For once and once only Browning lied to Miss Barrett, and he lied a little awkwardly; his letter was only one of too boisterous gratitude; his punishment--that of one infinitely her inferior--was undeserved; let her return to him the offending letter.
Returned accordingly it was, and immediately destroyed by the writer.

In happier days, Miss Barrett hoped to recover what then would have been added to a hoard which she treasured; but, Browning could not preserve the words which she had condemned.
Wise guardian-angels smile at each other, gently and graciously, when a lover is commanded to withdraw and to reappear in the character of a friend.

An incoming tide may seem for a while to pause; but by and by we look and the rock is covered.

Browning very dutifully submitted and became a literary counsellor and comrade.

The first stadium in the progress of his fortunes opened in January and closed before the end of May; the second closed at the end of August.