yourself, and what we
appreciate with you; and, for our part, you shall hear, at least, that
we are well, or ailing, stationary, or about to move.

In the early spring Browning again writes to Mrs. Bronson:

19, WARWICK CRESCENT, W.

April 8, '85.

DEAREST FRIEND,--This is not a letter, for I have this minute returned
from a funeral, in pitiful weather, and am unable either in body or
soul to write one, much as I hope to do, with something of my warm
self in it. But I find Burne Jones's pretty and touching letter, and
want this leaf to serve as an envelope to what may please you, who
deserve so thoroughly that it should. I will write in a day or two. I
heard from Pen this morning, who is at Dinard, being too ill to remain
in Paris, but finds himself already better. He told me and re-told me
how good you had been to him. How I trust all is going well with
you,--certainly you need no assurance of,--enough that I love you with
all my heart. Bless you and your Edith. It is an Edith,--Proctor's
(Barry Cornwall's) daughter, whom I have been following to her grave.
Some fifty years ago her father said to me while caressing her, "Ah,
Browning, this is the Poetry." "I know it." "No, you know nothing
about it." Well, if I was ignorant then, I am instructed now. So, dear
Two Poems, long may I have you to read and to enjoy!

Yours affectionately Ever,

ROBERT BROWNING.

In the following autumn Mr. Barrett Browning, who had not seen Venice
since his infancy, joined his father, and was "simply infatuated" with the
dream city. It was for his sake that Browning had wished to purchase the
Manzoni Palace, "to secure for him a perfect domicile, every facility for
his painting and sculpture."

The autumn of 1886 brought to Browning a great sadness in the death of
Milsand, and Miss Browning being out of health, and unequal to a
continental journey, they both passed a part of the autumn at Llangollen,
where Sir Theodore and Lady Martin (Helen Faucit) were their near
neighbors, with whom they had tea every Sunday, and renewed one of the
most delightful friendships.

On the publication of Dr. Corson's "Introduction to the Poetry of
Browning," he sent a copy to the poet who thus replied:

19. Warwick Crescent. W.

Dec. 28. '86.

My dear Dr Corson,

I waited some days after the arrival of your Book and Letter thinking