SD1312. Mary Russell Mitford to Jane Ouvry

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 370 (in part).

Three Mile Cross

[Postmark: 24 March 1847]

Ah dearest Mrs Ouvry I know as well as if I were a clergyman’s wife in my own person all the flannel petticoatery and blanketery of the Christmas season. … The people who know Mr Browning well seem to like him much. Mr Kenyon Mr Chorley Mr Harness, & it is so much my interest to think well of him, & his dear wife writes of him so magnificently, that I hope in time to forgive even his stealing her away– I confess however quite between ourselves that I can’t make out his poetry & that my recollection of his appearance is far too Byronist & Missy to be very agreeable– … Do you ever meet in society a very charming young man Mr Ruskin the author of some very fine works on art by an Oxford Graduate? He is quite delightful.

Bless your dear Mrs Ouvry.

Ever faithfully yours

MRM

Address: Mrs Ouvry / 17 Hyde Park Street / London.

Publication: Chorley, II, 81–82 (in part).

Manuscript: Reading Central Library.

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