4984. RB to Sophia Eckley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 252–253.
1. Chichester Road,
Upper Westbourne Terrace,
Oct. 29. ’61.
Dear Mrs Eckley,
I did indeed receive your letters but fancied that you would understand the pain that all writing gave me; except on business, I have written to very few: but you will have understood & forgiven me–
I thank you very much for the offer of the Photograph: [1] should you have one taken for yourself, it would much gratify me to possess a duplicate,—but, simply for myself, I beg you will do nothing of the kind: I have the last photograph which, to my mind, exceeds in value all other likenesses. I will send you a copy by some friend, [2] —I fear the chances of the post—unreasonably, perhaps. I did not know, till your letter informed me, where you were—in what direction you were going—to America, I suppose. My truest, best wishes go with you & yours; tell your dear & kind Husband so– I shall never forget his goodness nor yours to me & mine, of old.
I am settled here till Pen’s education shall be completed: he is very well, you will be glad to know, much grown, & certainly no longer recognizable—all the hair gone, the pretty dress, the childish ways: he is an English boy now—but very good & dear. He remembers you all, and has every regret for Doady’s absence.
I won’t try & write more now—you know much of what I would say if I could. Give my love to Miss Eckley, please. I have not yet ascertained the address of Mrs Bruen & Mr Perkins, but in time I shall write to them–
God bless you all and keep you each for the other–
Yours gratefully ever
Robert Browning.
Address: Italy, Tuscany. / Mrs Eckley, / Casa Jandelli / Via del Serraglio, / Florence.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Of Michele Gordigiani’s 1859 portrait of EBB.
2. A copy of this photograph of EBB (variant B) is reproduced facing p. 176.
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