4701. RB to William Wetmore Story
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 62–63.
Florence,
June 29. ’60.
Dear Story,
True thanks for your kind & welcome letter: I was going to answer it leisurely,—when there is a sudden occasion of writing to Nencini,—for Landor determines at last to accompany us, and I want the old quarters for him, [1] where you helped to make him so comfortable last year. So I just write a word—without prejudice to the other few words I mean to write before we set out, to say that, for ourselves, the best news I can communicate is that we start for Marciano & you all, to-morrow week—as I have just apprised Alberti. Won’t you like to see another month or two of dear old Landor & Can Giallo? [2] (He has just come to me for picture-money,—such pictures!) [3]
I will procure the French books, if they are to be found here: think of any other commission, I may be lucky enough to be entrusted with– I shall hardly save the post & must leave off with kind love from Ba & Pen to your whole circle: what a pleasure to think we shall so soon meet again!
Ever yours affectionately
Robert Browning.
Would you have the goodness, whenever you engage your piano, to secure for me the same that I had last year—at the same terms? And beg that it may be transferred to the Villa on the 7th so that we may find it on arriving?—and will you forgive this troubling you?
Publication: BAF, pp. 63–64.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. Villa Graziani (see vol. 26, p. 381).
2. Landor’s dog.
3. RB recorded the amount paid for the pictures as 230 pauls on 29 June 1860 (see vol. 26, p. 384).
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