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Nov. 19, 1900

My dear mother,

The houses in this country are not warm in cold weather. Fire seems a luxury here, not a necessity. An open grate such as I have got, makes the coal-dealers pocket stouter, but the room no warmer. All the heat goes up the flue, and I am left to shiver. When fully decided where I shall settle I intend to try an oil-stove.

This afternoon I saw a splendid exhibition of pictures. Next Monday I have an appointment to meet Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema.

Wednesday - made a sketch today of "The Old Curiosity Shop" and became friends with an old lady who keeps a shop (about as large as our storm door) in which tea is sold. I bought a cup of tea and then used her shop as a studio. She told me it was a pity to waste such talent as I had, on such things as paintings. "A man what draws likenesses like them oughter work for Punch." Perhaps she's right. Any how we'll think it over. Tomorrow I work again at the Van Dyke. Shall finish it Friday. It has rich fine color, very luminous Next Thursday I shall meet the Raphael face to face and hope to be finished with that in four