From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [26 November 1881]

My dear George

We are expecting Fr & B. today at luncheon time & very jolly it will be to see his round face at his dinner again. I hope B. will behave prettily to little Joseph who is coming next Sat—as he has had good practice with little Dotty Ruck—who kisses him continually & he mildly says "Oh I say Dotty, this is too much kissing."

Frank seems to have lain fallow in a most wholesome way, as he is reported never to have opened a book while away. I am afraid Bot. Phys. will come very flat after Salmon fishing.

I have actually read D^r Balls lecture in Nature & understood it in a fashion. F. came in quite delighted w. his appreciation of you & D^r Ball he thinks is a great authority.

I am very glad the days are not getting longer any faster— I find them just about long enough & F. finds them rather too long for his strength. I don't know whether you had thought of coming on the Dec 3 but owing to mis-calculation we have not a scrap of a bed for you. Harry Allen M^r Graham & the Baron Leo's friend are coming besides the Hookers & child & nurse wh. fill every cranny— Oh & the Williams— It w^d be nice if you c^d come on the Thursday when Sara comes & W^m late on Friday—

yours dear G | E. D I hope you were tol. well at Glasgow to enjoy Sir W. & Lady Thomson