5174. RB to William Bracken

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 199–200.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace.

Feb: 3. ’63

My dear Mr Bracken, [1]

Your kindness is more than I can thank you for—but, most unluckily, the poor boy cannot profit by it this time: [2] I ought to have told you that Saturday is the only evening altogether at his disposal: on no other could he leave this place, or reach yours, [3] early enough: the distance, apart from the consideration of time, is nothing—nor should I be afraid of trusting him to a cab on his return—which would be necessary, as his lessons begin early in the morning–

Thank you, once more, and most heartily for him & for me.

With best respects to Mrs Alexander,

Yours very faithfully

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. William Bracken (1809–91); see letter 4280, note 7.

2. Bracken wanted to take Pen to a play (see letter 5177).

3. RB’s mention of Mrs. Alexander suggests that Bracken was staying with her, his elder sister, at 43 Grosvenor Place.

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