3 Chesterfield St., Mayfair,

May 18th 1876.

Dear Mr. Browning:

I hope you will excuse my troubling you to know if you recollect
an Italian Lady's maid - "Lina" - who says she was for several years with
your ever memorable wife, - and especially in her last illness.

Brunley's daughter Carlotta is now grown up. Not beautiful -
not accomplished - not clever, - but inexpressibly dear & companionable
to me and as we have done with governesses I have to send her out often
with my maid, - and am "fidgetted" to have a good trustworthy woman.

I have been these eight weeks confined to bed by illness, and
am very slowly dawning to recovery, - and the choice of a personal attend-
ant for Carlotta & me, "me pèse."

I thought you would kindly answer this note as I was struck
with her mention of service in your home, - & it made me wish to take her.

She produced certificates from the Duff Gordons & many persons,
but all long ago - & several that I could not communicate with foreigners
and Americans.

Give me a line of yes or no, as to recollecting & esteeming her
& believe me

N.B. (She is a fair elderly woman, says she is a Florentine.)