SD2971. Henrietta Grant to Jane Maria Strachey
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 384 (in part).
26 Carlton Road
26 March 1868
Dearest Janie,
I have been behaving abominably to everybody in the writing way …
The Popular Concerts have been more popular this year than ever before Mr Chappell says—for his benefit next Monday night every seat has been taken already. I have seen Mr Browning several times there and the first time something amusing happened. [1] Bartie was behind the screen during the concert Mr. Chappell having to his great pride and delight put him on the free list there—when the Concert was over Mr Browning went out that way & spied him & said “oh my boy how are you”—putting his hand on his head, “of course your Mama is not here.” “Oh yes she is” says Bartie not knowing who was speaking to him, “she is out there”—Mr Browning turned round and began striding in haste towards me—the Rowes who were standing near made way for him thinking he was going to speak to me—when he got within a yard he stopped short gave a sort of wild bewildered look then turned and fled– I was so alarmed when I saw him coming I could not tell whether I was standing on my head or my heels—whether he took Bartie [Grant] for Dickie [Strachey] or Andrew [Colvile] or me for you or Elinor I don’t know but I shall never forget the look of confusion when he found he was mistaken. Meantime Bartie is ridiculously delighted because Mr Browning patted his head. Imagine my giving his Poems as the prize for the Grant Essay in the Attempt this year! …
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: India Office Records.
1. This event occurred in February. Elinor Colvile wrote 10 Feb. 68: “I saw him [Bartie] at the Pop: where Mr Chappell had admitted him behind the screen. He goes again tonight & to school tomorrow …”
___________________
