5352. George Eliot to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 31.

The Priory,

North Bank,

Regents Park.

Thursday [24 March 1864] [1]

My dear Mr Browning

Entertain no regret about that momentary forgetfulness, for I really think I shall enjoy my visit to you all the more if you will let me hope for it on my return from Scotland, whither we set out on Sunday evening. [2] We shall be absent only a week, & any time after Monday the 4th you will find us by our fireside as usual, whenever your mind moves towards us strongly enough to bring us your welcome bodily presence. By that time I hope to be a less headachy wretch than I happen to be this week, & all pleasant things will be pleasanter to me. I do not reckon my visit to you under that common head of “pleasant things”, for I look forward to it as quite a special privilege, to be linked with long-remembered & hallowed impressions.

Ever yours faithfully

Marian E Lewes

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Date based on the Leweses’ travelling to Glasgow (see note 2 below).

2. The Leweses left London for Glasgow on Sunday, 27 March 1864, and returned on 2 April (see The Journals of George Eliot, ed. Margaret Harris and Judith Johnston, Cambridge, 2000, p. 120).

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