The plans for the summer were identical with those of the preceding year; the same "great lonely villa" near Siena was occupied again; the same "deep soothing silence" lapped to rest Mrs Browning's spirits; Landor, her "adopted son"-- a son of eighty-six years old--was hard by as he had been last summer.

The neighbourhood of Miss Blagden was this year an added pleasure.

"The little eager lady," as Henry James describes her, "with gentle, gay black eyes," had seen much, read much, written already a little (with more to follow), but better than all else were her generous heart and her helpful hand.

The season was one of unusual coolness for Italy.
Pen's pony, as before, flashed through the lanes and along the roads.
Browning had returned from Rome in robust health, and looking stouter in person than six months previously.

Now, while a tenant of the Villa Alberti, he spent his energies in long rides, sometimes rides of three or four continuous hours.