5229. RB to Anna Julia Grant Duff

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 250.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace.

June 3. ’63.

Dear Mrs Grant Duff,

Even this time I cannot accept your invitation—with what regret perhaps I need say, so stupidly unable to get to you do I continue. I have not the art of living in London, doing what I like best in it,—and never shall have.

Here has been the volume waiting so long, [1] —the one you promised to receive: if I cannot bring it in a day or two, [2] I will send it, however unwillingly.

Give my kindest regard to your Husband,

& believe me ever

Faithfully yours

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: India Office Records.

1. The first volume of RB’s Poetical Works (1863), published on 9 May 1863. It is inscribed by RB on the half-title: “Mrs Grant Duff from RB. June, ’63.” Present whereabouts unknown.

2. Mountstuart E. Grant Duff is listed in RB’s address book of this period (AB-5) at “4 Queen’s Gate Gardens, W.”

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