"_P.S._--I bought the work from a Persian at Antioch." To Professor Church Mr. Aitchison wrote after Leighton's death: "I cannot urge the preservation of his home and surroundings, as I built the house, for there are always too many to attribute low motives to everybody, and it would be called personal advertisement; though when one's work is done it becomes almost impersonal, and if it did not, the fact remains the same, that here he (Leighton) lived and drew part of his culture and inspiration from his surroundings. As a mere matter of reverence, how many would come from all parts of the civilised world to see his abode!" [Illustration: PROFESSOR GIOVANNI COSTA Painted at Lerici, October 1878] CHAPTER V LEIGHTON AS PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY 1878-1896 Leighton was at Lerici in the autumn of 1878, visiting his dear old friend Giovanni Costa ("an artist in a hundred--a man in ten thousand," were Leighton's words describing him), when he received a telegram stating that Sir Francis Grant was dead. "The President is dead! Long live the President!" exclaimed Costa. Leighton remained in Italy, sketching landscapes and painting heads--one, the portrait of Costa--till his holiday was over, the end of October. On the 18th of November he was elected President of the Royal Academy. Thirty-five Academicians voted for Leighton, five for Mr. Horsley. Leighton wrote to his younger sister:-- 1878. DEAREST GUSSY,--You perhaps have heard from Lina that I had an overwhelming majority, and that the outer world beyond artistic has warmly received my election, which is of course infinitely gratifying, but fills me with a dread of disappointing everybody. Monday I go to Windsor to be knighted. Yes, I got a first-class gold medal for my statue[58]--at least, it was awarded, and I shall get it some time. I also don't mind telling you in _strict confidence_--because it is not yet a _fait accompli_--that I am, I believe, to have the "ruban" of an Officier de la Légion d'Honneur. I am so glad, dear, your wrists are better--may they keep so. Love to old Joseph (Joseph Joachim) when you see him. Most treasured of all congratulations were doubtless these lines from his beloved master, Steinle:-- _Translation._] FRANKFURT AM MAIN, _December 1, 1878_.