"THE SEVEN LAMPS" "Have you read an Oxford Graduate's letters on art ?" wrote Miss Mitford, of "Our Village," on January 27, 1847.

"The author, Mr.Ruskin, was here last week, and is certainly the most charming person that I have ever known." The friendship thus begun lasted until her death.

She encouraged him in his work; she delighted in his success; and, in the grave reverses which were to befall him, he found her his most faithful supporter and most sympathetic consoler.

In return, "his kindness cheered her closing days; he sent her every book that would interest and every delicacy that would strengthen her, attentions which will not surprise those who have heard of his large and thoughtful generosity."[2] [Footnote 2: "The Friendships of Mary Russell Mitford," edited by the Rev.A.G.

L'Estrange.] It was natural that a rising man, so closely connected with Scotland, should be welcomed by the leaders of the Scottish school of literature.
Sydney Smith, a former Edinburgh professor, had praised the new volume.
John Murray, as it seems from letters of the period, made overtures to secure the author as a contributor to his Italian guide-books.