4935. RB to Frederic Leighton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 188–189.
Florence,
July 19, ’61.
Dear Leighton,
It is like your old kindness to write to me & to say what you do. I know you feel for me. I can’t write about it—but there were many alleviating circumstances that you shall know one day—there seemed no pain, and (what she would have felt most) the knowledge of separation from us was spared her. I find these things a comfort indeed.
I shall go away from Italy for many a year—to Paris, then London for a day or two just to talk with her sister—but if I can see you it will be a great satisfaction. Don’t fancy I am “prostrated”– I have enough to do for the boy & myself in carrying out her wishes. He is better than one would have thought, and behaves dearly to me. Everybody has been very kind.
Tell dear Mrs Sartoris that I know her heart and thank her with all mine. After my day or two at London I shall go to some quiet place in France to get right again & then stay some time at Paris in order to find out leisurely what it will be best to do for Peni—but eventually I shall go to England, I suppose. I don’t mean to live with anybody, even my own family, but to occupy myself thoroughly, seeing dear friends however, like you.
God bless you. Yours ever
affectionately,
Robert Browning.
Address: Angleterre / Frederick Leighton Esq / 2 Orme Square, Bayswater, / London.
Publication: Orr, pp. 238–239.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library (envelope); and Eton College Library, Michael Meredith Collection.
___________________
