They are both busy but he hopes Ernest is getting some relaxation. He enjoyed his holiday, a month in a Franciscan monastery - beggars fare, no servants and sour wine. He painted furiously and brought home forty sketches. He went on to Assisi and then Venice, to the Art Congress - where he addressed a "multitude" in Italian in the Ducal Palace. He dined with the
King, who he found learned and patriotic.
He was impressed by the "sustaining" of St. Mark's, which makes
Clarke's work at St. Paul's seem "childish", he is equally feeble in the chapel of St. George. He thinks they should have called
Wolfe-Barry. Provides extensive family news. His Royal Academy work prospers and he thinks they will pass reforms, S[outh] K[ensington] work also increases. The
Gladstone memorial is ready to be erected in Hawarden and he is finishing his picture of
Diana and Acteon.