3854. EBB to Arabella Moulton-Barrett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 46.

[Ventnor]

[6 September 1856] [1]

My beloved Arabel I send you back your infinitesimal bottle—with Peni’s & my tender love– I would not let him go to you this morning to say goodbye as he wanted—because there’s no use in such painful things. May God bless you my dearest, dearest– Do be cheerful & well—& take the best side of the world while it lasts– Remember to use the advantages of this place– That’s a duty, as much as another duty.

I will write very soon & you shall hear everything—& you must tell me everything, even to on which side of the tea-table Papa sits. I was thinking that last night. Oh—I do so hate going—leaving you.

Your own Ba.

Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.

Docket, in Arabella’s hand: Ventnor—Sepbe 7th/56.

Publication: EBB-AB, II, 244.

Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.

1. Dated by EBB’s reference to the Brownings’ imminent departure from Ventnor. In letter 3855 EBB mentions travelling “in the coach yesterday.”

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