New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-06-14
George Eliot,s Marriage.

A recent number of the Chicago Times
contains a long and interesting sketch of
this favorite authoress, in which the follow
ing incidents are narrated:
A good while ago she became acquainted
with George Henry Lewes, author of the
"History of Philosophy" "Life Of Goethe"
and various other works. Though he is not
the kind of man, artistically considered,
with whom q romantic woman would be
likely to fall in love, he impressed her very
favorably. and the impression was recipro-
cal. He Is fluent, picturesque, brilliant
talker, a deepdyed sceptic, ripe scholar,
a genuine egotist. They were SO much at
tracted to one another that they spent much
what he or she particularly liked. Theirs
was not q wild, fantastic passion, but a real
intellectual appreciation Of, and regard for,
sterling character. He was anxiOus to wed
her, and she was quite willing to accept
him.
One serious obstacle to matrimony, how
ever, was that he had wife. That is, he
had her legally, without having, or wanting
her otherwise. The trouble was this: Mrs
Lewee, whe had proved not at all har-
monious partner, was not content to live in
q state OF armed neutrality with her liege;
but took occasion to run away with another
man. Lewes, who is q philosopher, made
no effort to get her back, and never would
have done so, had che not returned vofun-
tarily, and with such contrition, and SO ap-
parent distress that he generously fOrgave
her, and felt more affection for her than he
had ever done before. Therefore, he took her
back; in the language of the law, he con-
doned her offanse. For little while they
lived peacefully. almost happily; but she
not being the sort of person to relish. hum
drum d0mesticlty, once more clipped with
another man, and had the kindness, on that
occasion, to be permanent in her absenc.
Having condoned her offense, her husband
could not, according to English law II be-
lieve it is the same in the United States)
procure divorce; and consequently could
not marry again during his wite's continu-
ance on this plonet
Such was the condition when Lewes met
Miss Evans. He told her frankly how mat
ters stood and asked her to be his in every
thing save by the technicality of ridicu-
lOus law. She was sensible, broad, philO-
sophie like himself and found within her
own soul no objection to such spiritual
union. Nevertheless, they resolved to be
neither rash nor imprudent. They sum.
moned council of their wisest friends,
laid the subject before them and agreed to
abide faithfully by their decision. After
due reflection the decision was that they
should obey their own instincts and not
permit an empty technicality to obstruct
their happiness.
You know how superlatively convention
al this country is touching the relation of
the sexes. They don't care so much, over
here, what man or woman does, provided
they conceal any imprudence of which they
may be guilty. from the public eye. "Be
free and fast" England says, ''if you be so
inclined; but do not permit yourself to be
fo,,u1 ont AhOro oil uovcr hro mi lio
opinion! 1t is easier and wiser to sin in
secret than to be innocent and appear indis-
Greet"
The two philosophers were fully aware
of the affront they offered to British con-
ventiOnality and custom, yet they did not
hesitate to follow where their inclination,
sympathy and sober judgment led. They
accepted one another, and nature sanctioned
the acceptance A number of their &C
quaintances, as they had anticipated. fell
away from them; but every one of their
friends remained steadfast; fully approved
of their act Miss Evans was known and
invariably spoken of as Mrs. Lewes, and
enjoyed the esteem of all who visited her.
Having slight regard for miscellaneous or
fashionable society, her Independent mar
rage made small difference in her life.
Recently the fugitive Mrs. Lewes had the
involuntary benevolence to slip from this
whirling ball into infinite space, where, it
is to be hoped, she will discover husbands
who will be glad to have her elope as often
as she is in the mood. Then the other long
deferred legal ceremony took place out of
respect to the prejudices of society and the
majesty of the law.
George Henry Lewes is now in his fifty
seventh year; George Eliot in her forty
fifth year. They enjoy serene, intellectual,
satisfactory life; having some of the most
interesting and thoughtful people in Lon
paucity of visitors by their quality. The
pair, who seem to have grown fonder and
fonder as the years passed, are considered
models Of mutual faith, loyalty and affec-
ton.