Just as you are gone, it occurs to me that, if in writing to McCracken you mention about the alterations in my picture, it would be better not to call them _alterations_, as that indicates that the work required amendment, but to leave him to suppose them _additions_; also not to say that I have done _much_ to the thing, but merely that _what I have done_ is greatly for the better. I do not mean to make any charge for the additional labour, and therefore to let him suppose that I have done too much for nothing would look like undignified enthusiasm. You will say I am improving when mere diplomacy can make me write all this, so long past bed-time. Good morning. D. G. R. LETTER XVI. TO MADOX BROWN, HAMPSTEAD. “My pupil” must, no doubt, have been Miss Siddal. In the P.S. she figures as “dear G.,” which indicates the pet name “Guggum.” Her drawing from Wordsworth was an illustration of the poem, _We are Seven_. Albany Street. ½ past 9 Saturday evening. [29 January 1853.] My dear Brown, I am quite vexed with myself for having been away after being the originator in to-day’s invitation; but, after painting till nearly five and warming myself afterwards in the full certainty of abundant time, I ended by being completely set at nought by accursed shoe-strings and other domestic demons which turned up to be attended to before I could leave; and, when at last I got the better of them, behold it wanted but a quarter to six o’clock. My intention was to come and dine and get you to accompany me afterwards to the Photographic Exhibition, whither I had promised to take my pupil on this the last evening of the season. Being baffled of coming to dine, I dined at Chatham Place, went to the Photographic Exhibition, and then came on, still hoping to find you, knowing your intrepidity in late walks. This last chance is missed, however, as fate wills it, and I can only repeat how vexed and apologetic I feel about the matter, and hope to see you some other way soon-- Remaining yours ever, D. G. ROSSETTI. P.S.--If you are in London any day, do look in at Chatham Place and see dear G.’s drawings--the one from Wordsworth is very advanced and nearly done. LETTER XVII. TO MADOX BROWN, HAMPSTEAD.