GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, [15 May 1870]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, [15 May 1870]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, [15 May 1870]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1870-05-15
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, [15 May 1870]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: May 16, 1870. Mostly published: Cross, III, 104-105, dated 16th March 1870.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Sunday Morning.
Dear Sara
Cara has told me 175 about your republication of "the Inquiry," and I have a longing to write -- not intrusively I hope -- just to say "thank you" for the good it does me to know of your being engaged in that act of piety to your brother's memory. I delight in the act itself and in the satisfaction which I know you have in performing it. When I remember my own obligations to the book, I must believe that among the many new readers that a cheap edition will reach, there must be minds to whom it will bring a welcome light in studying the New Testament -- sober, serious help towards a conception of the past, instead of stage lights and make-ups.
And this value is, I think, independent of the opinions that might be held as to the different degrees of success in the construction of probabilities, or in particular interpretations. Throughout there is the presence of grave sincerity.
Cara gives me a not uncheerful account of your health and working, but I would gladly have a word or two directly from yourself, when you can scribble a note without feeling me a bore for wanting it. I should hold such a thought on your part as quite innocent, and consistent with much friendliness, for people who write many letters without being forced to do so, are fathomless wonders to me. But you have a special faculty for writing such letters as one cares to read, so it is a pity that the accomplishment should lie quite unused. I wonder if you have read Emerson's new Essays. I like them very much.
Ever, dear Sara, lovingly yours
"Marian" Pollian.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: May 16, 1870. Mostly published: Cross, III, 104-105, dated 16th March 1870.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Sunday Morning.
Dear Sara
Cara has told me 175 about your republication of "the Inquiry," and I have a longing to write -- not intrusively I hope -- just to say "thank you" for the good it does me to know of your being engaged in that act of piety to your brother's memory. I delight in the act itself and in the satisfaction which I know you have in performing it. When I remember my own obligations to the book, I must believe that among the many new readers that a cheap edition will reach, there must be minds to whom it will bring a welcome light in studying the New Testament -- sober, serious help towards a conception of the past, instead of stage lights and make-ups.
And this value is, I think, independent of the opinions that might be held as to the different degrees of success in the construction of probabilities, or in particular interpretations. Throughout there is the presence of grave sincerity.
Cara gives me a not uncheerful account of your health and working, but I would gladly have a word or two directly from yourself, when you can scribble a note without feeling me a bore for wanting it. I should hold such a thought on your part as quite innocent, and consistent with much friendliness, for people who write many letters without being forced to do so, are fathomless wonders to me. But you have a special faculty for writing such letters as one cares to read, so it is a pity that the accomplishment should lie quite unused. I wonder if you have read Emerson's new Essays. I like them very much.
Ever, dear Sara, lovingly yours
"Marian" Pollian.
Signature
"Marian" Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, [15 May 1870], 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/93941