In the absence of the owner in Europe the whole matter was left in charge of a member of the society,—a well-known artist,—who, when he saw where the committee had placed the little pictures, promptly withdrew them, and notified the owner of his action, which was approved.
Whistler learned of the matter, and wrote the following letter:
“Dear Mr. L—— : I have just learned with distress that my canvases have been a trouble and a cause of thought to the gentlemen of the hanging committee.
“Pray present to them my compliments and my deep regrets.
“I fear also that this is not the first time of simple and good-natured intrusion,—‘looking in,’ as who should say, with beaming fellowship and crass camaraderie upon the highly-finished table and well-seated guests,—to be kindly and swiftly shuffled into some further respectable place, that all be well and hospitality endure.
“Promise, then, for me, that I have learned and that this ‘shall not occur again.’ And, above all, do not allow a matter of colossal importance to ever interfere with the afternoon habit of peace and good will and the leaf of the mint so pleasantly associated with this society.
“I could not be other than much affected by your warm and immediate demonstration, but I should never forgive myself were the consequences of lasting vexation to your distinguished confrères, and, believe me, dear Mr. L——, very sincerely,
“J. McNeill Whistler.
"London, April 7, 1903."
To the end he worked with indefatigable energy, save only those days and hours when he was compelled by exhaustion or by the physicians to rest.