4271. EBB to Sophia Eckley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 274.
[Florence]
[13 November 1858] [1]
Dearest kindest Sophie, what a selfwilled creature you will seem to have reason to call me!– But dear, with tender thanks, I will send back your box, because I know you will use it, and I know that I shant. The fact is I have tried this very thing—and anything of the sort is only apt to disturb my digestion without affecting much good otherwise– Also, I have not a troublesome cough now .. not at all .. & hope not to have it—but this cold begins to tell a little, in making one languid & uneasy. How sharp it is, this morning! Yet surely, surely it must break up. I cant help hoping so still.
We had an elaborate spiritual discussion last night, the sceptics carrying it their own way, of course– Mr Munro the sculptor leaning back however, I think– He is not a believer, except potentially, but he is of the order of spiritualists notwithstanding–
Peni shall go .. & gladly—when the bust will admit of it—but Mr Munro wants him for half an hour more, he says, on this last day.
How dear Dody grows!
Now scarcely do I like to return this box which has touched your hands—it seems ungracious! Only the common sense of it is that you who can use the thing, should have it to use.
When it is not too cold come & see me,—better than a lozenge!
Your’s in much love
Ba.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Date provided by EBB’s reference to Alexander Munro’s “last day.” As indicated in the fourth paragraph of letter 4273, Munro left Florence on 13 November 1858.
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