SD2881. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 358–359 (in part).
[London]
March 7. [1867] [1]
My dear Friend.– The minute after I had hastily closed my last letter to you, I was haunted by a feeling that I had forgotten something I wished to say,—afterwards I remembered it was to reply to your question about the Latin grammar– Pen was first taught from an Italian little grammar. When he came to London he began with “Henry’s First Latin Book—by the Revd T. K. Arnold—published by Rivington, Waterloo Place”– (Probably there is a treatise by Ahn, but he did not use it.) This was followed by “Henry’s Second Latin Book.” You will forgive me for my omission—I was called down stairs by a visit to me from Archdeacon Goold, to say good bye,—and finished my letter to you in a hurry. He was to leave the next morning to marry his niece, Lady Augusta Quin, and after was going on to his parish duty in Ireland, I forget where—in the North. He will remain there till May when he returns to take his family to Vichy. Meanwhile he leaves his wife and daughters at Mrs Nixon’s—and flattered me by saying how proud (!!) he felt of my friendliness to his girls, and begging me to continue it: but I can understand that fathers are sensitive on some points.
Did I tell you that Robt had had proposals from Baron Tauchnitz to publish his poems—or some of them? but the price he offered (though the same that Tennyson accepted) was so absurdly small that Rt refused. It is all very well for novels, because nobody buys them anywhere—but poetry is different.
Yesterday we dined at Forster’s—the Miss Landors (W.S.L.’s nieces) are staying with him—in the evening Lytton & his young wife, arrived the day before from Portugal, came in. She seems a nice person, and he is as sugarily affectionate as ever: he is on leave of absence being Secretary of Legation (I believe.) Poor dear Pen—and poor ourselves—for we are as much to be pitied. I don’t know when his official examination takes place, but he is going on a visit to Jowett on the 25th When he returns we shall know our plans better. Give my best love to Miss Haworth when you see her. Now for Me Louis—it is such a comfort that you always understand one. She told me that she had been half tempted to take an apartment which Miss Ryan refused—in the same house—where there was a separate kitchen—leaving the bedroom free and distinct—and these rooms might have been had for only twenty francs more than she now pays—as the thing was done, it was no use telling her that I would gladly have paid the extra 20 francs, as to me the comfort of a separate room whenever I am with her, would have been very great—but if that apartment (or a similar one) could still be had, I will pay the extra twenty francs with pleasure,—or even a trifle more. Tell her so if you see her: it would greatly facilitate my visits, for the objection to her room was that she was forced to use it as a kitchen. I write at once that she may take advantage of any opportunity.
Whatever you write—in magazine, newspaper, or letter,—will always find an attentive reading in this house. The Temps has not yet arrived. I have just refused an invitation from Mme de Mussy to hear Joachim & Hallé at her house. I am not fond of evening parties.
Pen & Willy are out rowing in the middle of this snow storm. I conclude hastily—for I want to save the post.
Robert & Pen’s best love–
Ever your affectionate,
S.B.
Address: France / Monsieur Milsand– / 31, rue Perronet. / Neuilly. près Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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