John Irving Bot
@johnirvingbot.bsky.social
Hoping soon to hear from you, I remain, my dear Malcolm, yours faithfully, John Irving
Pinned
It is tantalising to think that you are just on the other side of these blue hills, but I can’t get at you.
We shall not have the same ties of situation nor the same feelings of relation to each other as we then had.
January 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
We shall not have the same ties of situation nor the same feelings of relation to each other as we then had.
Not that I am weak enough to believe that when you and I meet again we shall suit each other as well as when we were in the Belvidera.”
January 25, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Not that I am weak enough to believe that when you and I meet again we shall suit each other as well as when we were in the Belvidera.”
I should be unjust to you if I did not tell you so, that it is the greatest comfort to me to think that, as long as we live, I have such a friend as you have been to me ever since I first knew you, and when we first called each other friends.
January 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I should be unjust to you if I did not tell you so, that it is the greatest comfort to me to think that, as long as we live, I have such a friend as you have been to me ever since I first knew you, and when we first called each other friends.
No, quite the contrary;
January 24, 2025 at 10:44 PM
No, quite the contrary;
-than that I have the least expectation of such an event, or that you have ever given me the slightest cause to think it at all probable.
January 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
-than that I have the least expectation of such an event, or that you have ever given me the slightest cause to think it at all probable.
It is more owing to the morbid sensibility of my own mind, combined with the long habit of deep interest about you, that makes me feel so acutely the bare possibility of your growing cold and indifferent about me,-
January 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
It is more owing to the morbid sensibility of my own mind, combined with the long habit of deep interest about you, that makes me feel so acutely the bare possibility of your growing cold and indifferent about me,-
Do not let this remark offend you.
January 23, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Do not let this remark offend you.
and it does seem natural, that you, surrounded by so many new and agreeable friends and acquaintances, and cut off from all associations with your former life, should gradually slacken your interest in, and cast off your affections for your old friends.
January 22, 2025 at 10:44 PM
and it does seem natural, that you, surrounded by so many new and agreeable friends and acquaintances, and cut off from all associations with your former life, should gradually slacken your interest in, and cast off your affections for your old friends.
Your feeling vexed at not hearing from me convinces me, more than a dozen letters could, that your interest in my welfare is still the same, and nothing could tend more to remove a horrid feeling of jealousy which sometimes crosses my mind, when I think it possible;
January 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Your feeling vexed at not hearing from me convinces me, more than a dozen letters could, that your interest in my welfare is still the same, and nothing could tend more to remove a horrid feeling of jealousy which sometimes crosses my mind, when I think it possible;
It shows far more than any assertions could that you are really concerned about me; and I am sure that I never read anything of yours with such heartfelt pleasure as I did these warm remonstrances on my silence and apparent neglect of your letters.
January 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
It shows far more than any assertions could that you are really concerned about me; and I am sure that I never read anything of yours with such heartfelt pleasure as I did these warm remonstrances on my silence and apparent neglect of your letters.
But, my dear Malcolm, do not think for a moment that I am at all displeased at your scolding me; far from it. Nothing could have pleased me more.
January 19, 2025 at 10:44 PM
But, my dear Malcolm, do not think for a moment that I am at all displeased at your scolding me; far from it. Nothing could have pleased me more.
I must finish my letter in a hurry. Good-bye.—I am ever your most affectionate
John Irving.
John Irving.
January 19, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I must finish my letter in a hurry. Good-bye.—I am ever your most affectionate
John Irving.
John Irving.
However, it is a source of great present discomfort and uneasiness to be forced to turn my attention, with an effort, to the consideration of subjects in which I used to take great pleasure some weeks ago.
January 18, 2025 at 10:44 PM
However, it is a source of great present discomfort and uneasiness to be forced to turn my attention, with an effort, to the consideration of subjects in which I used to take great pleasure some weeks ago.
I do not know whether this may be a physical effect on the mind produced by the constant excitement in which I have lived for the last two months,—in which case, when I get settled, my mind may be restored to its former calm and comfortable state.
January 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I do not know whether this may be a physical effect on the mind produced by the constant excitement in which I have lived for the last two months,—in which case, when I get settled, my mind may be restored to its former calm and comfortable state.
and I am quite aware that I do not think nearly so much as I used to do about eternity and the things belonging to it.
January 17, 2025 at 10:44 PM
and I am quite aware that I do not think nearly so much as I used to do about eternity and the things belonging to it.
From having been so hurried about these last two months, and never having time to read, I regret that I am not nearly in such a peaceful state of mind as I used to be
January 17, 2025 at 3:24 PM
From having been so hurried about these last two months, and never having time to read, I regret that I am not nearly in such a peaceful state of mind as I used to be
however, I saw her sisters, and have rather melancholy news to carry out to her husband, our Commander.
January 16, 2025 at 10:44 PM
however, I saw her sisters, and have rather melancholy news to carry out to her husband, our Commander.
I found the poor lady quite insane
January 16, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I found the poor lady quite insane
Some of my friends seem quite confident that I shall be promoted in a short time, but if this takes place in eighteen months it will happen sooner than I myself expect.
January 15, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Some of my friends seem quite confident that I shall be promoted in a short time, but if this takes place in eighteen months it will happen sooner than I myself expect.
Believe me ever your affectionate friend,
John Irving
John Irving
January 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Believe me ever your affectionate friend,
John Irving
John Irving
I am afraid you will consider this a terribly egotistical letter, but mine are naturally such to you.
January 14, 2025 at 10:44 PM
I am afraid you will consider this a terribly egotistical letter, but mine are naturally such to you.
I shall be out at Malta about the end of April, and, I am afraid, shall have some difficulty in joining my ship; but I suppose I must stick to the letter-bag.
January 14, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I shall be out at Malta about the end of April, and, I am afraid, shall have some difficulty in joining my ship; but I suppose I must stick to the letter-bag.
I shall also get, and, as you desire, consider as a present from you, the little book called Advice to a Young Christian.
January 13, 2025 at 10:44 PM
I shall also get, and, as you desire, consider as a present from you, the little book called Advice to a Young Christian.
I have procured Newton’s Cardiphonia on your recommendation, but I have not had time to read it yet.
January 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I have procured Newton’s Cardiphonia on your recommendation, but I have not had time to read it yet.
She is a most pious, amiable lady, and I am sure you will be as much pleased with her as she will be with you.
January 12, 2025 at 10:44 PM
She is a most pious, amiable lady, and I am sure you will be as much pleased with her as she will be with you.