Will you, though I am awkward and shy and obstinate now and then, and a wicked spiritualist to wit--a _realist_ in an out-of-the-world sense--accepting matter as a means (no matter for it otherwise!)?
Don't give me up, dear Mr.Ruskin! My husband's truest regards, and farewell from both of us! I would fain be Your affectionate friend, ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.
Our address in Paris will be, _102 Rue de Grenelle, Faubourg St.
Germain_.
* * * * * The house in the Rue de Grenelle, however, did not prove a success, in spite of the consolations of the yellow satin, and after six weeks of discomfort and house-hunting the Brownings moved to 3 Rue de Colisee, which became their home for the next eight months.

It was a period, first of illness caused by the unsuitable rooms, and then of hard work for Mrs.Browning, who was engaged in completing 'Aurora Leigh,' while her husband was less profitably employed in the attempt to recast 'Sordello' into a more intelligible form.

No such incident as the visits to George Sand marked this stay in Paris, and politics were in a very much less exciting state.

The Crimean war was just coming to a close, and public opinion in England was far from satisfied with the conduct of its ally; but on the whole the times were uneventful.
The first letter from Paris has, however, a special interest as containing a very full estimate of the character and genius of Mrs.
Browning's dear friend, Miss Mitford.

It is addressed to Mr.Ruskin, who had been unceasingly attentive and helpful to Miss Mitford during her declining days.
* * * * * _To Mr.Ruskin_ Paris, 102 Rue de Grenelle, Faubourg St.Germain: November 5, [1855].
My dear Mr.Ruskin,--I thank you from my heart for your more than interesting letter.