From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 17 February [1884]

My dear George

I was rejoiced to get your prosperous letter from Naples (to Bessy) I hope you will meet y^r friends at Castel a mare it makes things so m. more cheerful— I hope D'Estournelles will come into these parts some time as he is especially charming— I am going on a tour of visits on Monday beginning with Laura—

Th weather is sharp & seasonable & it certainly suits me better than the delightful weather of a few days ago— Providence seems to have interfered to send me a dog—

Some days ago a dying dog (apparently) was found in the plantation by the road— He was taken in & w^d not eat for 2 days & then recovered, & is now careering about so happy. He is also pretty with a sweet countenance, Bernard likes him— We have advertized him but I hope the owner won't turn up—

Bernard was at a delightful party at the J. W's yesterday charades (Fanny Seeley a brigand in a mask) & their parts all written down for them. I send by this post a letter from Japan— I have kept the envelope as the stamps are curious— It is from a Mr Milne. The Horaces return home tomorrow—

He is still very uncomf. & can hardly manage to do any thing at the shop I wish they w^d go away & leave the children w. me.

Bessy had a plesant dinner at the Protheros (all but sitting by Prof. Seeley which she finds very intol)   Mr Robertson Smith was the other side & enquired after "the Professor".

Yours my dear George | E. Darwin

You hardly know Rome at all— go to an accredited Hotel there (as some have a better reputation than others about fever | yours