682. EBB to Mary Minto [1]
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 117–118.
[Torquay]
[Postmark: 17 January 1839]
My dearest Mary, As you are so kind as not to forget me but still to care to hear about me & from me, the whole Pharmacopœia’s fi fa fum shall not keep me from writing the few lines you ask for. The first letter I received from you shd have been replied to long ago (I mean the first letter you sent to Torquay)—but at that time, October, I was so very unwell as to be disabled from any outward expression of the gladness with which its affectionateness came to me. For some time I have been much better—but still, weaker, than I used to be in London—the necessary & perhaps the transitory effect of a colder season. Our house here is in the sea– At least to my imagination it is—which is the same you know as its being so actually. From this sofa, I cannot see a yard of vulgar earth—except where the undulating hills on the opposite side of this lovely bay bound the clearness of its waters—and whenever the steam packet leaves it or enters it, my bed is shaken with the vibration. Torquay is a beautiful place—but as to its human aspect, it is much more like a hospital than anything else, & so, none of the gayest– Respirators & stethoscopes “go about the streets”– [2] I have not made one acquaintance since I came, except my physician’s—a privation for which you wont pity me– So you are coming to England, dear Mary! I am so glad—I shall be so glad if it pleases God that I shall again see you! I shall certainly expect to see you here in “March”, according to your word. And when the Spring advances a little, I for my part, if I am alive & able to move, shall be back again in London. I do long so to be at home again!– It almost broke my heart to leave it—& if by the great mercy of God, I am permitted to cross that dear threshold again, the joy will be past any words I can say, here or else where. Dearest Mary! I am very glad (& so is Papa) that your Englishisms are not expelled by your Gallicesms [sic]! I am glad that France is not to you what England must be!——
Your cousin’s marriage [3] —of which I wish you joy—will introduce a Frenchman to you in all cousinly capacity– Dont let him try another.
Give my love to Mrs Minto!– I hear very often from Miss Mitford—who has been much distressed lately by the illness of her father– He is recovering almost miraculously. Ask for me whether there is an edition (in one work) of the Platonic philosophers—mind, not of Plato, but the Platonists in Greek—& what the expense wd be– If your answer be very satisfactory, I may ask you to bring it over to me– My dearest Papa is with me just now. It is such a happiness! no room for a word more!
Ever your affectionate
EBB——
Address, on integral page in Henrietta Moulton-Barrett’s hand: à Mademoiselle / Mademoiselle Minto / 9. Avenue d’Antin / Champs Elysèes / Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. For details of EBB’s friendship with Mary Minto, see pp. 327-328.
2. Ecclesiastes, 12:5.
3. EBB’s letter is written at the end of one from Henrietta (SD979), in which Mary’s cousin is identified as a Miss Scarlett.
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