GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 18 May 1865
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 18 May 1865
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 18 May 1865
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1865-05-18
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 18 May 1865
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, II, 403-404.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
May 18. 65.
My dear Sara
Why did you write, since writing is evidently a trouble to you? I shall not take your silence ill.
We have just returned from a 5 days' holiday at the coast and are much invigorated by the tonic breezes. I had heard of Miss Carter's 341 illness, but did not know that it was so serious as you say it is. I know what a loss to you her going away from this world would be.
Cara, I hope, will come to see me during her stay in or near London. Mr. Bray told me that they were coming to town, or to the neighbourhood of town, after their ruralizing. I conclude "the neighbourhood" means Sydenham, but would rather hear that the house there was let.
We have nothing to do with the Fortnightly as a money speculation. Mr. Lewes has simply accepted the post of editor, and it was seemly that I should write a little in it. 342 But do not suppose that I am going into periodical writing -- "de omnibus rebus." And your friendship is not required to read one syllable for our sakes. On the contrary you have my full sympathy in abstaining. Rest in peace, dear Sara, and finish your work, that you may have the sense of having spoken out what was within you. That is really a good -- I mean when it is done in all seriousness and sincerity.
Ever thine
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Extracts published: Cross, II, 403-404.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
May 18. 65.
My dear Sara
Why did you write, since writing is evidently a trouble to you? I shall not take your silence ill.
We have just returned from a 5 days' holiday at the coast and are much invigorated by the tonic breezes. I had heard of Miss Carter's 341 illness, but did not know that it was so serious as you say it is. I know what a loss to you her going away from this world would be.
Cara, I hope, will come to see me during her stay in or near London. Mr. Bray told me that they were coming to town, or to the neighbourhood of town, after their ruralizing. I conclude "the neighbourhood" means Sydenham, but would rather hear that the house there was let.
We have nothing to do with the Fortnightly as a money speculation. Mr. Lewes has simply accepted the post of editor, and it was seemly that I should write a little in it. 342 But do not suppose that I am going into periodical writing -- "de omnibus rebus." And your friendship is not required to read one syllable for our sakes. On the contrary you have my full sympathy in abstaining. Rest in peace, dear Sara, and finish your work, that you may have the sense of having spoken out what was within you. That is really a good -- I mean when it is done in all seriousness and sincerity.
Ever thine
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 18 May 1865, 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/94003