3955. EBB to Mrs. Stephenson

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 198.

Casa Guidi.

Wednesday. [7 January 1857] [1]

Dear Madam, [2]

I am sorry to be unable to call upon you, but am quite a prisoner at this time of year, as you may perhaps have heard from my sister. [3] I thank you very much for letting me have her letter, and I shall be happy to receive any visit from you from one oclock to two on any morning, except tomorrow, thursday.

Faithfully yours

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Date suggested by EBB’s reference in letter 3957 to having received a “note” from Arabella “through Mrs. Stephenson.”

2. Evidently, Mrs. Stephenson was an acquaintance of Arabella’s-perhaps by way of Paddington Chapel or charity work. EBB describes her in letter 3959 as “goodnatured & amiable.” We are unable to identify her further.

3. i.e., Arabella.

___________________