4264. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 264.

[Florence]

[29 October 1858] [1]

The silence yesterday, dearest dear Sophie, was not in my heart, which spoke aloud to you all day, thanking you for the words you sent me– How good & tender you are, dear.

Will you come to us this evening? Miss Cushman comes, with some other people to meet her. I tell you that you may not think of finding us alone .. the better way for me!

Dear Do!—how well he looks, & how he is grown. Peni delightedly accepts his & your invitation for today, after the lessons shall be done–

As for me, I am well– I will drive with you whenever you like after today, & then I shall hear what cant be spoken before. May God keep you & yours always–

Ba—

Instead of the seal today, because of the fuss of the candle–

Oh—if you dont like coming tonight, let it be for another night–

Seal not to be found[.]

Address: Madame Eckley.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Date provided by EBB’s inviting Mrs. Eckley to meet Charlotte Cushman, who spent the evening of 29 October 1858 at Casa Guidi (see letter 4265).

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