SD1949. Joseph Milsand to William Henry Darley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 246–247 (in part).
Paris
9 rue Servandoni
29 July [1856]
My dear Darley
… To those who asked me for news about Mr. Charles Darley I simply answered that the way you found him rather decreased than augmented your anxiety. It is not only about your brother people have asked for news; and it was time for your letter to arrive so that I could answer questions from the Brownings and from Corkran. Mrs. Corkran inquired about you in a very friendly way. At the moment she is charming. With Miss Browning, there is no more sign (that I see) of the old bitterness: and I guess, without suspecting it, that the satisfaction of feeling that she is once again in the company of her good angel makes her even more agreeable.– Sutton left last Friday with his uncle, whom we saw for three days. I like this man very much, although I sense, below all his goodness, depths which I have not sounded, and in regard to which I do not know what to expect. William and Henriette are rather better than otherwise. …
Because my head has come back enough for me to revise a new article on Browning and to send it to the Revue Contemporaine. What is more, I did half of it at the first go, with a richness of language which I have not had for at least four years. I do not count too much on these returns of youth. But for a man who thought it was over for him completely, it is a great deal to anticipate in the future the possibility of several good quarter-hours now and then. …
I forgot one other item. I have not been in direct communication with Browning, but I learn from his sister that they are all well, that they are overwhelmed by visitors and lion-seekers, and that Mistress Browning has completed her editing.– I believe that there is some danger of a rupture between the master and Ferdinando. Ferdinando it seems was spoiled by his stay in Paris.
Cordially yours–
J. Milsand
Remember me to your brother.
Address: Monsieur / W. H. Darley / 3 Linton Terrace / (Sussex) / Hastings /Angleterre.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
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