The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-04-24
A wOMAN'S FLEA.
What George Eliot Said About Hsr Rsla-
ton to LeWes.

What George Eliot Said About Hsr Rsla-
ton to Lewes.
Letter in Cross Life of George Eliot
Ii there is any II action or relation
Of my life which Is and always has been
profoundly serious, it is my relation to
Mr.. Lewes. 1t is, however, natural
enough that you should mistake me in
many ways, for not only are you unac-
quainted with Mr.. Lewes' real charac-
ter and tho sense Of his actions, but also
it is seven years now since you and I
were much together, and it is possible
that the notifications my mind has I'M
dergone may be quite in the opposite
direction of what you imagine.
No one can be better aware than
yourself that it is possible for two people
to hold different opinions on m
tous subjects with equal sincerity, and
an equally earnest conviction that their
respective opinions are alone the truly
moral ones. If we differ on the subject
of the marriage laws I at least can be-
lieve of you that you cleave to what you
believe to be good; and 1 don't know of
anything in the nature of your views
that should prevent you from believing
the same of me. How far we differ 1
think we neither of us know, for I am
ignorant of your precise views; and,
apparently you attribute to me both feel
ings and opinions which are not mine.
We cannot set each other quite right in
this matter in letters, but one thing I
can tell you in few words. Light and
easily broken ties are what 1 neither de-
sire theoretically nor could live for
practically. Women who are satisfied
with such ties act as [ have done.
That any unworthy, interpretations
person who is sufficiently acquainted
with the realities of life can pronounce
ms relation to Mr.. Lewes immoral, I
can only understand by remembering
how subtle and complex are the infu-
ences that mould opinion. But / do re-
member this, and l indulge in no AFRO
CANT or uncharitable thoughts about
those who condemn us. even though
we might have expected a somewhat
different verdict. From the majority
OF persons, of course, we never looked
for anything but condemnation. We
are leading no life of self-indulgence,
except. indeed, that being happy in each
other, we find everything easy. We Ire
working hard to provide for others bet
ter than we provide for ourselves,
and SO fulfill every responsibility
that lies upon us Levity and pride
would not be a sufficient basis for that.
Pardon me if, in vindicating myself
from unjust conclusions, l seem too
cold and sel~f-asserting. 1 should not
care to vindicate myself if l did not
love you and desire to relieve you of the
have given you. Whatever I may have
misinterpreted before, I do not misin-
terpret your letter this morning, but
read in it nothing else than love and
kindness towards me, to which my heart
fully answers yes.
1 should like never to write about
myself again; it is not healthy to dwell
on ones feelings and conduct, but only
to try and live more faithfully and
lovingly every fresh day. I think not
one of the endless words and deeds of
kindness and forbearance you have
ever shown me has vanished
from my memory. I recall them often,
and feel, as about everything else in the
past, how deficient I have been in al
most every relation in my life. But
that deficiency is irrevocable, and can
find no strength or comfort except in
pressing forward towards the things
that are before, and trying to make the
present better than the past. But if
we never should be very near each other
again, dear Clara, do bear this faith in
your mind, that I am not insensible or
ungrateful to all your goodness. and
that l am one among tho many for
whom you have not lived in vain. I
am very busy just now, and have been
obliged to write hastily. Bear this in
mind. and believe that no meaning is
mine which c%ontradicts my assurance
that I an your affectionate and earnest
friend.