George Eliot's Works (Volume 8) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1894. Excerpt: ... upon him for a great deal. Besides, a man must be married some time in his life, and I could hardly do better than marry Beatrice. She's an uncommonly fine woman, and I 'm really very fond of her; and as I shall let her have her own way, her temper won't signify much. I wish the wedding was over and done with, for this fuss does n't suit me at all. I haven't been half so well lately. That scene about Tina this morning quite upset me. Poor little Tina What a little simpleton it was, to set her heart on me in that way But she ought to see how impossible it is that things should be different . If she would but understand how kindly I feel towards her, and make up her mind to look on me as a friend; -- but that is what one never can get a woman to do. Beatrice is very goodnatured; I 'm sure she would be kind to the little thing. It would be a great comfort if Tina would take to Gilfil, if it were only in anger against me. He 'd make her a capital husband, and I should like to see the little grasshopper happy. If I had been in a different position, I would certainly have married her myself; but that was out of the question with my responsibilities to Sir Christopher. I think a little persuasion from my uncle would bring her to accept Gilfil; I know she would never be able to oppose my uncle's wishes. And if they were once married, she 's such a loving little thing, she would soon be billing and cooing with him as if she had never known me. It would certainly be the best thing for her happiness if that marriage were hastened. Heigh-ho. Those are lucky fellows that have no women falling in love with them. It's a confounded responsibility." At this point in his meditations he turned his head a little, so as to get a three-quarter view of his face. Clearly it was the dono infelice della be...