3778. Anna Brownell Jameson to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 22, 211.
28 George Street. Hanover [Square].
May 4– [1856] [1]
Dearest Ba– I came to town yesterday for a day or two—& called at once to see Mr Kenyon. He is too ill to see any one– I saw however good dear Miss Bailey [sic]—looking care-worn & harrassed & as we spoke, the tears were in her eyes—it is evident that she has no hope of the ultimate recovery of her friend—but he may linger on—how long seems uncertain—every amelioration of suffering[,] every aid, that devoted care & medical skill can bestow are at hand—& his brother—the Edward Kenyons are expected from Vienna– It made me very sad to think of this benevolent & joyous a spirit thus gasping out life—enduring too so patiently– I believe he has missed no enjoyment that life could give—but he has also given pleasure & happiness—he has been no mere selfish epicure—he is dying painfully– That you, my darling Ba, could come from Paris & encounter English skies & English discomfort in this horrible wintry weather—I know that this is impossible but could Robert come for a few days?– I, of course—do not even suggest this—I know it has been already suggested—but only ask–
—If he should come & there should be any difficulties about place or house he could come here to this house—where there is a bed room on cheap terms & civil people & the situation good—tho not near—not very near to Mr Kenyon–– I went yesterday to the private view of the Royal Academy—a good exhibition & Leighton’s picture [2] looks very well—what I think of it—I have no time to say—a young altogether unknown artist [3] —the son of a poor good for nothing actor sold his picture while I was there for 350£– I am obliged to stop[—]going—where do you think—to a meeting of the Reformatory committee or something of that kind—where I have something to say about the women but I will not mix myself up with any of the different sects of opinion moral or religious that is certain
your affect Anna
Address: Mrs Browning / 3 Rue du Colisée / Champs Elysées / à Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Year provided by postmark.
2. “The Triumph of Music.”
3. Unidentified.
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