5557. RB to John Ruskin

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 225–226.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W

Feb. 24. ’65.

Dear Ruskin,

Just when you wrote last, and I replied, and all your pleasant proposal was in full prospect, the boy caught the measles and I could not decide on going out: he is now quite well again—and it is my turn to be a little out of sorts, weather aiding and abetting, I suppose. So, let us now wait a few days longer for a day indeed with never a drawback.

A letter, from my sister in Paris, did not bring you to my mind, certainly, but told me how properly you were placed there: I can’t help sending a strip of it, [1] because it is an indirect & unintended witness to a fact I should like you to be sure of. I know and love Milsand thoroughly, and his existence to me is proof of innumerable good things which the daily rabble of rascaldom goes near to cast doubt upon sometimes. I hope you will see him face to face some day.

Ever affectionately yours

Robert Browning.

Always my truest regards to Mrs Ruskin, if you please.

Publication: NL, pp. 166–167.

Manuscript: Huntington Library.

1. No longer with the letter.

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