5502. RB to Alicia Bayne

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 187.

19. Warwick Cresc.

Upper Westb. Terr.

Dec 9. ’64.

Dear Mrs Bayne,

I was unable to get to you in time last night: one needs not apologise for one’s misfortune, perhaps– Thank you heartily for your note and the invitation. Yes, I know .. that is, I have seen Mr Digby [1] at your house—I almost fancy on that very day you mention and which I shall never forget. But I shall hope to find you at home soon, and will only say now how much I am

Yours ever faithfully

Robert Browning.

Publication: NL, p. 165.

Manuscript: Yale University.

1. Kenhelm Henry Digby (1795/96–1880), minor poet and writer on miscellaneous subjects, best known for The Broad Stone of Honour (1822), which he several times revised and expanded. He converted to Roman Catholicism in 1825 (see ODNB).

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