5218. RB to Alicia Bayne
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 239–240.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
May 8. ’63
Dear Mrs Bayne,
How very good you are to remember simply to be kind to me, and forget the long time that has gone by since I received the last piece of kindness—the note, and tickets for the Gardens: [1] but I had to go to Paris; [2] & find much occupation since my return. I will try and thank you on Wednesday—for I accept your invitation with great pleasure. The Boy is as well as your goodness would have him be, & I am
Ever yours faithfully
Robert Browning.
Address: Mrs Bayne, / 40 York Terrace, / Regent’s Park, / N.W.
Publication: NL, pp. 149–150.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. RB refers to the Royal Botanic Society’s flower show that was held on 28 March 1863 at Regent’s Park. The Daily News of 30 March (p. 3) gave an account of the event and noted that “the society has three shows in each year of those classes of plants and flowers which can only be seen in perfection during the months of March, April, and May.” The society had added attractions, such as a military band, to make “the show more popular and more agreeable.” The article pronounced the society’s efforts “eminently successful,” and that “amongst the earliest visitors were their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Helena and Louisa, and Prince Leopold, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Princess Mary, and the Princess of Servia.”
2. RB and Pen travelled to Paris on 14 March and returned on the 29th.
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