From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 1 February 1883

My dear George

I was v. glad to get y^r 2^nd letter as shewing that you were able to get about a little—   D'Ests. is very nice & friendly— Hen. is going on q. well— They are thinking of moving into lodgings as they do not feel quite easy about poor old No. 4 tumbling about their ears— The builder or contractor of the pulled down house thinks that the party wall will have to be rebuilt, which will come half on the tenants of No 4—who is now a Miss Jeune, poor soul— Horace & Ida went to the Quartette party on Tuesday—& H. fell into talk w. Fawcett (the Concert was at M^rs Anderson's house) He spoke warmly about you & how infinitely you were the right person above Routh for the Prof.

They went home yesterday & had Dubba to tea— I don't believe he will be dismal tho' Frank does not return home till tomorrow, staying up for a Bach concert— I will give Fr yr last letter & message about Reg. D.— as you say a hideous portrait is a misfortune. Bessy writes comf. from Avignon where Mrs Synnot knocked up so they stayed a day longer & B. & Dickson walked about well amused—& w^d go on Wed—to Grasse— A letter is on the way from poor Leo—finding the fiasco more dismal & flat than he expected—Bee however writes that they had recovered their spirits after a v. hearty breakfast— Four bright days till the fatal one—

yours my dear George— How I hope you are getting a bit better in all respects— I like a card tol. often even if there is 0 in it