3648. Byran Waller Procter to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 295–296.

South Villa

Central Road

Upper Norwood

Surrey

Friday [5 October 1855] [1]

My dear Browning–

Although we did not dare to expect you we were very sorry that you did not come on Wednesday. We despaired of Forster also—though he had fixed the day—but just before 6 in came the gallant F. weather defying– I was half ashamed to see him– Could he & you have had a fine day it would have been another thing. Then my palace (more than Arabian) should have welcomed you—& my fountains that outsparkle the stars [2] —should have leaped up in delight– But as it was there was nothing here but a rainy day & a host with lame leg—(—which he got through a tumble—but which is now getting well.)

I am told not to use it for 3 or 4 days to come—the cut not being quite healed yet.

I will get the bill of expences which you refer to and pay it—& you can repay me when next you come to London. [3]

Love to Mrs Browning– All our kind regards indeed to you & her–

Always my dear Browning’s

very sincere

B. W. Procter.

P.S. May I ask you to let me see the proofs of the forthcoming volume? [4] or not? They will be as secret as my sins.

Address: Robt Browning Esqr / 13 Dorset Street / Baker Street / Portman Square / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: State University of New York at Buffalo.

1. Dated by reference to letter 3643, in which Procter invited the Brownings to the Crystal Palace and dinner.

2. Procter refers to the Crystal Palace and Park; the latter featured numerous fountains.

3. We have been unable to clarify this “bill of expences.”

4. There is no indication in the correspondence or other sources that Procter saw Men and Women in proof. Those who did are mentioned by RB in letter 3639: John Forster, W.J. Fox, John Kenyon, Robert Lytton, and Joseph Milsand. It should also be noted that Frederic Leighton received a proof copy of Men and Women from RB, probably, according to William S. Peterson, in late October 1855 (see SBHC, 3, Fall 1975, 33).

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