Correspondence

2668.  EBB to Arabella Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 168–173.

Pisa—

Now my own dearest Arabel it is your turn– I have expected to hear from you with or without a reason. Perhaps I am unreasonable. Certainly you are, when you persist in telling atrocious things about postage [2] … oh Arabel—is it not too bad? Judge yourself! Would you, do you, can you calculate postages in your own case? As for ours, why Robert observes constantly that he would rather find a letter from some indifferent person at the office than none at all .. a stupid letter from an indifferent person. Think then, what it is to us to have letters from the dearest people, every word of which is full of interest. It is our one luxury—and you grudge it, you unkind naughty Arabel! All this about such an obvious matter! I drop the subject for ever, entreating you to put away the thought of it for as long. Only think that by writing to me you give me the greatest joy you can give me, & that the oftener you give it the more generous a giver of gifts you are! There’s an end!—or here’s a beginning, rather. The next thing to say is that though going on well, I have not done being an invalid yet––not quite. I look well, sleep well, eat well & am in good spirits—but still to lie on the sofa is a necessary inconvenience because of a persisting symptom which does not suffer one to be oneself altogether. Dr Cook says that it is a “slow & sure” affair … satisfactory in every respect except as to our Florentine schemes! There seems little hope of a journey to Florence as soon as the seventeenth, and very vexatious it is to be kept here .. “a week” says Dr Cook, .. “a month” says Robert when he is out of spirits .. “a few days” say I when inclined to laugh doctors & prophets to scorn. Mrs Jameson will be at Florence on the twenty second on purpose to meet us (by the way), and if we cant go on time we shall have no opportunity of apprizing her of the fact. And then these cheating signori of ours have ceased to be agreeable “padroni”—altogether it is vexatious. Dr C. affirms that if anyone except myself were in question, he could set all to rights by a few doses of quinine, but that he is half afraid of giving it to me, .. awed by the nervous instability of which he read the signs .. & would rather trust to nature’s own resources, taking a little more time. He assured me the other day that while he has attended me, he has seen nothing morbid about me except the state of the nerves—neither disease nor the tendency to disease—& that the lungs from first to last have been perfectly unembarrassed.

<…> [3]

—& there is no wonder that at the end of these weeks, a woman not originally strong, should be still weak—is there? Oh, I wish you could answer that question as quickly as it goes, to you! Robert’s goodness & tenderness are past speaking of, even if you could answer me. He reads to me, talks & jests to make me laugh, tells me stories, improvises verses in all sorts of languages (did I ever tell you that he was an improvisatore? indeed he is, & a surprising one! What is there that he cannot do & know?) sings songs, explains the difference between Mendels[s]ohn & Spohr [4] by playing on the table, & when he has thoroughly amused me, accepts it as a triumph, a pleasure of his own .. the only pleasure he will have for himself. Of course I am spoilt to the uttermost! Who could escape? I think sometimes of your opinion on the demoralizing effects of “a long courtship” .. & then I admit that “the courtship,” with me, was by no means the most dangerous thing. There has been a hundred times as much attention, tenderness, nay, flattery even, ever since—and is not this the close of the seventh month, Arabel? .. is’nt it? You will be disappointed if I dont continue my calculations .. you know you will. Our parcel has left London only ten days by a sailing packet, & I despair to calculate in that direction. Sarian[n]a Browning waited for the steamers in vain, & so the time passed. Mrs Browning’s health is better, I am glad to say. Did I ever tell you that the Brownings were fierce & strong Puritans in the old years? Always, since I knew it I meant to tell you, feeling sure that you would care more for that than for our noble deeds at the battle of Harfleur, or even perhaps (who shall say?) than for the old poetical laurel of the first English poet, who was a Robert Brunynge, [5] yes, really– In the register of the Tower of London, is still to be seen the name of a Browning puritan who suffered imprisonment & death there in James the first’s reign, & Robert says laughingly that perhaps it is the old Puritanism which brews in his blood against the very sign & symbol of any sort of gambling, inclusive of my lottery-phantasms of palazzinos in orange-groves. The Drama was a different thing—it conquered: but he never touched cards .. shrank from them by a sort of instinct, even in Russia where everybody plays his course through society. By the way, Arabel, or out of the way, we never do “quarrel” whatever you may imagine– Not one breath of unkindness or crossness has passed between us .. not one, for one moment. It is not my credit, & I do not mention it for that– I should be as savage as a tiger if I would get up a quarrel any way. Yet Henrietta is not right—there is no “hen-pecking” in the case either– I am satisfied with picking up my seed. I have too much reverence (seriously speaking) & he is too much above me, to admit of such a thought. But simply I am spoilt & petted, & the object is to watch for my least wish & turn it to a reality. If you saw how I have to beg & entreat & draw him out to take his walk everyday! Otherwise he would not leave me at all– We are very happy–

Do you remember my ending one of my letters with a visit from a Mrs Young who called herself a friend of Mr Stratton’s & whose daughter had lately married Professor Mat[t]eucci of this university? [6] Now I will tell you a history. She & Madame (the daughter) had sate with me about half an hour when Robert came in. I had hoped that he wd not come in, knowing how he hates indiscriminate visitors (worse than I, he is!) but he heard from Wilson in the passage as he returned from his walk, that Mr Stratton’s name had been mentioned, & desired to show whatever respect he could to a friend of his– Well! but upon coming in & the ordinary conversation continuing, he was struck with a sudden dislike of both visitors (he never was deceived in his life, he says, about physiognomy .. it is his “one strong point” .. that’s what he says of himself!) & all I could explain of my own view as to Madame’s apparent stiffness being shyness & so on, went quite for nothing—they were detestable people .. not kind, not unaffected, not anything good. He & I argued the point half the day after. Mrs Young seemed to me, a rather sensible woman & meaning to be cordial .. & her daughter reserved, to an appearance of coldness—not much over-refinement .. but passable enough—so of course I argued the point. Well—the memory of these things had vanished almost, when a week ago Robert came to me in “considerable excitement” .. “Oh, that hateful woman! that wretched Mrs Young!– Tell me again, Ba, that I dont see through people at a glance—doubt my judgements again! but hear first about what that detestable woman has been saying of you!” “Of me!” I could not help laughing a little at the very idea of such a thing, & opening my eyes incredulously– And then it came out that Mrs Young who had called upon me with every intention of showing me civility … of inviting me to her soireés, & various condescendences, professed herself to be absolutely astonished at the rudeness with which I had repulsed her advances,—never returning her visit, nor meaning to do so! The airs I gave myself were quite prodigious! I had even told her plainly face to face that I did not intend to return her visit! (Which was my politeness, you are to understand, Arabel, as far as the intention went—I thought I had explained ever so blandly, that if I did not call on her instantly, she was to be kind enough to remember that the causes were this & this .. telling her how I had to shun an exposure to cold winds &c.) Mrs Y. had delivered herself of the above declaration to kind Mrs Turner who was “sure there was a mistake somewhere,[”] as from what she had seen of me—she thought me incapable of giving myself “airs”– “Incapable! after her conduct to Mrs Loftus!!”—— My female major aforesaid!—whose apartment I wanted to “take over her head” (a feat, considering that she is nearly six feet high!) & pay double or triple for—you remember– Also you may imagine how furious Robert was to hear all this from Mrs Turner who told him with the best motives, “as there must be a mistake & it ought to be cleared up”– He sate by me using his very strongest language & at last sprang from his chair .. “He should go & call on that Mrs Young instantly as she wanted a visit.” I begged, for the sake of peace & me, that he would not do such a thing .. dreading a fuss & a scandal– “What nonsense! do let the foolish people talk out their foolishness”– But he insisted on going—[“]he shd make no fuss .. he shd avoid of course being rude to a woman—whatever the woman might be .. but directness was the best thing in the world & he would directly make them all ashamed of themselves.” Off he went to Mrs Young’s– A splendid apartment—the lady & her daughter visible. Great politeness on all sides. Did me the honour of enquiring after me– Robert replied in measured language that I had been very ill, .. (He thought, he says, that under the circumstances he could not be too specific)– “And yet I understand” he continued, (after they had expressed some civil regret) “that, in the face of these circumstances, & of the other fact that Mrs Browning came to Pisa on account of the previous weakness of her health, there are persons here who have absolutely taken offence & made it a ground of complaint against her because she has not returned their visits–” (Obvious embarrassment & a glance exchanged from mother to daughter)—“But how could that be? People must surely be unreasonable if they could complain ....” said Mrs Y. “Most unreasonable indeed,” pursued Robert, .. “& not only so, but uncharitable, unsympathizing, & unkind”– Poor Mrs Young agreed with him à l’outrance, [7] looking painfully embarrassed– “And you will admit” he went on to say, [“]that such a want of consideration & good feeling is enough to produce, among persons who like ourselves are seeking in Italy just health & tranquility, a disinclination towards the society of our own country people—”– She admitted it was quite enough– (Such cowardice! says Robert to me!) And then, to clinch the argument, he narrated to her the Loftus affair as if he were talking to a sympathizing listener—explained how we were ignorant of the existence of Major Loftus’s apartment .. & how the whole lie had probably originated. She listened .. & when he found that the impression was complete he let the conversation turn into other channels, & met with extraordinary cordiality at every turn of it– Italian newspapers were thrust into his hands, & he came home laden with messages & assurances to me– Three days after, the professor & his wife called here & a note came last night .. (to Robert himself, mind!) overflowing with interest about me, & suggesting that if I could get to their house for change of air &c &c– Oh, such affection—it grows like mustard & cress!– Moreover we have had a humble apology from the Major’s minor, who for the future “never means to believe what she is told.” Altogether, I am glad now that the truth was set in the light– Mrs Loftus had raged against me even to Dr Cook, he has admitted since, and declared that she intended to take the first opportunity of complaining to Mr Browning of the unladylike conduct of his wife– She had been uncomfortable in her apartment throughout the winter because of me & “had no idea of it”! .. There’s Pisa gossip for you!—just observe how people can talk in Italy & .. not of Michael Angelo!– Mrs Young went to Mrs Turner to reproach her with reporting her conversation—but Mrs Turner reminded her that she, Mrs T., had said at the time she should find out whether there was a mistake or not– So all is right now– I shall leave cards on everyone before quitting Pisa, should it be possible, & lose my bad character of “giving myself airs” as completely as I can. Mrs Young & Madame are said to give great soireés in Pisa & to “have everybody”– They receive the Religious, one night, to tea & serious conversation, .. and the irreligious, another, to the sound of music & dancing– There’s gossip, you see, on my side! But this place is too English for us, in the social party-giving sense– We cant be left alone, observe. Venice will suit us best, .. & Florence better .. in the meanwhile.

My best darling Arabel, you go out to walk, I do trust & entreat– Do it for my sake & when you think most of me. The weather is exquisite, & Dr Cook who has just been here, thinks that in a few days I may try the carriage … which looks like Florence, does’nt it? He is going to give me iron .. I cant persuade him to attempt the quinine .. and I am to have a glass of port wine a day, besides French wine .. claret. Sette would call that “jolly”, I think .. & my own opinion is that I shall be an irresponsible agent by eventide. But you will at once see how free I must be from fever & bad symptoms, to admit of this excess. Then I have two eggs a day, at breakfast & tea, besides animal food at dinner—seed cake for supper & luncheon– I am inclined to eat everytime, I assure you, & take the whole egg, the shell being once broken, so that egg stands for egg with me now– Dr Cook thought me looking better, & said that no symptom except such as arose from weakness occurred. The iron, he hopes a good deal from. Pray take for granted that there is not a single thing to be uneasy about in my behalf … except indeed the port wine!– I tell you everything, that you may understand, & not be uneasy. Write & give me all the news of all. Have you heard from my dear Stormie yet? I dream of you all often & cry in my sleep. Tell me of Papa. Has George returned from circuit & did he do well? Bid Henry take courage & look about for an occupation. There is hope in the world for him, bid him be sure with my love. I fear, for Sette, that the Law is not the best profession just now—but it gives a position, which is something. Occy & Mr Barry must triumph in the House of Lords– [8] As to Alfred he triumphs alone, it appears. Good speed to them all. Tell me of Papa– Do you ever paint now, dear dearest Arabel! Speak of yourself. Henrietta takes long walks I know.– When is Susan Cook to be married? My love to her & Surtees. How does Annie Hayes get on with her husband? & how is her health, poor thing? My best love to my dearest Trippy, & assure her that I have a letter in my heart for her, yet unwritten. In the meanwhile, this will do as well, considering her kindness & that I am forbidden to write much. I want to write several notes .. to dear Mr Boyd (tell him so) & to others– Who has reached London, of the Expected? If Bummy has, & if she cares still for any of my love, you may give it to her. Also to Arlette. I want to write a little note to dear Minny, & it shall be written some day.

Wilson continues better. Robert tells me to give his love to you & dearest Henrietta, which I agree to– I am your own Ba in deepest affection–

Flush’s love & a paw.

Address, on integral page: To the care of Miss Trepsack, / (Miss Arabel Barrett) / 5. Upper Montagu Street / Montagu Square / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Year determined from the Brownings’ residence in Pisa during the first half of April 1847.

2. Letters from England to Tuscany had to be paid by the sender through France; postage from the Italian border to the final destination was then paid by the receiver. Evidently, Arabella was primarily concerned with the Brownings having to pay the high rates of postage on receipt of her letters.

3. Two and a half lines have been obliterated by someone other than EBB.

4. Ludwig Spohr (1784–1859) and Felix Mendelssohn (1809–47). Spohr’s compositions (now seldom performed) were romantic in style, whereas Mendelssohn adhered to a more classical tradition. Both enjoyed success in England during their careers.

5. Perhaps a reference to Robert Mannyng, or Robert of Brunne (fl. 1264–1340), author of Handlyng Synne and a Chronicle of England. We have been unable to identify any ancestor of the Barrett or Moulton families who fought with Henry V at the Battle of Harfleur in 1415, nor any Browning ancestor being a prisoner in the Tower.

6. See letter 2660, note 20.

7. “Beyond all measure.”

8. Octavius Moulton-Barrett was studying with Charles Barry (1795–1860), the architect chosen to design the new Houses of Parliament. Drawings by Octavius made during this period are extant (see vol. 1, p. 296).

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