1773.5. Robert Barrett Browning to Arabella Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 308 (in part).

Casa Guidi

Sept: [13] 1854. [1]

Dearest Arabel,

I send this note because I think it will please you. How is George, & my uncles, & Minny? I hope you are all quite well. I want you to tell George the handle of the pump is broke, but now I have had it mended.

One day, there came a gift on my thumb, & the next day afternoon, a ring at the bell came. I was pumping. And there I saw a large box! I ran & took it in my arms, and took it in the drawing room. I opened it,—& there was a dinner set; & then a thing to make butter with, & a thing to hold water! And one morning, I made some butter, & I ate it for my tea, & it was very nice.

Goodbye my affectionate friends, Arabel & George.

Penini

Love to dear Trippy.

Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett– / Wimpole Street.

Publication: EBB-AB, II, 99.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Day provided by EBB in letter 54104-00.

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