A Proposal
Atlas, mon bon, méfiez-vous de vos gens! Your art gentleman says that Mr. Whistler exhibits twelve etchings, The World, Dec. 29, 1880. “slight in execution and unimportant in size.” Now the private assassin you keep, for us, need not be hampered by mere connoisseurship in the perpetration of his duty—therefore, passe, for the execution—but he should not compromise his master’s reputation for brilliancy, and print things that he who runs may scoff at.
Seriously, then, my Atlas, an etching does not depend, for its importance, upon its size. “I am not arguing with you—I am telling you.” As well speak of one of your own charming mots as unimportant in length!
Look to it, Atlas. Be severe with your man. Tell him his “job” should be “neatly done.” I could cut my own throat better; and if need be, in case of his dismissal, I offer my services.
Meanwhile, yours joyously, Butterfly