1594. EBB to Mary Russell Mitford

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 295–296.

[London]

Monday. [8 April 1844] [1]

Ever dearest Miss Mitford, what is becoming of you? and what is to become of me who have to write all day, without a line from you, refreshing me? Do write. Do let me hear how you are? what you are doing? and where you are going? I shd like you not to come to London, nevertheless, before the 19th: because, if it is possible, I am going to try to send some proofs & a preface to America by the packet of that day, [2] .. & I shall be out of breath with work all the time, if I accomplish it at last. But let me hear in the meantime that you are coming afterwards—& all about yourself.

Ah—if you shd be leaving me off, before you go to Jersey.! That’s my idea of your silence.

But I am going now to arrange about the French books for you—& you will be forced to stay at Three Mile Cross to read them, you know, when I have done that. So one idea, I put out with another.

Have you read Taylor’s Memoirs? [3] The correspondence with Southey appears to me exceedingly interesting.

Impossible to write a word more! Do, do, let me hear from you.

Indeed it is hardhearted of you.

And I too

your ever attached

<…> [4]

Publication: EBB-MRM, II, 405–406.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. Internal evidence shows that this letter was written prior to 19 April; the most probable date therefore is Monday 8 April, sufficiently in advance of the 19th, yet long enough after no. 1585 to explain EBB’s opening query.

2. EBB sent off the first part of “A Drama of Exile” on 19 April (see letters 1599 and 1600).

3. A Memoir of … the Late William Taylor of Norwich … (1844), previously mentioned in letter 1573.

4. The rest of the page has been torn away.

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