GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Avignon, 21 April 1861
Title
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Avignon, 21 April 1861
Title
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Avignon, 21 April 1861
Sender
George Henry Lewes (and George Eliot)
Recipient
Charles Lee Lewes
Date(s)
- 1861-04-21
Place
Avignon
Letter Content
GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Avignon, 21 April 1861
Text: Paterson, pp. 83-84, dated 24 April.
Avignon | April 21, 749 1861.
My dear Boy,
Although this is written under difficulties (too long to be explained) I just scribble a line to say that so far we have arrived safe and sound. We reached Paris at 'bd past 11 and turned in thoroughly tired. We did not get up till 8 because Breakfast could not be got before 9. Our day in Paris was pleasant enough, spent in rambling about, seeing the pictures at the Luxembourg Palace and visiting P'e8re la Chaise. 750 We got here at 12 and by paying 20 francs extra had a coup'e9 all to ourselves so we had slept tolerably well. After breakfast we went out for a long and delicious ramble of three hours -- we left the cold of winter in Paris, and find ourselves in the heat of summer here, roses and iris in full bloom and lilac disappearing. We saw among other things the tomb John Mill has erected to his wife who died here -- very touching. 751 We saw also a rustic dance, very interesting indeed. The people are remarkably healthy, happy and good looking, que c'est une f'eate!
To-morrow morning we go to Arles, and having spent some hours at that curious old relic of Rome, we shall reach Toulon in time for bed unless anything happens.
The sweetest Mother is very tired but remarkably well and says she must add six words to this, so I leave her space.
Ever your loving
Pater.
Mutter's Autograph.
Die Mutter thinks of her dear Boy very much and loves him better than ever now she is at a distance from him.
Text: Paterson, pp. 83-84, dated 24 April.
Avignon | April 21, 749 1861.
My dear Boy,
Although this is written under difficulties (too long to be explained) I just scribble a line to say that so far we have arrived safe and sound. We reached Paris at 'bd past 11 and turned in thoroughly tired. We did not get up till 8 because Breakfast could not be got before 9. Our day in Paris was pleasant enough, spent in rambling about, seeing the pictures at the Luxembourg Palace and visiting P'e8re la Chaise. 750 We got here at 12 and by paying 20 francs extra had a coup'e9 all to ourselves so we had slept tolerably well. After breakfast we went out for a long and delicious ramble of three hours -- we left the cold of winter in Paris, and find ourselves in the heat of summer here, roses and iris in full bloom and lilac disappearing. We saw among other things the tomb John Mill has erected to his wife who died here -- very touching. 751 We saw also a rustic dance, very interesting indeed. The people are remarkably healthy, happy and good looking, que c'est une f'eate!
To-morrow morning we go to Arles, and having spent some hours at that curious old relic of Rome, we shall reach Toulon in time for bed unless anything happens.
The sweetest Mother is very tired but remarkably well and says she must add six words to this, so I leave her space.
Ever your loving
Pater.
Mutter's Autograph.
Die Mutter thinks of her dear Boy very much and loves him better than ever now she is at a distance from him.
Signature
Pater.
Citation
George Henry Lewes (and George Eliot), GHL and GE to Charles Lee Lewes, Avignon, 21 April 1861, 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/94258