2 Holland Park Road,
Kensington, W.
I want very much, before they have quite disappeared, to get for myself and for a friend a couple of old-fashioned country bumpkins' smocks; you know the sort of thing. Do you chance to know any one in any of the villages about Bath who could pick up a couple? I should like a brown one (NOT a white Sunday one) and a green one, and that they should not be washed—well worn, untidy things. If you saw your way to getting me such garments, I should be very grateful, but don't trouble about it.
If you have leisure to think of anything but Miss Nan just at present, will you do me a favour? Will you get for me a peasant's wide-awake, in shape like the one I painted in your portrait, only really old and soiled and stained; bought, in fact, if possible, off a bumpkin's head? Can you do this for me, and either send it or bring it if you are about to return shortly? I will pay you when we meet.
When is the wedding to be? or is it already over? I wish you all happiness and prosperity, and remain with kind remembrances to Miss (or Mrs.) Nan,—Yours truly,
Fred Leighton.
I hope you can read this; my hands are so cold I can scarcely hold the pen.
Mr. Greville has very kindly desired me to give you another commission, this time a larger one. He wants you to copy from my large picture the group of women carrying flowers, the size of the original.[65] He offers you £25 for it. If you are disposed, as I have no doubt you will be, I would, if I were you, write him a line of thanks for the kind interest he shows in you. In great haste.
One line in a great hurry to say that I am delighted to hear that you have got in to the life school at the Royal Academy, and to thank you for the photo., which is capital.
I have not touched my Venus since you went away. I have been a good deal out of town myself, and have spent most of my time in finishing the two large decorative figures, which have now gone home. I am sorry you did not see them.
Come as soon as you can to begin Mr. Greville's picture.