Will you think over the whole question? I am sure your mind will supply any prudential considerations that I may have omitted.
I am vexed by the non-success of the serial edition of the works. It is not, Heaven knows, that I read my own books or am puffed up about them, but I have been of late quite astonished by the strengthening testimonies that have happened to come to me of people who care about every one of my books, and continue to read them--especially young men, who are just the class I care most to influence. But what sort of data can one safely go upon with regard to the success of editions?
"Felix Holt" is immensely tempted by your suggestion,[2] but George Eliot is severely admonished by his domestic critic not to scatter his energies.
Mr. Lewes sends his best regards. He is in high spirits about the poem.
_Nov. 22._--Began an "Address to the Working Men, by Felix Holt," at Blackwood's repeated request.
[Sidenote: Letter to Miss Sara Hennell, 22d Nov. 1867.]
Yes, indeed--when I do _not_ reciprocate "chaos is come again." I was quite sure your letter would come, and was grateful beforehand.
There is a scheme on foot for a Woman's College, or, rather, University, to be built between London and Cambridge, and to be in connection with the Cambridge University, sharing its professors, examinations, and degrees! _Si muove._
[Sidenote: Letter to Madame Bodichon, 1st Dec. (?) 1867.]
I have written to Miss Davies to ask her to come to see me on Tuesday.
I am much occupied just now, but the better education of women is one of the objects about which I have _no doubt_, and shall rejoice if this idea of a college can be carried out.
I see Miss Julia Smith's beautiful handwriting, and am glad to think of her as your guardian angel.
The author of the glorious article on the Talmud _is_ "that bright little man" Mr. Deutsch--a very dear, delightful creature.
_Dec. 4._--Sent off the MS. of the "Address" to Edinburgh.
[Sidenote: Letter to John Blackwood, 7th Dec. 1867.]
I agree with you about the phrase "Masters of the country."[3] I wrote that part twice, and originally I distinctly said that the epithet was false. Afterwards I left that out, preferring to make a stronger _argumentum ad hominem_, in case any workman believed himself a future master.