There was no touch of pedantry or affectation in her own measured, careful speech, although I can well imagine that she might have been accused of both by those persons--unfortunately more numerous than could be desired--who seem to take it for granted that _all_ difference from one's neighbour, and especially a difference in the direction of superiority, must be affected.
It has been thought by some persons that the influence of George Henry Lewes on her literary work was not a fortunate one, that he fostered too much the scientific bent of her mind to the detriment of its artistic richness.

I do not myself hold this opinion.

I am even inclined to think that but for his companionship and encouragement she might possibly never have written fiction at all.

It is, I believe, impossible to over-estimate the degree to which the sunshine of his complete and understanding sympathy and his adoring affection developed her literary powers.

She has written something to this effect--perhaps more than once; I have not her biography at hand at this moment for reference--in a letter to Miss Sara Hennell.