SD1957. Joseph Milsand to William Henry Darley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 248–249 (in part).
9. rue Servandoni
13 August [1856]
My dear Darley
… As for my business with the review, I did not wind up as heroically as you suppose. I still smile at your jubilation at the idea of beating Buloz– But I was more cowardly, more simple-minded, or more virtuous than that. A letter in which my brother urged me to make an end of it by reimbursing him for the cost of printing convinced me. My new work was not finished; I feared that the older would appear while it was in the hands of the Revue Contemporaine; beside, I was reluctant to give this review the explanations which I would not be able to avoid giving it—and, to cut all this short, I wrote to Buloz that, in order to resume my work I was ready to consider his conditions. Since he let two days go by without answering, I even decided to appear in person. However, there was no uproar. The bear was calm. He welcomed me suitably, telling me at once that he had not yet answered because the printers themselves, from whom he had requested the charges, had not yet sent them. That same evening I had a letter with the bill enclosed. It was high. I had to send 131 francs 50 centimes, and what seemed excessive to me was that the sum included 48 francs for corrections which were imposed against my will.
However, it is not I who am bankrupted in reality. It is my good mother or my brother, I do not know which. I had written them the day before yesterday mentioning the course of action I had chosen: and I have just received a letter where both of them strongly approve my decision and enclose a draft payable at sight for 131 francs 50. The 50 centimes add a touch of comedy, which amuses me. …
In any case, I now have my mind at rest: and I may be able to perfect in peace the polishing of my article, which is finished and does not displease me.– My health continues reasonably favorable. I am a salamander in the midst of the furnace; I like this weather. Only I use a great deal of water in washing and bathe in the river every day.
I remain a faithful friend to Miss Browning: she has not had her share of joy on earth. The Brownings in London continue to be well and not to have free time at their disposal. …
Address: W. H. Darley Esq / 3 Linton Terrace / Hastings / (Sussex) / (Angleterre).
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
___________________
