ne of this lady's earlier
books, and had a much less definite opinion of the author then, than I
have at the present moment.

Threshing my brains for any sort of tie with George Eliot, I remembered
having often stayed at Oxford as a young woman, when Jowett of Balliol
was entertaining her and Mr Lewes, in his own home.

Of course, there was no question in those far-away days of my being
asked to meet such a brilliant star; but it amused me often to hear the
dull and uninteresting people of some standing in the University, whom
Jowett had _not_ favoured with an invitation, declaring that nothing
would have induced them to accept it!

This was, however, but a feeble link, even when added to the righteous
indignation one had so often experienced on hearing similar remarks
made, about a woman too far above her critics both in genius and morals,
for them to be able to catch the faintest glimpse of her personality.

Apparently it only now lay with me to cease asking _why_, and accept the
goods provided by the gods, making the most of such an opportunity. On
these occasions so many possible questions tumble over each other in
the brain that it is difficult to select any one to start with.

At length I asked the following question:--

"What did George Eliot think of the author who had been so much
discussed and so highly applauded on the previous afternoon?"

Very quickly came the answer: "_I have no sympathy there--a mere
puppet._"

Certainly this was not thought reading; for my own opinion then was very
indefinite, and Lizzie's views, as it turned out, were as enthusiastic
as those of most people in the Colony. It was not until several years
later that I realised that an extraordinarily _apt_ criticism had been
made; for a puppet is made to dance by other entities.

I was longing to ask another question, but had some natural hesitation
in doing so before such a young girl. Moreover, I feared the answer must
almost of necessity be coloured by the traditions of the latter, and
therefore would be of no great value either way. But taking my courage
"in both hands," I put the question:

"Please ask George Eliot if she _now_ thinks that she was justified in
the position she took up with regard to George Lewes?"

The answer came in a flash: "CERTAINLY. _We are one here, as we were on
earth._"

Anything less likely to emanate from the brain of an orthodox young girl
can hardly be conceived!

Amongst other details, Geo