The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-05-29
A WOMAN'S PLEA.
What George Eliot Said About Her Rela-
ton to Lewes.

ton TO LeWeS.
Letter in Cross Life of George Eliot
If there is any one 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 the sense of his actions, but also
it is seven years now since you and L
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 momen-
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 at least can be-
lieve of you that you cleave to what You
believe to be good; and 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 L
think we neither of us know, for 1 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 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
my relation to Mr.. Lewes immoral, 1
can only understand by remembering
how subtle and complex are the infu-
ences that mould opinion. But [ do re-
member this, and indulge in no AFRO
giant 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 are
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 indicating myself |
from unjust conclusions, / seem too
cold and self-asserting 1 should not
~, 10, 4 70
owe you and desire to relieve you of the
pain which you say these conclusions
nave given you. Whatever may have
before, L do not misin-
;erpret your letter this morning, but
'ead in it nothing else than love and
kindness towards me, to which my heart
ully answers yes.
1 should like never to write about
myself again; it is not healthy to dwell
IN ones feelings and conduct, but only
o try and live more faithfully and
ovingly every fresh day. 1 think not
me of the endless words and deeds of
,indness and forbearance you have
ver shown me has vanished
rom my memory. I recall them often,
nd feel, as about everything else in the
,ast, how deficient 1 have been in al
most every relation in my life. But
hat deficiency is irrevocable, and can
ind no strength or comfort except in
pressing forward towards the things
hat are before, and trying to make the
resent better than the past But if
5e never should be very near each other
gain, dear Clara, do bear this faith in
our mind, that / am not insensible or
to all your goodness, and
nat 1 am one among the many for
HON you have not lived in vain. 1
M very busy just now, and have been
bliged to write hastily. Bear this in
ind, and believe that no meaning is
line which contradicts my assurance
lat am your afectionate and earnest /,
iend