Those who surrounded Miss Barrett knew nothing of this, and Browning knew nothing of it; and probably if he knew anything, knew less than they did.

Mrs.Orr says, probably with a great deal of truth, that of ill-health and its sensations he remained "pathetically ignorant" to his dying day.

But devoid as he was alike of expert knowledge and personal experience, without a shadow of medical authority, almost without anything that can be formally called a right to his opinion, he was, and remained, right.

He at least saw, he indeed alone saw, to the practical centre of the situation.

He did not know anything about hysteria or neurosis, or the influence of surroundings, but he knew that the atmosphere of Mr.Barrett's house was not a fit thing for any human being, alive, dying, or dead.