Before she finally agreed, however, she did something, which in its curious and impulsive symbolism, belongs almost to a more primitive age.

The sullen system of medical seclusion to which she had long been subjected has already been described.

The most urgent and hygienic changes were opposed by many on the ground that it was not safe for her to leave her sofa and her sombre room.

On the day on which it was necessary for her finally to accept or reject Browning's proposal, she called her sister to her, and to the amazement and mystification of that lady asked for a carriage.

In this she drove into Regent's Park, alighted, walked on to the grass, and stood leaning against a tree for some moments, looking round her at the leaves and the sky.