From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 21 July [1882]

My dear George

Certainly a very strict diet did your father good quite late in the day when we thought D^r C. had noting more to propose. It is very wearing having so much work on your hands & being able to do so little. I think you ought to resolve not to do too much at once. I have my thumb so often aching & tired w. writing that I want to try in earnest to write w. my left hand, but it is v. tremulous.

Leo' notes from Oxford sound happy (you will have had one from Bessy) & B. expresses herself prettily to me as to her happy lot. Leo says he has begun to do a little work; but they have done little else but talk. We have actually had 3 fine days & they hay well got in all about.

Sara is gone up to Bry S^t for a day's shopping & has taken Bernard to Hen. to go w. her to the Academy (forsooth) & to have his hair cut. (I sent y^r note & the money to [illeg] They sail on the 24^th

Leo & B. will be here Aug 18 or so & w go to Basset Aug 5 for nearly a fortnight. You will be able to give Leo the meeting I hope.

You are not just to the Dean he says he sh^d prefer the text but will not press it.

Yours my dear G. | E D.

Sara is very feeble I am sorry to say. I am afraid W^m's happiness is greatly spoilt by anxiety