871. EBB to John Kenyon
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 166–167.
50 Wimpole Street
Nov 10. 1841
My dear cousin,
What I hear of your having alighted in the midst of us only on one foot & on your way back to the west, makes me fear the possibility of your not finding time (for all your kind intentions) to come here, & so of your going away without this parcel which Miss Mitford directed me to commit to your hands– I therefore resolve upon sending it to you at once.
I was so glad to hear you had come—so sorry that it is but a flash in the pan—that I had better say nothing of being either–
You have heard of our late vision of Our Miss Mitford [1] —but did Papa tell you how she delayed coming on purpose to see you .. I being generous enough to wish that she might ..? and how at last, despairing of you, she came just in time to miss you? Perhaps on your way to the west you may look in upon her? In that case, do let me advise you to bestow the pleasure in the pleasantest manner .. by letting her know when beforehand, & by consenting to have luncheon or dinner at her house. I do not speak unadvisedly myself. She complains of your one fault—or two faults .. the not saying, & the not staying—and I resolved to be impertinent enough to try & work out your perfection.
Your kindness will induce you to be not sorry to hear from me that every day I am more & more thankful to the mercy which permitted my removal. It was the loosening of chains whose iron entered into the soul– [2] I continue better in all ways—& in my spirits & sense of repose, to a degree surprising to myself–
Dear Mr Kenyon, may God bless you!– I have not quite given up the hope of seeing you—but I do not expect what might prove an inconvenience to you—what probably indeed would.
I have been wandering in Lower Austria—very much pleased—by the help of your music-tongued & smiling philosophy. [3]
Ever affectionately yours
Elizabeth B Barrett–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. A reference to Miss Mitford’s 28–30 October visit (see letter 868).
2. “The Captive. Paris” in A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy (1768) by Laurence Sterne (1713–68).
3. EBB means “Upper Austria,” Kenyon’s contribution to The Keepsake for 1842, just published. EBB repeated the incorrect title in the following letter.
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