From G. H. Darwin to Emma Darwin 3 March 1873

Dear Mother,

The Langtons turned up yesterday to my great surprise after a 26 hr. journey from Paris from wh. the happy people did not seem at all tired. They had a very prosperous journey; Edm. seems pretty well & tho' of course he seems very thin I am glad not see him looking so hectic.

I am very glad they are come as it will be so m. more amusing—I don't cotton to Miss G. but then she never seems to speak. I sat next old Sophie at dinner & she fired minute guns at me of watery remarks but I cdn't talk to her. I shall try & draw Lucy but I'm always finding myself becoming so horribly didactic with her & catch myself lecturing inst^d. of talking on someth^g. scientific. Lena is v. jolly & is the most unmaternly mother of a family I ever saw.

Yesterday I went & called on M. Dollfus who has returned from Algiers— he seems a nice old gentleman & we walkted French so perhaps it is as well H.

I'm v. glad you're going to London I hope it will be a success for F. & you— tho' I suppose you'll have to pay Y^r. usual tribute alas! The Myers came last night but go on today.