SD1550. Mary Russell Mitford to Unidentified Correspondent
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 18, 359 (in part).
[Swallowfield]
[19 February 1852]
P.S. Friday—I send the letter in its entireness– Send it back please when read because I want to show it to a friend whom I am expecting next week– I have another letter today from the same correspondent—she has seen George Sand & is charmed with her—as short as I!—I thought her taller—stout—with pale olive complexion dark hair nicely parted & gathered in a bunch behind—dark glowing eyes—low voice—very quiet simple manner—restrained rather than ardent—graceful—noble—kind—altogether a very charming person—most simply drest—in one room with a bed in it– Mrs Browning could not help stooping to kiss her hand—upon which she flung her arms round her neck & kissed her on the lips (I shall ask my correspondent if she did not feel as if a man were kissing her)– She—Madame Sand—had come to Paris chiefly to solicit the President for a friend of hers—he received her most kindly shook hands with her & granted her request– Now if you remember our newspapers said she was exiled by him– They talk too of the censure upon books– On newspapers it does exist—on books not–
Publication: Chorley, II, 124–125 (as to Mrs. Ouvry).
Manuscript: Reading Central Library.
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