at the head is beautiful, and the eyes singularly full
of expression for photographed eyes, but there may be more difference of
opinion about the head. The _two-third view_ you certainly can't have
seen. Why, we had even resolved (as we couldn't hope to grow younger) to
stand or fall with posterity by this production. 'Ecco!'

As to age--no! it's cruel of you to talk so. Robert's beard was
tolerably white when he was in Paris last, and, in fact, his moustache
is less so than the rest, therefore there can't be, and isn't in this
respect, so rapid a 'decline and fall' in his appearance. The clipping
of the side whiskers, which are very grey, is an advantage, and as to
the hair, it is by no means cut short. 'Like an _epicier_?' No indeed.
The _epicier_ is bushy and curly about the ears (see an example in
'Galignani'), and moreover will keep the colour of the curl 'if he dyes
for it'--an extremity to which Robert and I will never be driven--having
too much the fear of attentive friends and affectionate biographers
before our eyes--as suggested by poor Balzac's. But Robert is looking
remarkably well and young--in spite of all lunar lights in his hair.
Though my hair keeps darker with a certain sprinkle however, underneath
which forces its way outwards, I would willingly change on the whole
with him, if he were not my own Robert. He is not thin or worn, as I
am--no indeed--and the women adore him everywhere far too much for
decency. In my own opinion he is infinitely handsomer and more
attractive than when I saw him first, sixteen years ago--which does not
mean as much as you may suppose, that I myself am superannuated and
wholly anile, and incompetent therefore for judgment. No, indeed, I
believe people in general would think the same exactly. And as to the
modelling--well, I told you that I grudged a little the time from his
own particular art--and that is true. But it does not do to dishearten
him about his modelling. He has given a great deal of time to anatomy
with reference to the expression of form, and the clay is only the new
medium which takes the place of drawing. Also, Robert is peculiar in his
ways of work as a poet. I have struggled a little with him on this
point--for I don't think him right--that is to say, it wouldn't be right
for me--and I heard the other day that it wouldn't be right for
Tennyson. Tennyson is a regular worker, shuts himself up daily for so
many hours. And we are generally so made that a regu