I came very near being at my old game of falling in love, but I find that love and painting are quarrelsome companions, and that the house of my heart is too small for both of them; so I have turned Mrs.Love out-of-doors.

Time enough, thought I (with true old bachelor complacency), time enough for you these ten years to come.

Mr.Russell's portrait I have painted as a present to Miss Russell, and will send it to her as soon as I can get an opportunity.

It is an excellent likeness of him." He must either have said more in this letter, or have written another after the family verdict (that terrible family verdict) had been pronounced, for in the letter of April 23, 1815, from which I have already quoted, he refers to this portrait as follows:-- "As to the portrait which I painted of Mr.Russell, I am sorry you mentioned it to Miss Russell, as I particularly requested that you would not, because, in case of failure, it would be a disappointment to her; but as you have told her, I must now explain.

In the first place it is not a picture that will do me any credit.