SD2513. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 311–312.
Chez M. Chauvin,
St Enogat,
près Dinard,
Ile et Vilaine.
Sept. 2d [1861] [1]
My dear Mr Milsand,
I am quite willing to take all the blame of not writing on myself: it was very stupid of me not to consider that you would naturally wait for my address. We are now three days’ distance by post from Paris, for our letters must be put in the box here overnight. The weather has been most favourable ever since we arrived; at first, rather cold, but since then it has grown hotter and hotter, and I hear the thermometer is at 36°.
We still like the place extremely. I wish you saw the magnificent sea, and such sunsets! We go out every evening to watch them. Last Wednesday we went over to Dinan—the most curious and picturesque old town, I ever saw in my life. Robt was greatly interested, and we wandered about for some hours, spite of a burning sun. He is certainly much better,—though his poor face often wears an expression of quiet agony which prevents me from seeing any of the beauties of the landscape which surrounds us. I feel too, that the worst is to come; for I consider the worst to be, not the violent shock of the first blow, but when the weight sinks deep in the heart, and he has to begin another every-day life without her; when he settles down and tries to work and employ himself. I cannot tell you a tenth part of the sympathy he receives from friends and strangers. Chapman sends word that the whole edition of her works sold in a day or two.
Try to send us your article—we have no books here, and can’t get journals. When Miss Blagden (may God bless her!) gave Robt up to me, she told me he had never since Ba’s death, opened any book, or newspaper. I gave him your article on Tennyson; that was the first thing he read, and now he reads the newspaper—a great improvement. I repeat, he will as they say “get over it” as one “gets over” losing both one’s legs, and going for the rest of one’s life on crutches.
Pen is red and sunburnt—he will be as dark as Robert. He enjoys himself extremely,—there is an utter exemption from lessons (a state of things highly agreable to him) and he takes a swimming lesson every day. Here, the men and women bathe together in perfect peace and harmony; and Robert politely says it is hard to say which of the two look the uglier in their costume. Pen swims very well; he is bold and fearless, and frightens me by persisting in getting beyond his depth.
Our time passes very rapidly in doing nothing– I scarcely seem to have a minute to myself– The sea-air has done me great good; I am much stronger. My father is very well. Our stay will depend on the weather, but we wish to be in Paris the beginning of Oct: to meet Miss Blagden, who will be there for a week. I shall always feel grateful for her kindness to Robt in his great grief; it must have been a hard trial,—for in spite of the calm letters he used to write to me, he had violent convulsions of sorrow during which she feared he would lose either his life or his reason. [2]
I heartily hope you are stronger for your sea residence. I shall direct this to Paris. I send two Aths Robert sends his very best love. He will be very glad to read your article. Miss Heaton mentions it in very strongly eulogistic language. Try to go early into Burgundy, that you may be able to return the sooner, though I scarcely expect Robt will be in Paris. I recollect that I can’t send the Ath: till to-morrow, because I must take them to Dinard. If you have an opportunity of seeing Me Louis (don’t go on purpose) ask how the painters get on, and whether she has got Robt’s malles d’effets: there was some misunderstanding about them between the company and our porter. Good bye–
Ever yours affecly
Sarianna Browning.
Address: Monsieur Milsand / 9. rue Servandoni / Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by postmark.
2. At this point, Milsand has annotated the letter: “It speaks volumes for the man’s problems.”
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