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 homeward bound like myself—on the boat. One of them, James Shepherd,2 took an interest in my sketches. He entered into conversation with me, and when I expressed a strong desire to adopt Art as a means of obtaining a livelihood, he encouraged me in the idea, and assured me, that if I ever went to London with that intention he would give me all the assistance he could. I noted the address which he gave me, and promised to make use of it as soon as circumstances allowed.

A year afterwards I finally resolved to take my chance as an artist, and to follow Art altogether. Accordingly, I gave up my situation in the bank, and soon made my way once more to London, when I entered myself as a student at a nursery for beginners, known as "Heatherley's."3 Here quite a new life opened to me, and here I found quite a fresh and more congenial set of companions. One of them was the late William Gorman Wills4—he had not then written his Charles I.,5 which was to place him in the first rank as a dramatist—with whom I formed a close friendship which lasted until his death.

As yet I had earned nothing, and as my funds were beginning to run low, I bethought me of my Rhine friend's promise of assistance. I resolved to call upon him and acquaint him with my position, which I did without further loss of time. He received me very cordially, and before I left gave me an introduction to Charles Augustus Howell,6 an intimate, so my friend informed