He thinks it right that
Millais has been elected President [of the Royal Academy] as it brooks no jealousy, but he will never be what
Leighton was. With Leighton he lost one of his oldest and "most
real" friends, the sufferings of the last two years are now behind him.
His lectures appear to have been a great success. They were well attended and he is now readying them for the press. The London Institution had a crowd of 800. After he dined on Oysters at the club and played billiards. He fears Herbert must be bored in Portsmouth.
It seems there will not be war. He spoke to
Wolseley about his new position, and quotes from the resulting whinge. He hears, via Millais, that
Lord Salisbury is very utopian and that
Rosebery regards the outlook as black. "The Frogs" seem to want another revolution.
Discusses more personal and professional matters. "Little Reid" is taking up so much space in the studio that W.B. has been forced to move out. The "advertisement meeting" was a success, with good speeches, although
Morris was not up to his usual standard, "he is bad poor old chap".
His picture of
Diana should be finished if the light holds good.