GEORGE ELIOT to CHARLES BRAY, 21 October 1846

While the Brays were away on holiday, Mary Ann wrote this letter describing a visit from a Professor Bücherwurm, who has come to England to find a wife who will also translate the 20 volumes of his works. In addition she must be of 'a very decided ugliness of person' and have a sufficient fortune to supply him with coffee, tobacco and beer. After toilsome inquiries, he has been referred to the translator of Strauss. Requiring nothing more in a husband than to save her from the disgrace of spinsterhood and to take her out of England, Mary Ann has accepted and will be married next Wednesday.

This jeu d'esprit should be read by all those who think that George Eliot lacked a sense of humor.

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