2732. EBB to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 79–80.

[Florence]

[?11 May 1848] [1]

Dearest Henrietta, be sure that we have thought of you in love too often & too deeply, not to have longed to do something, if but a straw’s breadth, towards your happiness. The answer is not final yet. Everything that can be done, says our correspondent, [2] in the way of enquiry, will be done. There are railroads in Austria, which promise most– We named no names—spoke of an officer in the English army, of the highest character, .. intelligence & mathematics to boot– I write in such haste, you wont make out my meaning. Ah, dont be too hopeful—& after all, Surtees might prefer his own profession & its prospects. We are to hear again, & in the meanwhile, give him my love–

You ought not to marry without a clear income: because people get into difficulties just so. I do pray that when the moment of trial comes, God’s hand may make all smooth. In the meanwhile, keep up your spirits & be well, & dont catch any more colds–

Your Ba—

Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett / Private.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

1. From the context of this “private” message to Henrietta, it appears to fall sometime after letters 2719 and 2723 and was probably enclosed in letter 2731.

2. Presumably, Reuben Browning; see letter 2723, note 2.

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