SD2918. Sarianna Browning to Joseph Milsand
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 368–369 (in part).
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace.
Tuesday, July 9th [1867] [1]
My dear Friend,
Your letter reached me yesterday morning. I knew that your kind sympathy is always ours, and that the honour paid to Robert would please you—so as I persist in my ways, I have made Robt copy for you the Diploma, which reached him yesterday morning, and the answer he has sent. [2] The Diploma has a pendant gilt seal, attached by a blue ribbon. Of course the principal value is the effect which in our thick-headed England such things have on the public. And now, being in a confiding mood, I will tell you a profound secret which I did not tell you before, not because it is a secret, but because it may never come to pass. Professor Jowett told Robt that it was the wish of the Master & Fellows of Balliol to elect him an Honorary Fellow of their College—this, independently of the great honour, would be an immense delight to Robt (An Hny Fellowship would not give the money belonging to ordinary fellowships, which is all the better.) Nothing would gratify him more than to be able to go down to Balliol whenever he chooses and associate with them as one of themselves. But Pf. Jowett begged him not to mention it, and he has never done so—for the election cannot take place till Oct. and I believe it must be voted unanimously, so that till it is done nobody can be sure of it. And there are many envious people who would be glad to prevent it, and a quantity of formalities to be observed. I, for one, am determined not to count upon it. Yet I cannot resist telling you, though you will have to share the disappointment if it does not succeed. You will easily understand Robert’s being pleased at the idea; besides it would be doubly agre[e]able during Pen’s Oxford residence, as he could see how the lad was going on, without appearing to watch him. Meanwhile poor Pen’s turn for boating developes itself more and more: he is putting himself in training and gets up every morning before six for exercise till breakfast. If he would only get up to read Greek! There is a singular persistency about the boy’s character—but I do not think it a bad sign: at all events, he must mould himself, for he will not be easily led. He is very sorry that you will not see the Paris regatta. Our autumn arrangements are not yet made. I wrote to the same people at Croisic, proposing last year’s terms, but the woman in charge of the house now asks 300 a month, saying the usual price is 400. This we will not give, as the journey in itself is very expensive, and we pay 40 francs a month in addition, for the woman’s attendance. So I wrote and offered 450 francs for two months, and am waiting an answer. For myself, I would as soon, or rather I should prefer, going anywhere else—though I say nothing about it. Mrs Bracken wants to go because Willy wishes it—he made a good many acquaintances at the Establishment last year, and wishes to renew them. Miss Smith will go where we go.
But I have never told you that I have been very gay lately. I dined on Thursday at Mrs Benzon’s—(Madme Mohl was there) and after the dinner party there was a very large evening party to hear Rubenstein [sic], who has been creating a furore here: his playing is wonderful—many good judges say, far superior to Listz [sic]. Robt was in an extasy—but Pen though he had an invitation would not give up his boating. On Saturday I went to a garden-party at Mrs Benzon’s—given principally for young children—there were jugglers on the lawn. On Friday the now celebrated Mr Morris, author of the new poem “Jason”, and Allingham, and Jones the artist, had lunch here with us. Allingham was speaking of you in the most flattering manner, and explaining your value to Mr Morris who seemed deeply impressed. It is vexing that you do not see our country at this time of the year when it is looking its best. I ran down by railroad to Harrow the other day with Arabel who had business there. I was struck by the extreme beauty of the place, which is on a hill, and would gladly have stayed all day but was forced to return for the aforesaid lunch. There were exquisite flowers in every garden—and hedges of wild roses in full blossom. I must take you there one day. I will look out the Bolton Estate for you: there is one novel of Trollope’s we have got, “Orley Farm”, which I like very much. I will lend it you. Good bye. I won’t take another sheet. Love to Claire. I am glad she has some young friends about her. All our love goes to you.
Ever yrs. S.B.
I must tell you this horrid piece of news given to Rt by Lady W. Russell—that Maximilian was hanged not shot,—and quartered by Juarez—to prevent the body being given up.
Address: Monsieur Milsand. / St Aubin-sur-Mer / par Luc. / Calvados.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
1. Year provided by enclosures.
2. Preserved with this letter are RB’s copies of the diploma and his response dated 1867.
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