3366. EBB to Emelyn Story
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 152–153.
43 Bocca di Leone
Monday– [27 March 1854] [1]
Robert is out and I express for him & me the joy we had in your first account, dearest Emelyn, & for myself the satisfaction which comes with this. Of course he was glad to be of any use to you, and I was glad too to play my negative part in losing him under such circumstances. May God keep you from the terror which seems past—it must have been strong indeed. Our hearts bled for you.
Oh let us be glad & grateful without recrimination or back-thoughts– We think you not just, to be candid, to poor Pantaleoni who has shown no want of feeling in the course of this crisis at least .. of that we may assure you. For my own part I think that no medical man is fairly responsible, if the least iota of his advice remains unacted upon. I should not hesitate to place my own child in his hands in the case of illness—it is all I can say.
But who is right or who is wrong need not be thought of—only dear little Edie must– Do give her a kiss from me & Penini .. a double kiss .. on her forehead, & say how glad we both are to have this welcome news– I hope the change of air will begin to do its work with other efficient remedies. If the fever keeps off, her strength will soon gain ground—a child’s vitality springs like a fountain.
Robert comes in & will write a few words to Mr Story. Then, he says, I must go out with him—the first time I have been out since you went. It is very mild today. We have had a letter from the Cranch’s, very eager about news from you, & not written, I think, in very good spirits. The Americans, they say, in Paris dont care for art—which I am afraid means that he is neglected there.
This is a scramble of a note—but the heart of what I could say at any rate, would only be that we send you our affectionate wishes & thoughts– May God bless you–
Ever yours
EBB—
Publication: BAF, pp. 25–27.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. Dated by EBB’s reference to RB’s brief trip to Villetri.
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