1312. Richard Hengist Horne to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 7, 221–222.
36 New Broad St
July 3/43
Dear Miss Barrett, for your excellent diplomacy with the “Athenæum” [1] many thanks—it was as kindly meant, as cleverly managed—and the result has been good. Miller told me that he could distinctly trace the sale of a number of copies (Shilling, as well as Farthing) to the Review in the Athenæum.
Oh, you want to know how “Orion” is going off—the right word is on. You will be agreeably surprised to learn that my inversion of the whole present system of Advertising (as displayed in my last, more especially) has proved “irresistible.” Between 25 and 35 of the Shilling copies have been purchased every day—except magazine day—since it has been out at that price. Now?
Foster’s “Orion” do you tell me! I will write to Miss Mitford directly. No Foster—or no Orion—unless we share equally—thus
Foster’s Hornéd Orion [2]
I think I am better as to health, thank you.
I am “chalking out” some fresh work. [3] Do not (you) if you have not already, engage upon any new work of moment for a week or so—in which time you shall hear from me.
Now don’t send to know more by return of post—for I am dumb.
Yours truly
H.
Address: Miss E. B. Barrett / 50 Wimpole St / Cavendish Sq.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. i.e., her review of Orion in the issue of 24 June (no. 817, pp. 583–584).
2. The following letter makes clear that the subject here is the naming of geraniums by Miss Mitford.
3. Letter 1346 shows that he had in mind to complete their work on “Psyche Apocalypté.”
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