"I don't want a bit of black," said Hook.
"Oh, but we must have a bit of black. There's Mr. B——, now, he always gives a bit of black."
Hook, feeling fearfully annoyed, took up the drawing, and dipping his finger in a glass of water, smeared it over, saying:
"There, gentlemen, there is your 'bit of black,'" and throwing down the drawing, left the room.
The following short letter from Mr. Hook, which bears upon this subject, will be of interest:
"Tor Villa, Kensington,
"8th April.
"Dear Sirs,—I do not manage wood-drawing well at all—not well enough even to do me credit, or I would have done you a drawing with pleasure. I failed some time back in doing one for the Art Union, and recollecting that the blocks they sent me had your name on them, I return them also.
"Believe me, dear Sirs,
"Yours truly,
"J. C. Hook.