SD2982. Arabella Moulton-Barrett to William Surtees Altham

Listed in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 387.

[London]

[Postmark: 25 May 1868]

My dearest Surtees,

What an unsympathetic creature you will say I am, me not answering your note on Saturday. I did my best to do so, but really I hadn’t a moment to spare– It was my Refuge day, besides lots of things to all the morning. However I hope you know me well enough, to understand the pleasure your letter gave me– You have attained your Majority: got rid of the toils & disagreeables of the adjutancy—laid by your work, & become a gentleman at large, resting on yr oars– Knowing how you have been longing for this for a very great length of time, I am delighted to hear the good news– And then about dear Teddy– It is most gratifying—& depend upon it, he will be something in the world. Seeing he is so bright and intelligent, & not afraid of work, they will put him on at Winchester. There is the advantage for such boys at a public school—but for others, who don’t hold out much promise, the injustice is, little is done for them. They are very much left to themselves, to do as they can & will! Well! this world is a very imperfect world—& groaning about it, doesn’t make it any better. Thank dearest Mary, with my best love for her letter– I was so very pleased to hear such an excellent account of little Arabel– There seems to be nothing but joy & gladness just now at Stoke Court– All is bright & happy. May it long continue, & increase. My best love to Bell.

Believe me dear Surtees,

Yr ever affect

Arabel–

Address: Major Altham / Stoke Court / Nr Taunton.

Docket: Last letter from dearest Arabel.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.

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