3968. EBB to Isa Blagden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 12.

[Florence]

[25 February 1857] [1]

My dearest Isa I am none the worse, & only wish you had spoken more particularly of yourself,—but you see, dear, you ‘escaped a great perdition’ in avoiding the crush last night. Not a seat to be had.

As soon as ever I have shovelled off Robert to you this evening, I mean to shovel in myself (to bed) & keep the Quaresima [2] in quiet sanctity & Paul Feval. [3] Nay, Robert will probably find me fast asleep when he comes back from finishing to tire you, .. as he did this morning.

How did I manage to drop asleep last night in the midst of our talk? I remember nothing, but a sudden feeling of humiliation at the sight of Robert’s returned face, beheld ‘De profundis’. [4]

We were up to breakfast at ten—& I cant write any more, for hearing Peni’s lessons.

Your ever loving &

slumbering EBB–

Publication: B-IB, p. 119.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

1. Day and month supplied by EBB’s reference to Lent, which began on 25 February in 1857. Year provided by her mention of Paul Féval, who is also discussed in letter 3975.

2. i.e., the forty days of Lent.

3. Paul Henri Corentin Féval (1816–87), French novelist and playwright. In letter 3975 EBB mentions having just read his Madame Gil Blas.

4. “Out of the depths,” the opening words of Psalm 130.

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