Frank Cadogan Cowper, 18 St. John's Wood Terrace, Regent's Park, to his mother

2 pieces, 1 envelope

He is working hard and has little time. Relates financial affairs, and is proud to have his own cheque book. He is working on a portrait, and illustrations for John Keats's Isabella, Miss Gregory is to sit to him for these.

He and Eden visited F.G. Stephens, who was not there, but his "stunning" wife was. They handled Millais's pen drawing for the 'Carpenter's shop'. They also saw many drawings by Holman Hunt, Rossetti and Madox Brown. They drank tea from Christina Rossetti's cups and met Mrs. Coventry Patmore. They felt to have dropped in on what was left of the pre-Raphaelite world.

Mrs. Stephens said that Ruskin is in his dotage, "quite imbecile", she imitated his current manner of speech and seemed to hold him in contempt. Characterises Rebecca Stephens further, she "seems to know everyone intimately" from Lord Leighton to Miss Siddal and told stories about them all.

He and Eden want to get to know Holman Hunt, but won't say anything until they are more practiced, as Stephens is the Art Critic of the Athenaeum.

Presented by Commander A.G. Vanrenen, 1990.