From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 1 September [1886]

My dear George

I had not m. hopes of finding you & Maud still here' but I c^d not help feeling a little flat at your being gone— Dicky did what he c^d to make us welcome, & it was nice to have a sight of Gwen, looking wiser than ever; but very solemn as yet— I shall certainly not consent to her being carried off before your return— (The photos are charming; but perplexing as in some Gwen comes out best & in others Maud)   W^m returned from his harassing journey at 9– on Sunday night, the last contretemps having been a fog $\frac{1}{2}$ way between Flushing & Q—boro' wh. delayed them 4 hrs & so prevented his reaching B–mouth that night. He left the Coffin at S–ampton Station & came up home a good deal exhausted but q. well—& was off again to B.mouth at 6 next mg. He c^d hardly bear to talk about poor Mrs L's state at first— C. L's illness had been terribly distressing to her as he positively refused to obey the D^rs both as to taking stimulants & following their directions, & they think that he took away his only chance of recovery— W^m saw him on the Thursday mg. looking very death like but not uncomf–- & wanting W^m to see Frankfort, & being pleased at some favorable symptom.

He was called in again about 3. when C. L. was sinking so gradually that they hardly knew when his death took place. I am so sorry his renewal of a happy life was so short, only 3 y^rs. I send you W^m's letter wh please return.

I was very glad you had 3 such charming days here, & that you made the most of them. (Clem. & Arthur went to Basset yesterday for the funeral today).

Hen. & R. were at Bayreuth for the Wagner Op. R. not well w. no appetite & the local D^r & M^rs Anderson strongly recommended Carlsbad— It has answered capitally & Bessy sends Hen's last letter. Thank Maud for her pleasant additions. I have had a visit from Gwen in my bed— She will soon be quite tame.

I had not seen the good news about Leo–

yours E. D–

Maud will do me a very good turn in telling me how you get on in your address & speeches—

I suppose Maud made us cheerful with flowers—

W^m kindly gives you (& himself) £120—w. he hpes will take the sting out of that unpleasant £ 60.