From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [6 April 1883]

My dear George

You will have met with Leo's letter at Basset. I hope you have this lovely weather. We went yesterday to the Grove & I was m. charmed w. the place. I never saw such a display of primroses any where, especially under each of the beech trees they were like a carpet— I felt very sorry to have to keep out the rabblement from gathering them; but I was glad to find from Bourne that they creep in early & late & he takes no notice. I think it is the nicest suburban place I ever saw, & we shall expect you to come & stay with us for change of air. By the way tell W^m that Sophy will be here on the 14^th but I hope he won't mind unless he can come on the 21^st

Bernard is going out for his 3^rd ride today, & now he goes without a leading rein, & picks up young ladies to be of the party— Bessy called to see M^rs Jackson yesterday & heard a sad account of the poor little twin— They have the greatest difficulty in persuading her to take any food & her life depends on that— M^rs Jackson sits up every other night— She is so open I believe it is a relief to her to talk over her troubles. Frank was at Down to collect books & found poor Sydney Sales looking ghastly— I hope he will not last much longer—

The Litches are coming tomorrow   Mrs Lushington is settling all Hen's paper & paint— I wish we could hire her to do the same for us— We have not succeeded in a drawing room paper— Leonard must have had a harassing time at Singapore; but I agree w. Bee (who must have been a g^t help to him) that he always takes too low a view of his own doings—

My best love to W^m & Sara— | yours my dear George | E. D

I think Carlyle's later letters to Emerson the saddest things I ever read—