Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/325

Rh experience of the world; both in the possession of their ripest genius. That she, at least, thinks this riper love as rich in blessing as the vaunted love of youth, witness this question occurring in “Adam Bede”:

"How is it that the poets have said so many fine things about our first love, so few about our later love? Are their first poems their best? or, are not those which come from their fuller thought, their larger experience, their deeper-rooted affections? The boy's flute-like voice has its own Spring charm; but the man’s should yield a deeper, richer music.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lewes have not, since their marriage, sought, or cared for, recognition by society. Indeed, on the contrary; Mrs. Lewes shrinks from any overflow of the outside world into her quiet, busy, loving home. The few who know and love them thoroughly, who have largeness enough of heart and brain to make them forget that in their union there is anything but obedience to that which is fittest, in whose