The solitary sea, the sands, the rocks, the green country gave him at least a breathing-space.

Then he proceeded to London, not without an outbreak of his characteristic energy in over-coming the difficulties--which involved two hours of "weary battling"-- of securing a horse-box for Pen's pony.

At Amiens Tennyson, with his wife and children, was on the platform.

Browning pulled his hat over his face and was unrecognised.[85] In "grim London," as he had called it, though with a quick remorse at recollection of the kindness awaiting him, he had the comfort of daily intercourse with Miss Arabel Barrett.
It was decided that an English education, but not that of a public school, would be best for the boy; the critical time for taking "the English stamp" must not be lost; his father's instruction, aided by that of a tutor, would suffice to prepare him for the University, and he would have the advantage of the motherly care of his mother's favourite sister.

Browning distrusted, he says to Story, "ambiguous natures and nationalities." Thus he bound himself to England and to London, while at times he sighed for the beauty of Italian hills and skies.