1304. EBB to Richard Hengist Horne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 211.

[London]

June 30. 1843.

You will think that there is no end of me—and I am thinking of engaging a secretary to copy out the extracts from Miss Mitford’s letters to me, which are addressed to you. Here I send you a page which belongs to you, & is all about your apotheosis in the shape of a geranium at the next Chiswick fête– This relates to Mr Foster’s [1] geranium. I had another letter two days ago about a seedling of her own which is also called after you, & of which both you & I, if we & the sun behave pretty well, are promised a descendant-plant next year. And now, dear Mr Horne, I will let you go in peace.

Tell me, whenever next you write, both how you are, & how the shilling Orion is going .. off [2] —for I confess to a curiosity.

Ever yours

EBB–

Poor Mr Haydon has lost the cartoon prize– I am so sorry!–

I have explained to dear Miss Mitford your impossibilities & your possibilities .. for the early part of July I mean.

Publication: EBB-RHH, I, 20–21 (as 30 June [?1840]).

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. Unidentified; the reference might be to John Forster.

2. The price of the fourth edition had been raised to one shilling.

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