Perhaps the most important work inside the Academy which Leighton effected during this time was that of establishing the winter exhibitions of Old Masters at Burlington House. No one exemplified practically better than did Leighton the value of the motto, "What is worth having is worth sharing." He had been fed from early youth from the fountain-heads of Art, and one of his first objects after being elected a member of the Royal Academy was to endeavour to secure the same inspiring stimulus for students which he had himself imbibed from the work of the greatest men. He told me also that his chief object in making conscientious studies in colour when he travelled, was to endeavour to convey to students who were not able to go abroad some idea of the varieties in the aspects of nature found in different countries. Leighton was much appreciated in London society, but the _intimes_ of the old Roman days remained still the nucleus of his friendships; also every year he tried to find himself in his beloved Italy, and he generally succeeded. From his old friend Lady William Russell, mother of Odo Russell (afterwards Lord Ampthill and Leighton's ally in Rome), and Arthur Russell--the notable lady whose charm attracted to her _salon_ all that was most interesting among the magnates of Europe--two notes record her affection for Leighton and the death of Henry Greville in 1872, the severest blow which Leighton had sustained since the death of his mother. I was in hopes of seeing you, to thank you _vivâ voce_ for the _ambrosia_ you sent me from Italy. I did _not_ write during your pictorial tour, not exactly knowing _where_ you might be. It was, _and is_, for I have some still, _excellent_; Paolo Veronese did not eat any better, nor Titian, nor any of your _Brethren in Apollo_. _Guido_ you _are_--the English Guido--but _not_ "da Polenta"; I will _not_ accept that "terre à terre" denomination. I now thank you most gratefully--it was one of the seven works of mercy, for I really could not eat and was _starving_. The Indian cornflour was a _renovation_. If ever you can make up your mind to pay a visit to una povera vealisa--zoppa--sorda--brutta and seccante, and forget "_Aurora_," I shall be charmed. But I know that your time is better employed; so a million of thanks, and as many regrets not to be able to see your _marvels_ of which I hear.--Believe me, most sincerely your obliged Serva and Amica, E.A.R. 2 AUDLEY SQUARE MAYFAIR, W. _Sunday, 26th November 1871_.