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By the way, let me say that the custom house documents were entirely correct.  As our Government charges no duty on pictures painted by Americans, there is no reason why the valuation should not always be under rather than over the actual price.  Experience has shown me that when works of art come in under large valuations, delay often occurs because of the appraiser's occasionally feeling the necessity of expert examinations.

I note with interest your remark concerning Mr. R.'s Whistler.  His price, two thousand pounds, net to himself, seems pretty steep, but I think that if matters over here settle down a little more steadily during January, I shall be inclined to ask you to secure the painting for me.  It is one I very much need to help balance my group of Mr. Whistler's paintings.

In writing Mr. Cowan some two weeks ago, I asked him to let me know what other Whistlers he had to offer, and inquired about the "Girl at the Piano".  He replied that the "Girl at the Piano" was no longer his, he having disposed of it some two years ago.  He also said that he would look up, and see what other works by Mr. Whistler he would care to dispose of, and would let me know.  He has already sent me photographs of several, and has promised to let me know about others.  His letter may come at any moment.  The one you mentioned however of "Figures Walking at Chelsea", he has not yet mentioned in his correspondence, but he