3560. EBB to Alfred Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 179–180.
Lyons–
Saturday night– [23 June 1855] [1]
My dearest Alfred,
Will you help us? We have lost a box—a square deal box with a black top—it is locked & contains, hats, collars, lace &c– “Robert Browning” is written on it somewhere– Wilson can only remember that she saw it on board the Bastia boat “L’Industrie”, from whence our things were supposed to be conveyed to the custom-house, & from thence again to the Hotêl des Empereurs– Do be so kind as to make it out for us, as the loss will be considerable—three hats of Penini’s in it,—& how is he to appear in Paris? If the box is recoverable, do send it in the quickest way to Robert’s address, in Paris, 138, Avenue des Champs Elysèes– Robert says that the address on the box is written on one side of the lid, on the wood– There will also be on the box marks of its having come from Firenze to Livorno—by railroad– Reward anybody who will find it, & make a note of all the expense incurred and we will pay you again of course–
Dearest Alfred, I meant to write to you from Paris, to say how I took your flowers with me & the remembrance of all your kindness to me & mine– May God bless you– So sorry I was to miss seeing you this morning—yet adieus are not the best part of love–
Penini said, “Dear mama, I like your uncle so much”– “But he is’nt my uncle Penini, but your’s! and when you see your other uncles, then you’ll be able to consider which you like best”– “Well”—said he musingly,—“For the present, I like Alfred leally nearly as much as you & papa–”
I told you, you had won his heart at once, & no wonder–
In the greatest haste & with all our love, believe me
Your ever attached
Ba–
With the greatest speed, to Paris—as our stay there is so uncertain– I dare say at least ten pounds worth of things are in the box besides m∙s—notes to a book–
Address, on integral page: À Monsieur / Monsieur A. P. M. Barrett / Hôtel des Empereurs / Marseille.
Publication: Ronald Hudson, “Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Her Brother Alfred,” Browning Institute Studies, 2 (1974), 146–147.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. This letter is postmarked 24 June 1855, a Sunday.
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