I have heard with some sorrow of the burning of the venerable Dome, and am just writing to Otto Cornhill in respect to a lottery which is to be arranged for the re-erection of the tower.
I have read what you tell me of your dear family with great pleasure; please remember me most kindly to your wife and children; also to my old comrades V. Müller, Wecker, and the rest. I am very glad to hear that G. Wecker, the apostate, has returned to art. He was, undoubtedly still is, a very gifted man, but had to guard somewhat, had he not? against the _ornamental_.
Farewell, my dear Master; take nothing amiss from your grateful, devoted pupil,
DEAR PAPA,--You will be disappointed, after waiting so long, to receive no paper after all, and a skimpy note instead. I am amused at the studied ill-nature of the _Spectator_; I wonder who _V._ is. The author of an article on sensation pictures in the _Realm_, in which I am flatteringly quoted, is by Mrs. Norton. _En somme_ I think my "_Golden Hours_" is the most successful of my pictures (perhaps more than anything since "Cimabue") and the "Orpheus" (deservedly) the least. I am about to begin two new pictures. Mrs. Guthrie's portrait--a full length--is postponed for her health till the winter.
I should not leave the place I am in except to build; a mended house would be most unsatisfactory and _temporary_. I feel sure I shall nowhere get standing room for a house for less than £28, still less room for a house and _large garden_. If I find the terms exactly as I expect and my lawyer (Nettleship) satisfied with the title I shall, I think, close the bargain, the more so that another painter (I don't know who) is after it.[32] I am staying for a day or two at Dangstein (Lady Dorothy Neville's). I met here last night Mr. Henry Woolfe, who very kindly offered me introductions to one or two charming Venetian families (Mocenigo) which will be very pleasant for me, as I want to see a Venetian interior. Gambart has paid the £1050 for "Dante." The "Honeymoon" was bought by a Cornhill dealer yclept Moreby.
I will let you know how all goes off on Saturday at the Council, meanwhile best love to Mamma.--From your affectionate son,
I found your letter on returning from Lyndhurst this morning. I may as well tell you at once that I have finished my fresco, retouching a great deal of what was already painted, and I think I may add, greatly improving it--so much for that.