MEN I HAVE PAINTED
*****
Another day is nearly gone, and there are two sketches—a view of the side of the coach, and a more elaborated study than usual of "Vanilla." This horse has a coat like floss silk: another has wavy hair on its legs which resembles without colour the markings on a zebra. To-day was visitors' day, and I had to stop work at half-past two. I did the coach first, and when the stables were in order worked on the horse. The grooms are very attentive, and look after me well. One stands by to keep the horse in order. Captain Nicholas came through the stables to-day, greeting me cheerily as he passed with some foreign person. He said he would take care of me. The old porter at the entrance to the Mews is the father-in-law of the head groom, Slack. The two men are very genial characters. It seems that many years ago Queen Victoria presented a History of the Painters of England to the porter, and he gave it to his son-in-law, who faithfully read it. He knows all about Reynolds and Gainsborough, and goes frequently to the National Gallery to see the masterpieces. This will amuse Clara. To-morrow I shall work in the courtyard, where the creams are to be exercised, from 10 to 11.30; after that the harness will be put on "Crown Prince" for me.
What an amusing paper is the Daily Sketch, that Clara has sent me! How jubilant they all are! I dread Balfour's exit rather than Law's entrance. What a good omen his name bears! George R. Sims is bound to use it as dressing to his "Mustard and Cress." *****
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