Correspondence

4285.  EBB to Edith Story

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 296.

[?Rome]

[?late November 1858] [1]

Dearest Edith, I am very sorry, but papas are more particular than mamas, and this papa of Pen’s wants him for his music, he says, and does not like the whole day to be idled. There are lessons, besides, for to-morrow. Dearest Edith, forgive us. Another day, with less obstacles, you see. And thank you for your goodness.

Text: Henry James, William Wetmore Story and His Friends (London, 1903), I, 370–371.

1. Conjectural date suggested by EBB’s implication that RB was giving Pen music lessons. While in Rome, RB was Pen’s only music master. Since EBB needs to explain why Pen cannot accept an invitation, she may be writing shortly after the Brownings’ arrival in Rome.

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