5731. John Ruskin to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 68–69.

Denmark Hill, S.

25th March [1866] [1]

My dear Browning

I hardly ever venture to ask any of my friends to our barbarous early dinner—& my dull hostship—but—somewhat unexpectedly, the little lady [2] whom you saw at the shop door the other day is coming with her mother, and they[’]re both nice—and Froude is coming—and I think you might just be able to get through the evening—and you would make us all happy[.] —Only I could’nt know before—and it’s Tuesday—the day after tomorrow—½ past six– Can you come–

Ever affectionately Yours

J Ruskin

Address: Robert Browning Esq / 19. Warwick Cresct / Harrow Road.

Publication: De Laura, p. 350.

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Year provided by Ruskin’s mention of Tuesday being the day after tomorrow. The 25th of March was a Sunday in 1866. Other years in which it fell on a Sunday were 1860, before RB moved to 19 Warwick Crescent, and 1877 or later, by which time the correspondence between Ruskin and RB had become infrequent.

2. Unidentified.

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