GHL to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, [2? February 1875]
Title
GHL to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, [2? February 1875]
Title
GHL to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, [2? February 1875]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Mrs. Elma Stuart
Date(s)
- 1875-02-02
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, [2? February 1875]
MS: British Museum. Endorsed: early in 'ab1874'bb 1875. Published: Stuart, pp. 41-42.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
Dear Elma
It is not to thank you for the lovely table (and the thoughtful tenderness of the additions) because you said I was not to thank you -- and because I can't properly express on paper in blue ink what is written on my heart in red ink. It is for another purpose I write -- to beg you to dismiss from your mind the very preposterous anxiety lest your visits or letters should ever be other than a delight to us. Because we seclude ourselves from acquaintance that makes us only the more glad to have friends, and you are one of the inner circle.
Therefore as you value my approbation, and your own peace of mind, no more of the old hesitation and reticence!
You may have your time fully occupied while passing through London. We would not stand in your way; only mind and let us have the unoccupied hours. Surely you might spend the afternoon and evening with us? 203
Understand that you are to fix your own times, but understand also that any doubt of your presence here being otherwise than delightful to us is an offence against friendship. [Madonna sends her dearest love and a kiss.
Ever your loving
G. H. L.] 204
MS: British Museum. Endorsed: early in 'ab1874'bb 1875. Published: Stuart, pp. 41-42.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
Dear Elma
It is not to thank you for the lovely table (and the thoughtful tenderness of the additions) because you said I was not to thank you -- and because I can't properly express on paper in blue ink what is written on my heart in red ink. It is for another purpose I write -- to beg you to dismiss from your mind the very preposterous anxiety lest your visits or letters should ever be other than a delight to us. Because we seclude ourselves from acquaintance that makes us only the more glad to have friends, and you are one of the inner circle.
Therefore as you value my approbation, and your own peace of mind, no more of the old hesitation and reticence!
You may have your time fully occupied while passing through London. We would not stand in your way; only mind and let us have the unoccupied hours. Surely you might spend the afternoon and evening with us? 203
Understand that you are to fix your own times, but understand also that any doubt of your presence here being otherwise than delightful to us is an offence against friendship. [Madonna sends her dearest love and a kiss.
Ever your loving
G. H. L.] 204
Signature
G. H. L.] 204
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Mrs. Elma Stuart, London, [2? February 1875], 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/94935