SD1484. Mary Russell Mitford to Jane Ouvry
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 17, 267–268 (in part).
[Three Mile Cross]
[ca. 1 July 1851]
You are amongst the rational dearest Mrs Ouvry & I find the most sensible Persons of your mind about the Exhibition—that it is much overrated.– … I have not seen the Exhibition myself & perhaps may not– For the last four months I have been so miserably lame that I can hardly get across the room & rather lifted than helped into & out of a little ponychaise for an evening drive– This is a sad trial– But as it is thought to be the effect of a damp house & a wet season there is hope in summer weather & in the new & perfectly dry cottage into which I hope to get before Michaelmas– At present I abstain from London partly from fear of the fatigue—partly in the hope that Mrs Browning may be in England by the end of the month, & that I may meet her there– …Have you seen Mrs Browning’s new Poem Casa Guidi Windows? It will hardly be popular for there is no great faith in Italian patriots– She was at Venice when I heard from her last—so well that she was to be found every evening at half-past eight in St Mark’s Place drinking coffee & reading the French papers from whence they adjourned to the opera, where they had a whole box upon the best tier for 2:8 English– …
Publication: Chorley, II, 116–118.
Manuscript: Reading Central Library.
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