Correspondence

5998.  RB to Emilia Francis Pattison

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 281–282.

The Athenæum

Dec: 30. ’67.

Dear Mrs Pattison, [1]

It is very good of you to be at the trouble of writing. I happened to hear you were in Town, and—I grieve to know—unwell: I could not but be solicitous to enquire for myself. All I want to say is,—that I shall certainly venture to call again,—and, as certainly, feel hurt and disappointed in your kindness if you make the least scruple of declining to see me a dozen times in succession,—I shall understand it, and try again, be sure!

All my associations with the sight of you have been pleasant indeed—let me fear nothing otherwise from the year just about to come, and wish you well in every sense!

Pray believe me,

Dear Mrs Pattison,

Very sincerely yours

Robert Browning.

Address: Mrs Pattison, / 4. Beaumont Street, / Weymouth Street, W.

Publication: Armytage (1), p. 180.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library (envelope); and British Library.

1. Emilia Francis Pattison (née Strong, 1840–1904); see letter 5602, note 2.

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