SD2606, Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 353 (in part).
[Paris]
Oct. 22d [1862] [1]
My dear Mr Milsand,
I wrote to Robert about Mrs Maghee, (Mrs Corkran had also mentioned it) and this morning I have had an answer from him saying that he should see the Storys to-morrow, the day on which they were to return to London from the country, and he would give Mr & Mrs Maghee such an introduction Viva voce to the Storys, that he could promise them the most kind reception whenever they choose to call at Barbarini [sic] Palace, where Mr Story resides, or at his studio, in the street leading from it. Mr Story is bringing out a book—called “Roba di Roma”, the publication of which obliges him to remain in London during October, but he will return to Rome in the winter. The Storys will give introductions to all the other artists, who have, each, days of receiving– I will send a line to Mr Stillman, if they like. Robert encloses me a note from Forster, saying he has written to Emmerson Tennant [sic, for Emerson Tennent]. I will show it to the Corkrans. This deplorable weather (Robt says it is very fine in London) prevents me from seeing the Corkrans as frequently as I wish—three times I have set out to get to them, and three times I have been driven back by rain: yet I have seen much of them since my return, especially of Henriette, who always now comes in to me,—and my impression of her is decidedly favourable. I was unjust and wicked in jumping hastily to the conclusion that because she had engaged to marry a man older than her father, it must be from mercenary motives. There is a vivacity about the man, capable of attracting the young, who principally dislike age for its seriousness; and to me individually (here I differ from you, from all men, and from almost all women in practise) there is one point in Henriette which commands my profound respect,—mixed up, though it be, with many faults of violent temper: I mean the way in which she disdains to retain her admirer for one instant by the slightest compliance or disguise. A most rare quality in a woman. Being made love to, is so much more generally acceptable than the love itself, and the vanity of being admired is so strong, that it requires great honesty and a certain elevation of mind in a woman to let her admirer depart when one smile could keep him in subjection. How many women do you know, capable of it? You see it is the precise opposite of your favourite method of non-submission. Dr |Camin| himself is on the point of turning Roman Catholic, and taking the vows of some religious order: he is trying to persuade Alice to become a Nun. Henriette spoke to me with great good sense, of his opinions, and proselytizing frame of mind—he has evidently no influence over her.
Robert tells me, poor fellow, that he was in a very stupid state of mind all last week, because he knew that on Monday last was begun, and on Friday was finished, at Florence, the erection of the tablet over Casa Guidi—voted by the city. It had long ago been ordered and begun, but now is up.
I saw the Miss Darleys and their mother, at Passy last week. The invalid herself seems to me just the same as when I left—not any paler—but the family told me her appetite which used to be good, is now bad, and her spirits much depressed, though they carefully conceal from her the ugly word dropsy, held up by the doctors. At Mrs Maghee’s request, they had consulted another medical man Jeandrin [2] (I don’t know whether the spelling is right)—he differs from Velpeau, and thinks the blistering injurious: he is also of opinion that other parts of the constitution are seriously wrong. He has ordered her to take a cold bath for two minutes morning & night—forbidden tea (French prejudice) and prescribed other medicine. Still he gives little hope of recovery.
Mrs Corkran told me that they were anxious to try a medium—animal magnetism—which I am sorry for, as it can do no good physically, and may do much harm morally. The one whom I pity the most profoundly—the sight of her touches me to the heart—is the eldest sister, who cannot look at the invalid without a spasm of pain crossing her face.
I shall be glad enough when you return– My father asks me regularly twice a day when you are coming back. We shall have much to talk of over the fire. How did your marriage go off? What a strange hour! Impossible in England. Did I tell you I burnt off two great patches of hair in front of my head? But it is all beginning to grow again, so I shall not be permanently bald.
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.
2. Sic, for Gandrin.
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