SD2536. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 319 (in part).
[Paris]
Oct. 31st [1861] [1]
My dear Mr Milsand–
Do you know your letter was a disappointment to me this morning, for I had concluded that your silence meant you were coming, and yet you are as far off as ever. I do not think that since I have known you (nine years now) I have been so long without seeing you, and I seem to have so much to say that I fear I shall talk you to death when you really do arrive.
Do not think I am in low spirits—on the contrary, I feel now the benefit of my stay at the seaside even more than while I was there. All the time I was at St Enogat, though I felt the air strengthen me, I could neither eat nor sleep well. Now here I sleep very well and have besides the appetite of an ogre, so that I can devour anything short of a live baby– There is nothing sad in longing for a better life: on the contrary, I am never thoroughly unhappy except when doubts are stronger than belief,—if I could constantly and habitually realise the unseen as vividly as I can in occasional glimpses, I would ask no greater happiness—but enough of this– I was wrong to tell you of Mrs Bracken’s version of your absence: she means no harm whatever: but has a kitten-like love of teasing. She is rather sulky with me just now, and has never called here since my return—she confesses she is vexed because I did not write and ask her to join us at St Enogat.
I had a long letter from Robt the other day: full of details about the child’s lessons &c nothing that would particularly interest you. Robt says if I knew how busy he is, I should pity him without a figure of speech: he rises at six, and till he goes to bed, has not a moment’s leisure. He sees no friends, and I am sorry to perceive has not spirits enough to ride out with Pen, who rides alone.
Poor Mrs Corkran is in just the same state. I believe the novel has been successful. Mary’s throat is the same that she had at Fontainebleau: a glandular swelling something like a wen—the doctor can do nothing for it, but order strengthening things. Mrs Corkran thinks it is better, and it appears to me not quite so large,—still it is very disfiguring. I heard of Mr Stillman’s appointment through the American newspapers viâ Miss Church. I see the revue des D.M. has had an avertissement—serves it right for its treatment of you. Robert often sends me an Illustrated News– I give them to poor Miss Ryan. Just write me a line before you return (if ever you return!) to tell me when to expect you. Robert sends his best love. I am beginning to look out for his Christmas visit. How are your eyes? You must show me your drawings, only don’t hurt your poor dear eyes with them. My father is quite well. I won’t say don’t forget us, because I know you won’t.
Ever yours affectionately,
S. Browning.
Address: Monsieur / Milsand. / Dijon. / Côte d’Or.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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