5035. RB to Charlotte Louisa Hawkins Dempster

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 49–50.

1. Chichester Road, Upper Westbourne Terrace

March 6. ’62

My dear Miss Dempster, [1]

When you find my card, you will perhaps fancy that I misunderstood the direction in your note to call on Sunday: this is therefore a word to say that, being in the neighbourhood, I caught at the happy chance of seeing you this morning as well as on that.

I can hardly thank you enough for the pleasure you will give me. A letter you sent to Florence many months ago may be more easily answered in this way than I thought possible—for it is not I who comply with a request contained therein,—you will understand.

Ever yours most truly,

Robert Browning.

My best thanks to Mr Reeve [2] for his wish to renew acquaintance: I reciprocate it cordially. Penini does not “forget you,” be assured.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Charlotte Louisa Hawkins Dempster (1835–1913); see letter 4957, note 11.

2. Henry Reeve (1811–95); see letter 4404, note 19. RB met Reeve in 1838 through Henry Chorley (see Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Henry Reeve by John Knox Laughton, 2 vols., 1898, I, 86).

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