'[• ••] - to speak the truth, it is a great disturbance to him.1 He recognizes the honour intended and the friendliness, but, in confidence to you we may say that it is outside all his thoughts and aims, and he clings his freedom. Edward went round to Leighton2 with so grave a face that he broke out at once on seeing 'Don't say you have come to refuse it, Ned!' and was so affectionate and generous in all he added that Ned could only come away as he went - with a grave face and an acknowledgement of the honour.' 1 Proposed election to the Royal Academy. 2 Frederic Leighton (1830-96), President of the Royal Academy.