4348. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 76.

[Rome]

[?1 March 1859] [1]

So I lose my Sophie! But in return I get a delightful “sitting,” a ‘seànce’ (free from the spirits,) which extends from before two till after five, .. till I am ripe for dropping off my chair.

Oh so tired, so tired!– So tired that I cant write, dearest Sophie—only say, .. goodbye at the door with a spiritual kiss, and a true God bless you–!——

And the picture remains dreadful.

Just as I do your ever

loving Ba–

Book not moved an inch!——

Will you give my love to dear Miss Eckley & ask her to come tomorrow night—& do come early–

Address: Madame Eckley.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Conjectural dating based on the assumption that EBB refers to the final stages of her portrait by Eliza Bridell, which was completed on 2 March 1859.

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