5756. RB to Eliza Ann Forster

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 85.

[London]

Thursday, May 24. ’66.

My dear Mrs Forster,

I cannot thank you enough for your great kindness in sending me the Ticket: unfortunately I was engaged past hope of profiting by it,—and Robert was shy about going all alone. Your kindness was not wasted however—for I was able to oblige greatly, by the gift of it, two persons whom you would have liked to give some pleasure to; I did not give away my chance, however, till the last moment.

Now I am going to confide an awful secret to you– I am sure you will understand my feeling in it. The fact is, I am frightened to death by the thoughts of our dear Lord & Master [1] suddenly enquiring into the matter—next time we meet: for he told me “he had left it to you”!– I was really on hot coals last Sunday week—for fear he should say anything about it: so, I resolve to relieve my mind and enclose you “the little bill”: Don’t you understand my motive? I am sure you do.

Affectionately yours ever,

Robert Browning.

I meant to call instead of write, and, as usual, have found it impossible: I will certainly endeavour to find you at home in a day or two.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. i.e., John Forster. We are unable to explain “the matter” RB mentions.

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