SD2486. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 299 (in part).

[Paris]

Thursday Mg [25 July 1861] [1]

My dear Mr Milsand,

I have just heard from Robert who cannot leave Florence for some days,—he says on Saturday,—but will write again.

He has evidently been seriously ill—that was why Miss Blagden wrote the letter I never received. He had fits of choaking—a spasmodic closing of the throat; he himself confesses he thought he should not live through the night. He was also found senseless in the room with his head on the table, poor fellow. He persists that he is well now.

You need not take any trouble about the servant I mentioned– I have got two cigarettes for your brother—again plundered from that ill-fated gentleman for whom they were put aside. I hope to get some more. I am struck with admiration at my own impudence—how one’s qualities develope themselves!

But I am sad at heart, good bye–

Ever yours,

S.B.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.

1. Dating based on Sarianna’s reference to RB’s letter of 22 July 1861, in which he writes that he will leave Florence “on Saturday next.”

___________________