5815. Matthew Arnold to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 134.

(2, Chester Square)

Novber 6th [1866] [1]

My dear Browning

Mr. Milsand is coming to dine with us quite quietly on Thursday at ½ past 7 (a real ½ past), and I hope and trust you will be able to give us the pleasure of your company too. [2] It is an age since I have seen you.

Ever most sincerely

Matthew Arnold.

Address: Robert Browning Esqre / 19. Warwick Crescent / Upper Westbourne Terrace / W.

Publication: Arnold, 3, 86.

Manuscript: The Brotherton Collection, University of Leeds.

1. Year provided by postmark.

2. As indicated in SD2844, RB accepted the invitation. Also in attendance were Lord Houghton, William Forster, and the Custs (see SD2844). Milsand described the dinner party to his wife: “I saw Mr. Arnold, and I even dined at his home in the company of a former secretary of state, with a member of Parliament &c. Mr. Arnold and his wife (a gracious woman but already worn out) were full of kindnesses. Mr. Forster, the secretary of state, came to tell me that he knew me very well as an author, that the first piece he himself wrote was an article on my article about the Quakers” (12 November 1866, ms at ABL/JMA).

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