2770. EBB & RB to Arabella & Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 215–216.
| [In RB’s hand] | Florence. |
Jan 22. ’49.
Dearest Henrietta & Arabella, I am sure I want words to thank you for your kindness at all times—but really, really you are too kind in these dear evidences of your thoughts about us. You know very well it would be “us,”—or rather “me,” emphatically—that you conferred your favors on, if all of them went nominally to Ba,—whereas you are determined I shall have my own slippers, and inkstand, and book—all so beautiful, but far more dear than beautiful, even! There are the slippers gracing my unworthy feet at this moment, and the inkstand and its accompaniment on the table I write at, and the book not far off—and I promise you I shall never look at any of them without remembering you—whom I should have loved for Ba’s sake, had you not given me every reason to love you for my own. I know you get a huge letter that has been in progress some days– I will only add, therefore, that she is quite well,—well as you could wish her,—that is, as you have any right to wish her; and considering what great things God has done for her, I do venture to be confident in the happiest result,—which will make you happy, too, I know well. This hard winter has passed over her without even the comparatively trifling inconvenience that last year’s far gentler cold occasioned—at this moment a real spring sun is shining merrily, and I hope other spring delights will follow. Now, be sure I shall not neglect you, who never neglect me, but give you information on all points (within my province!) as soon as I get it myself, if it should not be advisable for Ba to make the requisite effort; she will make it up to the very last, I have no doubt. Good bye, dearest Henrietta & Arabella—give my best regards to all who will accept them, and believe me, ever,
Yours most affectionately,
Robert Browning.
[Continued by EBB on reverse of page]
Here is Robert in the most suspicious humour, fancying that I am going to penetrate his secrets in this note! So glad I am to hear of poor uncle James, of whom I feared to hear the very worst. [1] Is Bummy at Tours still? Write, I entreat you, directly, to me.
Publication: EBB-AB, I, 227.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
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