20 November 1871. Dowden, Edward to Dowden, Elizabeth Dickinson West.

50 Wellington Road Nov. 20. 1871 My dear Miss West, Thank you for deciding to show me Browning’s letter. Do you not perceive that it is a signal triumph for me, & a humiliation to you. Who said you would do things worth doing? And who said foolishly that you were "only a woman”,—with imperfect education—&c &c &c ? Now my judgment is confirmed. If I am wrong, Browning & a good many other people share my mistake. As to my sonnets I should I don’t doubt have got pleasure— had Browning said anything satisfactory about them--but as it is I don’t feel the want of any