With regard to the draft, my assent was only general and preliminary (besides being subject to the approval in the details of my solicitor) and bound me to nothing. My surveyor and solicitor have conferred together and with Lady H.'s agent, and though the agreement is not yet signed, the matter is virtually settled. I have several minor clauses altered which had been inserted originally in the general draft to meet cases different from my own. With regard to the title, I was surprised and vexed to hear that it was stipulated that _no title should_ be called for. My lawyer told me that this was frequently the case--that he would go to Doctors' Commons to see the Will to ascertain the truth of the statement that the property was Lady H.'s in fee simple (as it is). Even this he said did not _legally_ exhaust the matter, as there might be encumbrances not alluded to in the Will. He said, however, that many other leases had been granted on that property on precisely the same terms, that the matter turned on the character of the landlord, and that, _en somme_, I ran but little risk. _Since then_ I have seen him, and he tells me that he has fortunately been able to ascertain through a very respectable firm of solicitors, who _have_ seen the titles, that _it is all right_; he has therefore not thought it desirable to put me to the expense of investigating the Will--so far so good. As to the possible expense of the house, my dear Papa, you have taken, I assure you, false alarm. I shall indeed devote more to the architectural part of the building than _you_ would care to do; but in the first place architecture and much _ornament_ are not inseparable, and besides, whatever I do I shall undertake _nothing without an estimate_.
You need never fear that I shall take otherwise than it is meant the advice that your experience and interest in me suggest to you. You will also, I am sure, allow for the difference of feeling between yourself and an artist who lives by his eyes.
A line will find me at Venice, _poste restante_, all September. I am just off.
Best love to Mammy.--From your affectionate son,
I knew neither _Poole_ nor _Jones_. Grant said he thought it probable I should be an R.A. before long.