Both Were Nervous. When the Corporation of Liverpool declined

Otago Witness, Issue 2203, 21 May 1896, Page 52

Both Were Nervous. When the Corporation of Liverpool declined

the purchase of the late Lord Leightoa's masterpiece —" The Captive Andromache "—" — i which is the property of the rival city of Manchester, a well-known local alderman went twice to the paiuter's house to inform him of the rejection, but on both occasions grew so nervous that he turned back before ringing the dcor bell. Some time afterwards the President of the Royal Academy remarked to Sir William Forwood: " I can assure you, my dear sir, it did not trouble me, but I did feel., much distressed on learning that Mr came twice to my house to explain what had taken place, but his courage failed him, and he went away without ringing the bell." In sharp contrast with the late Lord Leighton's nervous caller was Thomas Carlyle. One day a gentleman, drawn by hero-worship, journeyed to Chelsea, and stood nervously on the great writer's doorstep. He managed to ring the bell. To his surprise Carlyle opened the door. Overcome by uecvousaess, the visitor stammered out: " Is Mr Carlyle at home ? " "No!" shouted the Sage of Chelsea, and forthwith slammed the door in his visitor's face.