1889-10-12 to Clara Lanza

Typed transcript signed, University of Washington, 375 words

[Edited for paragraph breaks, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.]

8 King’s Bench Walk, Temple

[Saturday] October 12, 1889

Chere Maitre

The trouble I give you weighs upon my mind. I now send you a complete set of proofs; will you take them to your publisher and sell them for what they will bring? If they won't take the book Lippincotts I think will. It is of great importance to me that the book should come out in America, for if it were a success it would lead to a lecturing tour and a lecturing tour would lead to you.

What you tell me about Sharp and Mrs.Atherton interests me strongly. Of course I would not whisper a word here about it. Heron-Allen, who knows all about the intimate feeling of women, tells me Mrs. Atherton is a very cold woman.

We have heard often that reading books leads to immorality but if writing puts people sous la même couverture literature should be abolished. I admit you suggested none of this wickedness but I can't help romancing and I believe you to be discreet and hope you show my letters to no one.

I live my quiet life in the Temple, looking upon the scenes described in Mike Fletcher. Alas, I am thirty-seven or very nearly; the heart wears out and life is not so new or so joyous as it used to be. I am happy only with my French friends and often think of going to Paris and settling there for good. I have a friend there whom I might marry, but I cannot resign myself to the idea of marriage — I wonder how you did.

I am writing an article called "Our Dramatists", in which I shall get rid of a good deal of gall. Nothing exasperates so much as the modern play. It is always so hopelessly stupid.

I have only glanced at the proofs I send you. They should be carefully read by a competent [editor]. Still there is nothing but a few clerical errors. The book will not be published here before the end of the month, so there is plenty of time.

Most sincerely yours

GEORGE MOORE