SD2505. Sarianna Browning to Anthony G. Snellgrove

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 308 (in part).

St Enogat,

près Dinard,

Ile et Vilaine.

[Postmark: 25 August 1861]

My dear Mr Snellgrove,

I ought to have replied to your kind letter before now, but I have been so unwell, and so much occupied, that I delayed till a quieter moment. The loss of my dear sister (just as we were counting upon her spending the summer with us,) was a sad blow, and was followed by great anxiety on account of my poor brother. Though enabled from the first to acknowledge with thankfulness the great goodness of God in her singularly sweet and painless dismissal from earth—her last words breathing love, blessings and happiness—yet his bodily strength gave way, and caused us great uneasiness. He has given up his residence in Italy, and is now staying with my father and myself in a secluded village near the sea-coast, in Bretagne. The calmness and sea-air have already done him great good, and I hope by God’s blessing, he will regain his usual health.

Our stay here will depend on the weather—after our return to Paris my brother will go to England as he wishes his child to have a thoroughly English education. The little fellow is strong and rosy, and gallops on his poney, over this beautiful coast with great glee– The sea is magnificent,—a succession of bays among rocks, with exquisite sands.

I have written to my uncle to give you ten shillings for the schools– I forget whether I owe one year or two: if only one, keep the rest in advance. I will bear it in mind for the future.

My father is quite well, and joins me in kindest remembrance to you and yours. I trust you all enjoy good health.

Very truly yours

Sarianna Browning

Address: Anthony Snellgrove Esqr / Bank of England / London.

Publication: Putnam’s Magazine, 7 (April 1910), p. 860.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

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