5535. RB to Alicia Bayne
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 210–211.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terr:
Jan 30. ’65.
Dear Mrs Bayne,
Truest thanks for your invitation [1] —but as true regrets that I am unable to accept it, “having already an engagement at Mrs Fords”: [2] you well know how gratified I was last year at being allowed to share in your festivity! [3]
I am even more sorry, and by far, that you should find or fancy Miss Bayne’s [4] health otherwise than “strong”: go to Italy next year by all means, and I shall have one more obligation to her if she mend whatever may be amiss.
The boy is strong and well, happily: I should much like to show you his “points,” and we will manage somehow what you so kindly desire: but he works now, and I scarcely ever interfere with his play-hours or leisure.
With best remembrances to your family, Dear Mrs Bayne,
Ever most truly yours
Robert Browning.
Publication: NL, pp. 165–166.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. For 11 February (see letter 5172, note 1).
2. See the preceding letter.
4. Isabella Bayne (1842–1910).
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