_The Inn Album_ alone is English in its characters and their surroundings.

Such a grouping of the works of the period is of a superficial nature, and it can be readily dismissed.

It brings into prominence, however, the fact that Browning, while resolved to work out what was in him, lay open to casual suggestions.

He had acquired certain methods which he could apply to almost any topic.

He had confidence that any subject on which he concentrated his powers of mind could be compelled to yield material of interest.