THE MORALITY OF " EXPERTISING."
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR"] SIR,—As germane to the subject of " X.'s " letter (Spectator, November 17th), I might tell you that I recollect an occasion in 1867 when the late Mr. Ruskin evidently felt himself called upon by the voice of conscience to " give something in return " to the vendor of certain pencil-drawings by S. Prout that the vendor had not asked him for. The " price " of the drawings was stated as either 280, or guineas (I forget now which) ; Mr. Ruskin took them home in his brougham that he might see them there, at leisure, by daylight. I was staying with him at the time, and found him early next morning on his knees before the drawings, ranged on chair-seats, at Denmark Hill, carefully and critically examining the treasures. He at once told me he was exceedingly pleased to have the chance
of getting these Prouts ; but added :—" However, I cannot take them at the price that Mr. — has offered them to me for ; because I know they are worth more ; and I believe myself to be a judge on that subject. If I take them, which I think of doing, I shall give £100 (P or guineas) for them." I said : " Really? But as Prout is dead, and he, the creator of the drawings, would be the one who should get the full reward for them, is it any use now stirring that matter,—doubtless Mr. — has got his profit ? " I well remember the answer : " My dear —, that is not a question for me to go into, and Mr. — must do as he chooses. I know the value of this work, and, if I take it, I am bound in honesty to pay for it ! Mr. —, when informed of the full value, and receiving it, ought to be willing, in the proper degree, to further remunerate those from whom he himself received the drawings ; and so, if it be possible, step by step, let the advantage trickle back ; perhaps even to the widow of the dead worker, if there yet is one. Anyhow, I have my own duty to see to."—I am, Sir, &c.,
YORNTA.
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