1152.5. John Kenyon to EBB

Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 6.

4. Harley Place.

Wednesday Night [February 1843]

My dear cousin

I told you that I did not believe in thieves, even when the goods were so richly worth stealing. I had lent my book to a friend, and recollected to whom this very day. Yet I do not refuse your second gift—I am proud of the Epigraph—

“Some friends—my acquaintance

who settle the nation

Are pleased to be kind—but I

hate ostentation.”

—Yet I salve my conscience—

(“Some scruple rose, but thus he eased his thought”)

by sending the book I had procured to replace (pro tempore) the missing one—to one who will know how to value it. I received it only this morning however– They bind very slowly at coronation times.

But I must not sneer at such things to you– Another young Queen (you see I cannot help writing the word with a Capital) and another crowning ceremony would make my liberal Cousin a rank Tory.

—Whether Whig or Tory or Radical however, I am truly hers always

J. Kenyon

Last night I was introduced to a daughter of Mr Boyd’s—Mrs Hay—I think– We were soon acquainted, finding a point of agreeable sympathy in abusing you and yours–

Address: To / Miss Barrett / 50. Wimpole Str

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

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