To the orthodox academicians his work was a mystery. Once, when dining in a restaurant in the West End, the waiter, having difficulty in supplying Whistler’s wants, said, “Well, sir, I can’t quite make out what you mean.” “Gad, sir,” he cried, in tones of amazement, “are you an R.A.?” It is not within the range of possibilities that the Royal Academy, or any other institution, would have had any perceptible influence on Whistler’s art,--on _that_ side he was indifferent to the influences which affect most men, to considerations of gain and popular appreciation. In the account of a certain public sale the statement was printed that when one of his pictures was put up it was loudly hissed. He sat down and wrote the editor acknowledging the compliment, “the distinguished though unconscious compliment so publicly paid. It is rare that recognition so complete is made during the lifetime of the painter.” Another time he said, “There are those, they tell me, who have the approval of the public, and live.” Long after he ceased to exhibit at the Academy a lady met him at one of the exhibitions, and expressed her surprise. “Well, you know,” he answered, “one must do something to lend interest to the show,--so here I am.” * * * * * Years after, the Academy, while Leighton was president, invited him to send some of his pictures, and here is the account of what happened:[22] “He was in Brussels. There came a telegram from him to me which was a cry of exultation: “‘MY DEAR S.: The Lord hath delivered them into my hands. I am sending you by post their last dying confession.’ “And so next morning the post duly brought a letter from Whistler inclosing the official proposal from the Royal Academy, signed by Mr. Eaton, secretary to that distinguished body, inviting Whistler to contribute to a loan exhibition then presently to be held. Whistler wrote: “‘Of course, I refuse. You know me too well to doubt that. Do they think they can use me after so long trampling on me? Do they think I don’t see what they want? Do they think I need them? At last they perceive that they need me, but in the day of their extremity they shall ask in vain.’