. Whistler, "it is no easy task
to reply under conditions of which I have so little habit. We are all
even too conscious that mine has hitherto, I fear, been the gentle
answer that sometimes turneth not away wrath."

"Gentlemen," said he, "this is an age of rapid results, when remedies
insist upon their diseases, that science shall triumph and no time be
lost; and so have we also rewards that bring with them their own
virtue. It would ill become me to question my fitness for the position
it has pleased this distinguished company to thrust upon me."

"It has before now been borne in upon me, that in surroundings of
antagonism, I may have wrapped myself, for protection, in a species of
misunderstanding--as that other traveller drew closer about him
the folds of his cloak the more bitterly the winds and the storm
assailed him on his way. But, as with him, when the sun shone upon him
in his path, his cloak fell from his shoulders, so I, in the warm glow
of your friendship, throw from me all former disguise, and, making no
further attempt to hide my true feeling, disclose to you my deep
emotion at such unwonted testimony of affection and faith."

_Auto-Biographical_

_TO THE EDITOR:_

[Sidenote: _Pall Mall Gazette_, July 28, 1891.]

Sir,--May I request that you allow me to make known, through your
influential paper, the fact that the canvas, now shown as a completed
work of mine, at Messrs. Dowdeswell's, representing three draped
figures in a conservatory, is a painting long ago barely begun, and
thrown aside for destruction?

Also I am in no way responsible for the taste of the frame with its
astonishments of plush! and varied gildings.

I think it not only just to myself to make this statement, but right
that the public should be warned against the possible purchase of a
picture in no way representative, and, in its actual condition,
absolutely worthless.--I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

_Chelsea, July 27, 1891._

[Illustration]

_Mr. Whistler "had on his own Toast"_

_TO THE EDITOR:_

[Sidenote: _Pall Mall Gazette_, Aug. 1, 1891.]

Sir,--I have read with interest Mr. Whistler's letter in your issue of
July 28. I happened to be at Messrs. Dowdeswell's galleries the other
day and saw the picture he refers to. It was not on public exhibition,
but was in one of their private rooms, an