3613. EBB to Arabella Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 245–246.
[London]
Tuesday– [Postmark: 4 September 1855]
Dearest dear darling Arabel, I want you to send me Mary Hunter’s address—I dont know where to write to her, & she will (as you say) think me a monster. Dearest Arabel, I am very uneasy about our prospect of going to Eastbourne– I am afraid, dear, dear, that the means will prove wanting to the least move aside from the necessary route to Paris– Eastbourne is plainly expensive—and we have not money even for what is cheap. Oh—it grieves me so!– And that dear Henrietta, who will be vexed & disappointed if we dont go– Well– If it rains money-bags .. who knows still?
My first letter you have plainly missed because I addressed it to the Grand Parade [1] —printed at the head of your letter which gave me no other direction. Now, will you write soon—& remember to tell me what the meaning is of the white cap inside Trippy’s cap? Is it a pattern cap? What am I to do with it? Answer this question–
Jane Sandford, & the Tennysons, & a Miss Orme, [2] a niece of Coventry Patmore’s wife, passed yesterday evening with us, taking the opportunity of doing the ‘waxworks.’ [3] Think of “Maria Manning” having been a maid of Miss Sandford’s. What a touching association, & agreeable recollection!
I feel with you (as far as sympathy can go) for the poor Strattens. [4] Miss Russell [5] said they were much “supported,” & I hope this great calamity may be found easier in the experience than in the prospect. God’s grace is strong & felt most by the weakest.
Dearest Arabel, do be happy, do be well, do get rid of those horrible headaches, do try to come to Paris into the corner we will provide. Even if we dont see you in England again, there is Paris almost immediately! And next year we shall be back here early, & make up for the back-slidings.
I write this in the greatest haste, & the worst humour possible—but ending, as I always do, your own Ba–
Best love to everybody.
Address: Miss Barrett / 12. Cornfield Terrace / Eastbourne.
Publication: EBB-AB, II, 166–167.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
1. See the preceding letter.
2. Probably Helen Foster Orme (1836–57), third child and eldest unmarried daughter of Charles Orme (1807–93) and his wife Eliza (née Andrews, 1816–92), elder sister of Emily Patmore (see letter 3101, note 2).
3. EBB refers to Madame Tussaud and Son’s Exhibition at 58 Baker Street. It was founded in 1833 by Marie Tussaud (née Grosholtz, 1760–1850), a native of Switzerland, who had moved to Paris at a young age and learned the art of wax sculpture from her uncle. Of particular interest to thrill seekers at Madame Tussaud’s was the “Chamber of Horrors,” which featured grisly scenes from the French Revolution, along with a gallery of criminals and murderers. Maria Manning, her husband, and their victim (see letter 2816, note 4) were added to the “Chamber” in 1850. Madame Tussaud’s stayed open till 10 p.m.; it was thought that the waxworks were at their most vivid in gaslight. In 1884 the exhibition moved to its current location in Marylebone Road.
4. The Times of the preceding day carried an announcement of the death of the Strattens’ daughter Fanny (see letter 3602, note 6) on 31 August 1855 at her parents’ home in St. John’s Wood.
5. Presumably, Mary Anne Russell (1816–70), sister of Sir William Russell (see letter 2165).
___________________
