Page:Life of Octavia Hill as told in her letters.djvu/152

 strongly about anything as to prevent my working and both times I think you would admit that I had sufficient cause. So neither feelings nor excitement do anyone very much harm.

Most sincere thanks for your letter. You won't forget the out-of-the-way ways that I can help you. I will be sure not to overwork myself; and it would be a great pleasure to me to help you more.

I am, Yours affectionately,

103, Milton Street, Dorset Square, March 6th, 1859.

&hellip; Ruskin has written me such a kind letter telling me to take as long a holiday as I like. &hellip; I am to do "such a difficult thing from Turner" at South Kensington soon. I was much puzzled, knowing that would prevent my beginning work till ten o'clock any day; so after much thought I meant to give up the College. I mentioned it to Miss Sterling, who seemed quite dismayed, said I must know they could not possibly supply my place; it was impossible; the whole flourishing or decay of the classes depended on whom they had in my place; my value could not be calculated in £. s. d., or in any number of mechanical performances. So after calculating that I could get at the worst thirty or thirty-three hours' work weekly, I resolved to remain. I had no idea Miss Sterling cared so much about it. &hellip; To-morrow we have a grand tea-meeting at the Young Women's; Lord Shaftesbury will be there. &hellip; I draw at the College