r Correspondent, etc. A dozen lines would tell all that
is wanted, naming no names. It might be called 'Fragments of Letters by
an "Ill-starred" or "Unlucky" Man of Genius,' etc. as S. M. was:
'Unlucky' being still used in Suffolk, with something of Ancient Greek
meaning. See if you cannot get this done, will you? For I think many of
S. M.'s friends would be glad of it: and the general Public assuredly not
the worse. Some of the names would need some correction, I think: and
the Letters to be put in order of Time. {141a} 'Do it!' as Julia in the
Hunchback says.

[1872.]

MY DEAR POLLOCK,

I went to London at the end of last week, on my way to Sydenham, where my
second Brother is staying, whom I had not seen these six years, nor his
Wife. . . . On Saturday I went to the Academy, for little else but to
see Millais, and to disagree with you about him! I thought his three
Women and his Highlanders brave pictures, which you think also; but
braver than you think them. The Women looked alive: the right Eye so
much smaller than the left in the Figure looking at you that I suppose it
was so in the original, so that I should have chosen one of the other
Sisters for the position. I could not see any analogy between the
Picture and Sir Joshua's Graces, except that there were Three. Nor could
I think the Highlanders in the Landscape vulgar; they seemed to me in
character with the Landscape. Both Pictures want tone, which may mean
Glazing: wanting which they may last the longer, and sober down of
themselves without the danger of cracking by any transparent Colour laid
over them.

I scarce looked at anything else, not having much time. Just as I was
going out, who should come up to me but Annie Thackeray, who took my
hands as really glad to see her Father's old friend. I am sure she was;
and I was taken aback somehow; and, out of sheer awkwardness, began to
tell her that I didn't care for her new Novel! And then, after she had
left her Party to come to me, I ran off! It is true, I had to be back at
Sydenham: but it would have been better to forgo all that: and so I
reflected when I had got halfway down Piccadilly: and so ran back, and
went into the Academy again: but could not find A. T. She told me she
was going to Normandy this week: and I have been so vext with myself that
I have written to tell her something of what I have told you. It was
very stupid indeed.

WOODBRIDGE: _November_ 1, [1872].

MY DEAR PO