SD2850. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 351–352 (in part).
[London]
Nov. 25. [1866] [1]
My dear Friend,
It is sad to be only able to write to you—I want to talk. How can I make you understand how much I miss you? But it is of no use complaining over the inevitable, I would rather make the best of what remains. Now that you have seen the inside of our house, and can realise our way of living, I can write of the little details of daily life with less danger of being tedious.
Let me tell you that Robt persuades himself the Owl misses you, and though the evidence is not overwhelming, I confess I think so too—he looks round about with an air of wise curiosity. The boys went to their grand rowing match on Thursday, with great delight—of course the man who was not expected to win, won. Yesterday, as usual, they went on the river, and Pen has to-day a very bad face-ache, which he will not allow has any thing to do with his boating. I called on Mrs Procter, Me de Mussy—and felt a great relief when the duty was discharged. Yesterday I went with Arabel to the Jews’ Synagogue, and afterwards to the Refuge. I am longing to go to the Corkrans and will not let slip the first opportunity—but you know how time passes in this wilderness of bricks and mortar. Yesterday morning Rt had a private ticket for an interesting collection of sketches and studies by living masters—he regretted you were not with him. I forwarded two P. Malls & an Ill:N: on Friday, and will send two with this—tell me if they reach you.
Will you please, at any time, ask Me Louis for Miss Ryan’s new address. I have mislaid it.
I wrote the other day to Miss Haworth. I still keep my old intention of going to Paris in the early spring. Don’t let me forget to say that Robt’s coupons all came safely back some days ago. I began to be nervous.
I am so glad that you found all well at home—you will be able to leave more easily another time—now that you find how accessible we really are.
Robt has just brought me a photograph of the Bishop of Oxford which is scarce because the whole issue has been recalled on account of the clamour raised by the attitude, which is precisely that of a Romanist Bishop blessing the people with two raised fingers and a crozier. The weather is very bright and fine, but I care less for it now that you are no longer here.
We have had several invitations for Christmas Day, which we must decline. I know not yet where we shall spend it; probably at Forster’s, who has the prior claim with Robt who has hitherto dined at his house since his return to London. But there is no haste to decide—it will be a melancholy day for me wherever I may be.
Write to me soon, dear Friend—is there any thing I can do for you? Love to Claire. Our united love. Pen grieves over your departure—there is always something turning up which he wishes you to see.
Good bye.
Ever yr affte
S.B.
After all, I have not worn the new bonnet, but have bought a large crape veil to cover the old one. I shrank from changing to any less deep mourning, though I generally care little for outward forms.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by reference to Pen’s “face-ache,” which is mentioned in letter 86611301.
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