er book or letter has gone
wrong, on this account I write at once to thank you most heartily. My
sister says the Autobiography is fascinating; I can well believe it,
for I never knew such a work to be without interest, and this of Dupre
must abound in precisely the matters that interest me most.... When I
have thoroughly gone through the book I will write you again, if you
permit me, as I know your old memories will be indulgent in the case.
We may be in Italy this autumn, and if you are within reach you will
be certain to see the old friend who always rejoices when he hears of
your well-being, and trusts it may continue.... Pen is very well; at
Dinard just now, painting landscape in the open air. I have told him
already of the book which he will take delight in reading. I am
occupied this very day in sending his statue of 'Dryope' to Brussels,
where the Exhibition will give it a chance of being judged by better
knowledge than is found here."

The following letter indicates, in Browning's own charming way, the warm
attachment that both he and his sister had for Mrs. Bronson:

19, WARWICK CRESCENT, W.

Feb. 15, '85.

DEAREST MRS. BRONSON,--This dull morning grew to near blackness
itself, when, at breakfast, my sister said once again, "No news of her
from Venice,"--and I once again calculated and found by this time it
was a month and a full half since we heard from you. Why should this
be? If I had simply and rationally written a line, instead of thinking
a thought, I should have known, as your dear goodness will let me
know, as soon as you receive this, how you are, how Edith is, now that
the winter is over and gone with the incentives to that cough which
was still vexatious when we had your last letter.

Do not let us mind high-days and holidays: be sure of this, that every
day will be truly festal that brings us a word from you, for other
clouds than the material ones make us melancholy just now; and how
this turbid element about us contrasts with the golden hours near the
beloved friends,--perhaps more vivid,--certainly more realized as
valuable, than ever! I do not mean to write much because what I want
to impress on your generosity is that just a half sheet, with mere
intelligence about you, will be a true comfort and sustainment to me
and to my sister,--the barest account of