GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 9 April [1864]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 9 April [1864]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 9 April [1864]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1864-04-09
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 9 April [1864]
MS: Yale. Mostly published: Cross, II, 381-382.
April 9. 63.
Dear Sara
Yes! I am come back from Scotland -- came back last Saturday night. But engagements are so constant now, that I shall hardly see Cara at Sydenham except by some lucky chance. How is it you are not there?
I thought the whole household was to migrate to Sydenham, and was about to write thither to inquire whether and when you were coming to London. Cara had spoken of a journey to Liverpool as a project of yours -- and that was the only thing that made me doubtful whether you would come to Sydenham.
I was much pleased to see Cara so wonderfully well and cheerful. She seems to me ten times more cheerful than in the old days. I am interested to know more about your work which is filling your life now, but I suppose I shall know nothing until it is in print -- and perhaps that is the only form in which one can do any one's work full justice.
It is very disappointing to me to hear that Cara has at present so little promise of monetary results from her conscientious labour. I fear the fatal system of half-profits is working against her as against others.
We are going to the opera tonight to hear the Favorita. It was the first opera I ever saw (with you I saw it!) and I have never seen it since; that is the reason I was anxious to go tonight. This afternoon we go to see Mulready's pictures -- so the day will be a full one.
I have not been well this week and have been preoccupied with visitors 254 -- else I should have written to Cara.
Ever thine affectionately
Pollian.
MS: Yale. Mostly published: Cross, II, 381-382.
April 9. 63.
Dear Sara
Yes! I am come back from Scotland -- came back last Saturday night. But engagements are so constant now, that I shall hardly see Cara at Sydenham except by some lucky chance. How is it you are not there?
I thought the whole household was to migrate to Sydenham, and was about to write thither to inquire whether and when you were coming to London. Cara had spoken of a journey to Liverpool as a project of yours -- and that was the only thing that made me doubtful whether you would come to Sydenham.
I was much pleased to see Cara so wonderfully well and cheerful. She seems to me ten times more cheerful than in the old days. I am interested to know more about your work which is filling your life now, but I suppose I shall know nothing until it is in print -- and perhaps that is the only form in which one can do any one's work full justice.
It is very disappointing to me to hear that Cara has at present so little promise of monetary results from her conscientious labour. I fear the fatal system of half-profits is working against her as against others.
We are going to the opera tonight to hear the Favorita. It was the first opera I ever saw (with you I saw it!) and I have never seen it since; that is the reason I was anxious to go tonight. This afternoon we go to see Mulready's pictures -- so the day will be a full one.
I have not been well this week and have been preoccupied with visitors 254 -- else I should have written to Cara.
Ever thine affectionately
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 9 April [1864], 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/94061