The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-01-13

where the steam plows have worked but
once ssthe land never forgets it," Such
enterprise and such interest manifested
in rural affairs by ''Peer of the Realm"
are worthy Of being considered by rich
men in the United States.-R. F.
THE AUTHOR OF adam BEDE."
She lives in London, near Regents
park, on what is called the '.North bank, :"
where the great city verges away into
the country, and, spreading out in all
directions. the houses are no longer
crowded together in solid masses. each
square looking like huge factory but
stand apart, surrounded by grass and
flowers. Such position has all the
convenience OF the city with rural retire
ment. The roar of London, which never
ceases day nor night, here sinks into a
faint murmur as if dying away in the
! distance. All is silence, comfort and re-
pose. In this beautiful supurb, hidden
! by wall which shuts out all iarring
sights and sounds, stands the home OF
the author of adam Bede." Enter the
gate, and you see square house of two
stories, with no architectural pretensions
but which vet has about itan air of taste
which is very attractive. The plainest
dwelling is made beautiful when it
stands on a carpet Of green turf, en-
powered in roses and honeysuckles.
How delicious this quiet and this air Of
the borders of great ethyl What a
retreat for an author! Not Southey or
Wordsworth, amid the hills and lakes of
| Cumberland, lived and wrote in more
profound tranquility.
The interior has the same character
refined simplicity. There is nothing
pretentious. The furniture is simple
and modest yet there is harmony of
color which phases the eye. White
draperies softer, without intercepting,
the rays of the sur, which play among
the flowers in the window, the smell OF
of which fills the room. All this the
eye takes in at a glance, before it rests
on the mistress OF this charming English
home. The appearance Of George
Eliot" or Mrs. Lewes. has been often
described. There was a good portrait
of her in the exhibition last year at
the ROYAL Academy. No one who had
ever seen her could mistake the large
head Cher brain must be heavier than
most men's) covered with a mass OF rich
auburn hair. AT first thought her tall !;
for one could not think that such d head
could rest on an ordinary woman's
shoulders. But. as she rose up, her fig
ure appeared of but medium height.
She received US very kindly. In seeing
for the first time, one to whom we owed
so many happy hours. it was impossible
q 4 10, h., cfr
distance was removed by her courtesy :.
Her manners are very sweet. because
very simple and free from affectalion.
To me her welcome was the more CRATE
fal as that of one woman to another.
There is sort OF freemasonry among
women by which they understand at
once those with whom they have any
intellectual sympathy. A few words
and all reserve WAS gone. Come sit by
me on this sofa, she said; and instantly.
seated side by-side, we were deep in con-
yers .tion. /, is such intimacy one feels
the magnetism of large mind informed
by a true woman's heart; then, as the
soul shines through the face. one per-
eeives its intellectual beauty. No por-
trait can give the full expression Of the
eye. any more than of the voice. Look
inc into that clear. calm eye, one sees a
transparent nature. q soul OF goodness
and truth, an impression which is deep
ened rs YOU listen to her 1T and gentle
tones. a low voice is said to be an ex-
cellent thing in woman. 1t is special
charm of the most finely cultured Eng
lish ladies'. But never did q swecter
voice &c nate listener, so soft and low
that one must almost bend TO hear.
You can imagine what pleasure il was
thus TO sit beside this gifted woman aad
hear her talk Of questions interesting to
the women of England and America.
But should do her injustice ii gave
the impression that there was ia her
conversation any attempt at display.
There is no wish to .'shine-" She il
above that afectation Of brilliancy which
is often mere flippancy. Nor does she
seek to attract homage and admiration.
. On the contrary. she is very adverse &c
, speak Of herself. or even to hear the
heartfelt praise OF others. She does moi
engross the CONVEX sat. IN, but is more
eager to listen taan to talk. She has
, that delicate tact-which is. one Of the
fine arts among women-to make Others
talk. suggesting topics the most ricE
and fruitful. and BY word drawing fhe
/ conversation into channel where
NAV flow with broad, tree current
, Thus she makes you forget the cele5ra
: ted author. and think only Of the refine.
. and highly cultivated woman. Yon d
D not feel awed b. her genius. but onl'
/ quickened by It as som thing that call
: out all tnat is betssr and ,ru-r Whils
, there is no attempt to impress you witt
/. her intellectual superiority, you fee
5 naturally elevated into higher sphere
( The conversation OF itself flats upwar
n into region above the comm N place
r The small talk q. ordinary society #ouI
It seem an impertinenee- There is : sings
j. lar earnestnsss about her, - il th0a