I imagine that the woman's berretta, frequently of velvet embroidered with pearls, and apparently almost as prevalent as our bonnet, must have been that close-fitting cap, square at the ears, of which we spoke yesterday. I trouble you with this note—which pray do not think it necessary to answer—in order to indicate to you the very slight satisfaction my anxiety on this subject can meet with, and the obligation I shall be under to you if you will ever give me a positive or negative hint or correction.
Approximative truth is the only truth attainable, but at least one must strive for that, and not wade off into arbitrary falsehood.—Ever, dear Mr. Leighton, yours very truly,
Marian E. Lewes.
Leighton preserved the records of a friendship with Mr. Robin Allen,[27] established and for most part continued through a correspondence which lasted for many years from the early 'sixties. The letter sent with the following poem refers to Leighton's illustration to Mrs. Browning's poem, "Musical Instrument," of which the original drawing is reproduced. (See [List of Illustrations].)
Trinity House, E.C.
My dear Sir,—If I send this to the author of a lovely illustration to a lovely poem, it is not for its worth, but to give me an excuse for saying that I go out of town for a month next Wednesday, and hope that I may call on you on my return, perhaps get leave to show you over Loughton Woods in the autumn.—Believe me, my dear sir, yours truly,
Robin Allen.
F. Leighton, Esq.
Sequitur To Mrs. Browning's "Musical Instrument" in the
"Cornhill Magazine" of July 1860.
A greater God than the great god Pan
Planted the reed in the river,
And he is the only God who can
Break through its heart without killing the reed,
And make of its very life indeed
An organ, to utter His psalm as the Giver.