5375. RB to Lord Houghton

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 54.

19 Warwick Crescent

Upper Westbourne Terr:

May 9. ’64

My dear Houghton,

I was sorry indeed to be prevented from going to you last evening: I found my sister Arabel Barrett so unwell & nervous in consequence of the illness or, rather, approaching death of a very old servant, [1] that I could not help staying with her—& throwing myself on your kindness accordingly.

Faithfully yours ever

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Trinity College, Cambridge.

1. Mary (“Minny”) Robinson (1785–1864)—see letter 2717, note 10—died on May 30th and was buried three days later in Kensal Green Cemetery.

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