Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1874-09-26
GEORGE ELIOT.

came acquainted with George Henry
Lewes. author of the History of Phil
osophy,' Life OF Gothic, and various
other works. Though he was not the
kind of man, artistically considered,
whom romantic woman would be
likely to fall in love, he impressed her
fayorably, and the impression was re-
ciproca. lie is fluent, picturesque,
brilliant talker, deep dyed skeptc, a
ripe scholar genuine egotist. They
were so much attracted to one another
that they spent much time together,
each finding in the other what he or
she particularly liked. Theirs was not
wild, fantastic passion, but real in
tellectual appreciation of and regard for
sterling character. lie was anxious TO
wed her and she was quite willing to
accept him.
One serious obstacle to matrimony,
however, was that he had a wlfe-that
is, he had her legally, without having
or wanting her otherwise. The trouble
was this Mrs. Lewes, who had not
proved at all harmonious partner, was
not content to live i'll state OF armed
neutrality with her liege, but took occa-
sion to run away with another man.
/ Lewes, who is philosopher, made no
effort to get her back, ard never wound
/ have done so had she not returned vol
unfairly, and with such cOntrltlon ana
so apparent distress that he generously
forcaye her, and felt more affection for
her than he had ever done before.
Therefore he took her back; in the Ian
cuage of the law, he oondoned her OF,
tense. For little while they lived
peacefully, almost happily, but she once
more eloped with another man, and had
the kindness on that occasion to be per-
manent in her absence. Having con,
doned her offense, her husband could
not, according to English law, Il be
lieye it is the same in the United States)
procure divorce, and consequently
could not marry again during his wltes
continuance on this planet
Such was the condition when Lewes
met Miss Evans. lie told her frankly
how matters stood, and asked her to be
lis in everything save by the technical
itv of ridiculous law. She was sensible,
broad, phiosophic, like himself, and
found within her own soul no objection
to such spiritual union. Nevertheless,
ther resolved to be neither rash nor
iurorudent. They summoned council
of their wisest friends, laid the subject
before them, and agreed to abide faith
fully by their decision. After due re-
Election the decision was that they
should obey their own instincts, and
not permit an empty technicalIty to oo-
stluct their happiness.
The two philosophers were fully
aware of affront they offered to British
conventionality and custom, yet they
did not hesitate to follow where their
inclination, sympathy, and sober judg
meut led They accepted one another,
and nature sanctioned acceptance. a
number of their acquaintances, as thsy
had anticipated, fell away from them,
but every one of their friends remained
steadfast; fully approved of their act,
/ MISS Evans was kDOhu, dbu III 'H I"D' :
known, as Mrs. Lewes, and enjoyed the
esteem of all who visited. Having a
slight regard for miscellaneous or fash
ionable society, her independent marll
age made small difference in her life.
Recently the fugitive Mrs. Lewes had
the involuntary beneyolence to slIpfron
this whirling ball to infinite space
where, i, is to be hoped, she will dis
cover husbands who will be glad t.
have her elope as often as she is in th'
mood. Then the other long-deferreC
legal ceremony took place, out Of re
spect to the prejudices OF society an(
the majesty of the law. =.
George Henry Lewes is now in hi
fity-seventh year, George Eliot in he
forty fifth year. They enjoy a serene
intellectual, satisfactory life, having
; some of the most interesting ant
: thoughtful people in London at thel
house, compensating for the paucity @
: visitors by their quality. The pail
who seem to have grown fonder an
, fonder as the years passed, are consider
ed models of mutual faith, loyalty, an
, affection.
Mr.. Bergh denies the report that h