SD2909. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 365 (in part).
19. Warwick Crescent.
June 6th [1867] [1]
My dear Friend,
For the first time since my return, I may say to-day that I feel really better. I have been very unwell—violent pain in the side—cough—and so forth—but I am getting over it now. I think the close air of Mme Louis’ room, forced me into imprudent chills. I used to feel suffocating, and throw off my garments. Don’t hint at it to Robert, who is so accustomed to consider me the strongest of beings, that he gets frightened to death when he sees I am really ill. My heart smote me for not writing to poor dear Mme Louis, as I know she felt anxious, so when I found yesterday you had not been able to see her, I wrote myself at once, as I ought to have done sooner.
I am all alone to-day. Robert & Pen are gone to Ascot—(the Cup-day) with the Benzons, and are to dine afterwards. I suppose, a grand affair. Arabel is gone to-day to see the State apartments at Windsor—and wanted me to join her; but I was not well enough. George Barrett returned last night from a two years’ residence on the continent. I had letters the other day from my young friends at Vichy—they find the place dull & stupid: on their return, they will pass through London to Ireland, when I hope to see them.
I cannot tell you about Willy now. I wish it were in my power to administer the flogging he deserves—how his bones would ache for months to come! Luckily, I do not think he has taken Pen into his confidence.
I wish you could see—and taste—the marvellous ham Miss Heaton has sent us—it weighs forty pounds—the flavour is exquisite. I must call and thank her when I am able. Hitherto, I have not gone anywhere.
The owl is moulting. Robert is in a state of blind infatuation about him. I send you now only a short excuse for a letter, but when I am more myself I will write longer gossip. My visit to Paris was a very pleasant one—it was a true pleasure to be with you again. The two male animals, if they were at home, would certainly send their best love to you. My kind love to Claire.
Ever your affte
S.B.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by reference to subjects discussed in letter 86705311 ([31 May 1867]): Sarianna’s illness, Madame Louis’s room, and Willy Bracken’s behavior.
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