In the spring of 1865, after years of delicate health, Mrs. Leighton at the last died suddenly, at her home in Bath. At the time Leighton was staying at Sandringham where he received a telegram announcing her death, and on the same day he joined his family at Bath. It has been said that, as long as a man is blessed by possessing a mother, he still retains the blessing of being--in the eyes of one person at least--a child. To Leighton's tender-hearted nature this blessing was a very real one, as is testified by his correspondence with his mother.[40] The first chapter of Leighton's life seems, in a sense, only to end with this great sorrow. _Translation._] FRANKFURT AM MAIN, _April 30, 1865_. DEAREST FRIEND,--As your last friendly lines of 14th March did not bring your address, I grasp the opportunity offered me by Mr. Tobie André to express to you my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. I remember that you often spoke to me of this mother with true filial affection, and I have secretly blessed you for it; I know now also that you will treasure her memory!--Always, your truly devoted, STEINLE. FOOTNOTES: [26] See Appendix, "Lord Leighton's Sketches." [27] See page 59, vol. ii., poem, Leighton's "Francesca di Rimini," by R.A. [28] Head painted on the wall of the Vestry of Highnam Church--since destroyed. [29] "Eucharis." [30] Sir Hubert Parry writes: "I remember Leighton made a practical test of my father's medium by painting a fine dashing sketch of a head on the wall of the Vestry at Highnam Church. I used to admire it greatly. Unfortunately that Vestry was pulled down; and though efforts were made to preserve the sketch by cutting a great piece of plaster out of the wall, I understand that during the many years when I was hardly ever at Highnam, the plaster crumbled and collapsed." See letter to Steinle. [31] Photographs of the Lyndhurst fresco. [32] The ground on which Leighton built his house, 2 Holland Park Road, now preserved for the public. [33] "Girl feeding Peacocks" (see sketches in Leighton House Collection). Leighton painted a small and exquisite water-colour on ivory of the picture, which was sold at Christie's after his death. [34] "Eucharis." [35] See List of Illustrations: reproduction from sketch in Leighton House. Mr. Frith, R.A., wrote the following respecting the rejection of "Salome":-- 10 PEMBRIDGE VILLAS, BAYSWATER, W., _April 29, 1863_.