"A brother-in-law is not a connection calling for sentiment," he once
remarked.

Haden came into a gallery on one occasion and, seeing Whistler, who
was there in company with Justice Day, left abruptly.

"I see! Dropped in for his morning bitters," observed Whistler,
cheerfully.

* * * * *

Once in conversation Whistler said: "Yes, I have many friends, and am
grateful to them; but those whom I most love are my enemies--not in a
Biblical sense, oh, no, but because they keep one always busy, always
up to the mark, either fighting them or proving them idiots."

* * * * *

Whistler was very particular about the spelling of his rather long and
complicated group of names. Careless people made the "Mc" "Mac," and
others left the extra "l" off "McNeill." To one of the latter
offenders he wrote:

"McNeill, by the way, should have two l's.' I use them both, and in
the midst of things cannot well do without them!"

* * * * *

When Tom Taylor, the critic, died, a friend asked Whistler why he
looked so glum.