SD2280. Robert Bulwer Lytton to John Forster

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 362 (in part).

Vienna

16 Aug/59

… A letter from Florence tells me that Mrs Browning has been very unwell—‘Knock’d up (it says) from the absorbing interest she has taken in public events there. I hope they have served to moderate a little her ardour for Louis Napoleon—we used to have great battles about him. The Brownings I understand are gone to Sienna for the summer. I have written & hope soon to hear from them. Do you ever do so? I was very much distressed by a sort of coolness which had come between us, when I left Florence, for wh I really do not think I was to blame,—one of those vexatious results of misunderstanding difficult to put right because so intangible. But I red from her months ago a very kind & touching letter about the Wanderer, and answered it with a full heart. She is one of the best & noblest creatures I know—and I love & appreciate her far too honestly & deeply, not to make a vigorous struggle against anything which may tend to divide us in friendship. …

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Lord Cobbold.

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