4343. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 69.

[Rome]

[ca. March 1859] [1]

Here is the case, dearest Sophie. Robert is engaged tonight to an evening party at Mr Motley’s, from which there can be no swerving– On the other hand he hates to make it a condition of going to you, that he must leave you early: yet that must be,—if you will accept him so–

There will be no drawback to my pleasure of seeing you today .. darling Sophie.

Your Ba in true love–

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Approximate dating based on EBB’s reference to John Lothrop Motley. He was in Rome and in contact with the Brownings from December 1858 into May 1859. We place this letter in the middle of that period.

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