4194. EBB to Sophia Hawthorne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 137–138.

Casa Guidi.

Tuesday. [22 June 1858] [1]

My dear Mrs Hawthorne,

Will you & Mr Hawthorne come to us on friday evening?– We shall be almost alone,—so do come early,—and perhaps Miss Sheppard & your daughter will kindly come too–?

It seems to me that I have sinned against myself & you by not returning your visit, but I am so very unhappy about mounting stairs just now through being less strong than usual, that I chose to rely on your forgiveness–

Most truly yours

Elizabeth B Browning

Address: Mrs Hawthorne / Casa del Bello– / Florence.

Docket: Recd Tuesday, June 22d 1858. Florence.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Harvard University.

1. Date provided by docket.

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