3853. EBB to Sarianna Browning
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 45–46.
Milanese Villa.
[Postmark: 5 September 1856]
My dearest Sarianna, I have come here to spend my last hours with poor Arabel when Robert gives me warning that he is about to send a letter off for you– That our time here should end, I am very sorry for some reasons—but the weeks press in towards winter, & we have much to do before leaving England– It has been very pleasant,––I like this place much—& it has revived Penini wonderfully. He looks a different child—& really there was room for it when we left London– His uncles have taken him up into enormous favoritism—& the airs he gives himself are proportionate. In fact Penini has come out in new colours. Think of his doubling his little fists & flying at a boy twelve years old—“Dont speak impertinently to me, sir!– I’ll show you that I’m a boy!” Robert has been chiefly engaged in helping me with my proofs, betwixt his opportunities of philosophical observation on the bathers .. which have been by no means favorable to the state of conventional English morals. He swears that the men & women bathe out of the same machines, & together. Did you ever observe it here? Certainly the whole arrangement is peculiar. The country is very lovely—& we have enjoyed several excursions among the trees & rocks—but most of all I have enjoyed Arabel. What with black beetles & a couple of screaming babies, our rooms might have been more comfortable: still they answered very well—& I have liked being here—oh, so much. Now comes the sad, bad part—the tug of the farewell. I am afraid it will be a sorrowful visit to dear Mr Kenyon—but Robert will have told you. Best love to the dear Nonno–
Your faithfully affectionate Ba
Address, in RB’s hand: France. / À Mademoiselle / Madlle Browning, / Hôtel de Lyon, / 22. rue du Hazard, / Versailles.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.
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