1886-02-08 to Mary Blake Moore

Autograph letter signed, National Library of Ireland, 338 words

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

3 Danes Inn, Wych St, Strand

Monday [8 February 1886]

My dear Mother

I am very sorry indeed I cannot go to Moore Hall this year. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to spend a few months with you in the old place but I hear my book has given so much offence that it would be better for me to keep away. This is very unpleasant but it cannot be helped.

Of course I regret nothing; — I pursue my way undaunted, uninfluenced by any consideration. In this lies my strength, and you will be glad to hear my success — my triumph grows daily greater. London, for the moment, is at my feet.

But if I succeed others are failing, and to be candid with you I am greatly distressed about Julian. His conduct is shameful — is dastardly. I wish you would write to him. But no; neither you nor I can help him.

I got a letter from him the other day; it was as absurd and as weak an epistle as can well be imagined. He forgot to mention his address. If you have it, pray send it to me.

I have no news that would interest you. I do not see Anna Murphy nor indeed any of the Irish lot. Edward Martyn wrote to me a few weeks ago to say he was coming to London, and that brings me back to the subject of my unpopularity.

Of course you heard of my row with the convent. I settled them pretty quick although they got Charles Russell to take up the cudgels on their behalf.

Augustus is doing pretty well. He has just gone out with Miss Lingard — I do not see much of him. He wants me to take his wife up and I would like to but I cannot; my hatred of her is invincible.

Your affect son

George Moore