3725. EBB & Robert Barrett Browning to Rebekah Stratten
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 22, 100–101.
| [In Pen’s hand] | Paris. |
[?30] January. 1856. [1]
My dear Mrs Stratten,
I thank you very much for sending me that book, [2] and yet I have not read it yet. I am writing this on wednesday. But I mean to read it soon, and I am sure I shall like it very much. I like ravens. I saw a quantity at Rome.
Papa and mama send you their love,—to you and Mr Stratten,—& think you are very kind for thinking of me.
Penini.
[Continued by EBB]
I cant let Penini’s note go to you my dear Mrs Stratten, without expressing by just a word, the long sympathy I have given you, from the bottom of my heart. [3] It was comfort & joy to me to see in the chapel, how nobly dear Mr Stratten was held & helped .. & how clearly he saw the light at the end of the darkened way. May God bless you both even so. Which is a blessing involved for many besides you! My husband feels with me much.
Your ever affectionate
Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Address, in Pen’s hand, on integral page: Mrs Stratten.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Conjectural day based on Pen’s remark: “I am writing this on wednesday.” Letter 3724 was concluded on Wednesday the 30th, and this letter was probably enclosed with it.
2. Unidentified.
3. EBB refers to the death of the Strattens’ daughter, Fanny (1831–55), which occurred on 31 August the previous year.
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