. again so as to give the sign of recognition which I owe her. 50
Mr. Lewes is very well and working briskly. I am better, but (since we sent you any news, I imagine) I have been an invalid with bad attacks of pain, probably neuralgic. I shall always feel sure that I may write you as short a letter as I like, because you enter into the reasons which make letter-writing a burthen to me.
As to my hands, dear pagan, they are ugly -- but you have a vision of your own, oh why should I undo it? It is good for you to worship as long as you believe that what you worship is good.
Farewell, dear. Mr. Lewes is always gladdened by what you write to us, and wafts you many remembrances.
Always yours maternally
M. E. Lewes.
MS: British Museum. Published: Stuart, pp. 18-20.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 8. 74.
My dear daughter Elma
I must send you a few words, in spite of your considerate prohibition, to say that the pretty little book is arrived with your precious letter, which makes me very grateful -- and what feeling is happier than gratitude? since it takes all the good that is given us, as the goodness of others.
You will not surprize me by any stories of energy on your part, for you struck me as an incarnation of fun, industry, and lovingness -- three best forms of energy. And it is cheering to think that there are blue clocks as well as troubles in the world. There is another spiritual daughter of mine whom I should gladly see eager about some small delight -- a china monster or a silver clasp -- instead of telling me that nothing delights her. One can never see the condition of the world truly when one is dead to little joys.
I should like to know something else about Mrs. Fitzgerald than that she is rich. But I am uneasy in the sense that at the moment she and her companion appealed to my attention in that pretty way, I was distracted by thoughts of the half-blind lady on my arm, and I fear that I should hardly know Mrs. F. again so as to give the sign of recognition which I owe her. 50
Mr. Lewes is very well and working briskly. I am better, but (since we sent you any news, I imagine) I have been an invalid with bad attacks of pain, probably neuralgic. I shall always feel sure that I may write you as short a letter as I like, because you enter into the reasons which make letter-writing a burthen to me.
As to my hands, dear pagan, they are ugly -- but you have a vision of your own, oh why should I undo it? It is good for you to worship as long as you believe that what you worship is good.
Farewell, dear. Mr. Lewes is always gladdened by what you write to us, and wafts you many remembrances.
Always yours maternally
M. E. Lewes.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, 8 March 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/93419