On a bench by the shore Mrs Browning could sit and win back a little strength in the bright August air.

The stay at Havre, depressing to Browning's spirits, was for some eight weeks.

In October they were again in Paris, where Mrs Browning's sister, Arabel, was their companion.

The year was far advanced and a visit to England was not in contemplation.

Towards the middle of the month they were once more in motion, journeying by slow stages to Florence.