hard-headed intellect and impetuous affection, such as we see in her letters to the Brays. Nor does this die away with youth: the same gushing tone there is no other word for it is kept up with Miss Hennell to the last, and is even adopted with friends gained in the decline of life. This stern independence of intellect combined with a complete dependence on others for the emotional life, gives the characteristic tone throughout her life, and we are continually coming across a severe philosophical disquisition side by side with an outburst of uncontrollable affection or longing. She has doubtless portrayed this side of her nature in Maggie Tulliver with her impulsive affection, her emotional dependence on others. But she had recognised it much earlier when speaking of herself as 'ivy-like as I am by nature,' and in this peculiarly womanly quality she remained a very woman to the last. Manly intellect and girlish heart were united in her to an unusual degree.
This problematic nature serves to explain—so far as it bears explanation—he crux of her life—her union with George Henry Lewes. Mr. Cross, with much tact and wisdom, refuses to discuss the question. The only contribution he gives to its solution is a letter addressed to Mrs. Bray a year after the 'union' was entered upon. Here the question is made
