From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 20 March [1884]

My dear George

I am glad we may have the pleasure of telling without waiting any longer than the 2 days—& as Margaret V. Williams is here, & does not know any one to spread it, we will have the fun of telling her at once— It w^d have been better fun telling At C—who w^d sympathise so heartily, though she w^d not quite approve of a second American d. in–law.

I shewed great want of imagination in reading your letter (to myself)— I was so puzzled why you should have bought a rug, & yet I supposed it was a rug as you mention directly afterwards how very hot it was as if to make it odder—any how there was no dot to the i. We were thinking that the Cambridge folks must really know through the Balfours— Your letters will be specially valued by Parslow & M^rs Evans—

We had a pleasant dinner party the other day—Sidgwicks & Miss Gladstone & Bradshaw— M^r Sidgwick was especially pleasant & bubbling over w. merriment. I had hardly ever seen him before—

I wonder what you do with yourselves—-go to the regular sights, or loaf about the Cascine?

It is pleasant to see how much Bernard enjoys having Ralph Williams here. I hear constant giggling in the dining room below.

The tricycle is a great resource too—& Ralph is great on architecture.

Thank Maude for her dear little affectionate note— I wonder when we shall see her—

yours my dear George | E. Darwin

I began W. Feaver's lessons yesterday