4486. RB to Isa Blagden
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 292–293.
Villa Alberti.
Sepr 9. ’59.
Dearest Isa,
With this, you receive a note for Chapman, [1] —it will perhaps induce him to look a little more attentively into the merits of your novel, but the ultimate judge is some “Reader” who may grow bilious at my very name, for aught I know: I think you would do better to send the whole work—not (as I understand you) the first seven chapters only—for however favorable an impression they may make, the wise man will say he suspends his judgment. I wish you every success imaginable,—you must know that. [2]
All thanks for your dear kind letters—so welcome to us anywhere, but here invaluable. My best news will be that Ba continues to recover strength, by almost imperceptible degrees: she was able to go out yesterday for the first time—in fact, she had never left the sitting room before. We drove for an hour—pretty well for a beginning—and though tired enough, she will try another expedition this afternoon. The weather is delightful, and only too cool—for it proves that another summer will be gone before one well knows it. I do nothing but walk up & down one lane, & feel how good it is to be in Italy. Ba will have told you we had Odo Russell for a couple of days. And now, Isa—please to observe that Wilson & her tribe go away to-morrow—and that whenever you elect to come it will be a real delight to see you, and Miss Field also,—so bids me write Ba herself from the chair opposite. We’ve got a piano, & neither of you will object to “roughing it” a little,—we’ll have some fun, be sure. The “Corriere” comes every now & then—all thanks to you. Give Ba’s love & mine to Miss Field. Ever yours affectionately
Robert Browning.
Publication: B-IB, p. 245.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. This note has not surfaced.
2. Agnes Tremorne (1861) was submitted to Chapman and Hall but was eventually published by Smith, Elder & Co.
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