'Alfred de Musset was to have been at M. Buloz' where Robert was a week ago, on purpose to meet him, but he was prevented in some way. His brother, Paul de Musset, a very different person, was there instead, but we hope to have Alfred on another occasion. Do you know his poems? He is not capable of large grasps, but he has poet's life and blood in him, I assure you. . . . We are expecting a visit from Lamartine, who does a great deal of honour to both of us in the way of appreciation, and was kind enough to propose to come. I will tell you all about it.' Mr. Browning fully shared his wife's impression of a want of frank cordiality on George Sand's part; and was especially struck by it in reference to himself, with whom it seemed more natural that she should feel at ease. He could only imagine that his studied courtesy towards her was felt by her as a rebuke to the latitude which she granted to other men. Another eminent French writer whom he much wished to know was Victor Hugo, and I am told that for years he carried about him a letter of introduction from Lord Houghton, always hoping for an opportunity of presenting it. The hope was not fulfilled, though, in 1866, Mr. Browning crossed to Saint Malo by the Channel Islands and spent three days in Jersey. Chapter 11 1852-1855 M. Joseph Milsand--His close Friendship with Mr. Browning; Mrs. Browning's Impression of him--New Edition of Mr. Browning's Poems--'Christmas Eve and Easter Day'--'Essay' on Shelley--Summer in London--Dante Gabriel Rossetti--Florence; secluded Life--Letters from Mr. and Mrs. Browning--'Colombe's Birthday'--Baths of Lucca--Mrs. Browning's Letters--Winter in Rome--Mr. and Mrs. Story--Mrs. Sartoris--Mrs. Fanny Kemble--Summer in London--Tennyson--Ruskin.