I hope that both
you and he will continue to be interested in my spiritual children.'
After Mr. Lewes's death, Mrs. Lewes writes to Mrs. Stowe:--
The Priory, 21 North Bank, _April_ 10, 1879.
My Dear Friend,--I have been long without sending you any sign (unless
you have received a message from me through Mrs. Fields), but my heart
has been going out to you and your husband continually as among the
chief of the many kind beings who have given me their tender fellow-
feeling in my last earthly sorrow. . . . When your first letter came,
with the beautiful gift of your book, [Footnote: Uncle Tom's Cabin,
new edition, with introduction.] I was unable to read any letters, and
did not for a long time see what you had sent me. But when I did know,
and had read your words of thankfulness at the great good you have
seen wrought by your help, I felt glad, for your sake first, and then
for the sake of the great nation to which you belong. The hopes of the
world are taking refuge westward, under the calamitous conditions,
moral and physical, in which we of the elder world are getting
involved. . . .
Thank you for telling me that you have the comfort of seeing your son
in a path that satisfies your best wishes for him. I like to think of
your having family joys. One of the prettiest photographs of a child
that I possess is one of your sending to me. . . .
Please offer my reverential, affectionate regards to your husband, and
believe me, dear friend,
Yours always gratefully,
M.
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