ke me in
many ways, for not only are you unacquainted with Mr. Lewes's real
character, and the course of his actions, but also it is several
years since you and I were much together, and it is possible that
the modifications my mind has undergone 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 momentous 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 believe that you cleave to what you believe to be
good, and I 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
I think we neither of us know; for I am ignorant of your precise
views, and apparently you attribute to me both feelings and
opinions which are not mine. We cannot set each other right in
letters; but one thing I can tell you in few words. Light and
easily broken ties are what I neither desire theoretically nor
could live for practically. Women who are satisfied with such ties
do not act as I have done. That any unworldly, unsuperstitious
person who is sufficiently acquainted with the realities of life
can pronounce my relation to Mr. Lewes immoral, I can only
understand by remembering how subtle and complex are the influences
which mould opinion. But I do remember this, and I indulge in no
arrogant or uncharitable thoughts about those who condemn us, even
though we might have expected a somewhat different verdict. From
the majority of persons we never, of course, 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 working hard to provide for others better than we
provide for ourselves, and to fulfil every responsibility that lies
upon us."

These responsibilities were not light, for they were poor and not yet
famous, and must support by their pens not only themselves, but three
boys of Mr. Lewes, and their mother. This they found no easy thing to do
at first; but when the great success of George Eliot's novels had been
attained, their financial affairs became easy, and contin