3194. EBB to Jane Wills-Sandford

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 67–68.

[Florence]

Friday– [?29 April] [1853] [1]

Here are the books, which nobody came for yesterday! But what do you mean, my dear Miss Sandford, by throwing a doubt upon saturday? Surely you dont mean to disappoint us!

As to the “poule” [2] song, Robert was innocent he says, of the wickedness you attribute to him. I think, if any application was in question, he & I might have sung it ourselves beside the dying wood-ashes after you went away, for, if anybody was dull, we were– But to be silent (among friends) is not to be dull, it seems to me—there is a right of silence, as well as of sincerity.

Yes indeed! I hope we shall have a walk together—and it shall be by the river or wherever you like best. Meanwhile, keep a place in your kind thoughts for your affectionate

EBB–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Conjectural date based on EBB’s returning books and on her being concerned about seeing Miss Wills-Sandford on Saturday, the combination of which may suggest an imminent departure. The Wills-Sandfords left Florence on or soon after 3 May (see letter 3199). 29 April was the previous Friday.

2. “Hen.” We have been unable to clarify this remark.

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