H. C. Frick, Esq., 29/5/12. 2.

Dr. De Wild has arrived and was very glad to hear that you were pleased with his work on the Rembrandt and the Holbein. He has seen and studied the Feversham Rembrandt, and although he says the blue would be more brilliant in the coat if the picture were cleaned and varnished, he thinks it possible a mistake not to leave it just as it is, as it would be impossible to remove the varnish on the one part of the picture without removing it from the whole, and he hesitates to disturb the beautiful tone of the hands and the other white part of the picture. I have also shewn [sic.] it to De Groot, and it has been universally admired. I have not taken up the question of profit with Agnew or Scott & Fowles, as I thought it unnecessary to discuss that point until I was certain you were interested. Also, Scott has only sailed from New York to-day and will arrive about the time you get this letter. I wish, therefore, if you want the picture, you would cable me "Interested", and I will take the question of price up with them. On the other hand, if you feel you are sufficiently represented by this period of Rembrandt, please cable me "Not interested". The picture is not 1659, as stated in the catalogue, but is distinctly signed 1658, the same year as your Ilchester Rembrandt. Please tell Mrs. Frick that we could not find any trace of her cushion at Claridge's Hotel, but imagine that it turned up with the balance of her luggage on the boat. I hope she arrived safely and that the little Pomeranian survived the trip.