GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, Foleshill, 29 January [1843]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, Foleshill, 29 January [1843]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, Foleshill, 29 January [1843]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1843-01-29
Place
FOLESHILL
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, Foleshill, 29 January [1843]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: 1843. Mary died March 16. Extracts published: Cross, 1, 117.
My dear Sara,
It has been love for you and not the want of it that has prevented me from teazing you of late with morsels from the [infinite deal of nothing] 469 that makes up my thought and feeling. I did not like that you should have to think of writing to me when you might do something pleasanter. But I cannot help wishing to tell you now that you are in trouble and anxiety how dear you are to me, and how the recollection of you is ever freshening in my mind. I hope soon to hear that you are released from your watchings and that Miss Hennell is enjoying ease after these sad blisterings which would be worse than disease if they had not hope for their companion. You have need of all your cheeriness and energy, and if they do not fail I think it almost enviable as far as one's self is concerned not of course when the sufferer is remembered, to have the care of a sickroom, with its twilight and tiptoe stillness and helpful activity. I have always had a peculiarly peaceful feeling in such a scene. But this is all idle, and I will not rob you of any more minutes. Do not suppose that I fancy myself worth thinking of because I have reminded you of me -- I have only indulged myself. Tell Mr. Hennell if you think of it that I have been flattered with the hope of seeing him for long, long weeks and am not resigned to disappointment. Give my kindest remembrances to Mrs. Hennell and to him. I am going to obtain news at Rosehill and shall beg for the conveyance of my note. Ever, my dear Sara,
Your affectionate
Mary Ann.
Foleshill | January 29th.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: 1843. Mary died March 16. Extracts published: Cross, 1, 117.
My dear Sara,
It has been love for you and not the want of it that has prevented me from teazing you of late with morsels from the [infinite deal of nothing] 469 that makes up my thought and feeling. I did not like that you should have to think of writing to me when you might do something pleasanter. But I cannot help wishing to tell you now that you are in trouble and anxiety how dear you are to me, and how the recollection of you is ever freshening in my mind. I hope soon to hear that you are released from your watchings and that Miss Hennell is enjoying ease after these sad blisterings which would be worse than disease if they had not hope for their companion. You have need of all your cheeriness and energy, and if they do not fail I think it almost enviable as far as one's self is concerned not of course when the sufferer is remembered, to have the care of a sickroom, with its twilight and tiptoe stillness and helpful activity. I have always had a peculiarly peaceful feeling in such a scene. But this is all idle, and I will not rob you of any more minutes. Do not suppose that I fancy myself worth thinking of because I have reminded you of me -- I have only indulged myself. Tell Mr. Hennell if you think of it that I have been flattered with the hope of seeing him for long, long weeks and am not resigned to disappointment. Give my kindest remembrances to Mrs. Hennell and to him. I am going to obtain news at Rosehill and shall beg for the conveyance of my note. Ever, my dear Sara,
Your affectionate
Mary Ann.
Foleshill | January 29th.
Signature
Mary Ann.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, Foleshill, 29 January [1843], 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/93921