[ca. July 1828]. Browning, Elizabeth Barrett to Shepherd, Lady Mary.

              My dear Lady Mary,

I was sorry to find that I missed seeing you by going out yesterday, & that my mother had not been more fortunate than myself. She was not quite dressed when you first called; and, in consequence of mistaking your message .. of understanding it to be an unconditional promise respecting a visit this morning—not a conditional promise respecting a second visit yesterday,—she went out as usual. It was a real subject of regret with her, to hear, on her return, that you had been kind enough to call again,—& that your intention of going to Worcester, would deprive us of all chance of profiting by a drive to Vaughan Cottage today.

I am reduced to the necessity of offering my written but warm thanks, for the valuable present, left for me by your Ladyship– I have