From Emma Darwin to Maud Darwin [8 September 1886]

My dear Maud

We go on most comf. I have Gwen every mg before I get up & she is v. comf. examining the bell ropes & my watch &c & this mg. eating a tiny morsel of sponge biscuit wh. made her talk & grumble with deep approval—

Helen thought she was getting tired of her rusks tho' still very fond of the food— Her last accomplishment has been squealing vehemently at the lawn tennis court to make an echo—

We have had the Harrisons for 2 days & Arthur W. who, being nearly blind, enjoys the country more than most people & took no less than 4 walks yesterday, one of them being to Knockholt beeches w. James Harrison—

Lucy talked more than usual & I like her even when dead silent—

I hope you had fine weather for Warwick Castle & Kenilworth no that was unlucky & that Carrie enjoyed the sights. I am afraid the handsome dinners &c have been r tiring for George after his day's work

A letter from Leonard is on its travels. They were located in a small empty house close to the coast of Granada & had a smooth passage— Leo. liked his coadjustor D^r Schuster the best of the set.

Goodbye my dear Maud—yours E. Darwin

Your pleasant letter just come— What a lively time you have had— I am glad you are going to Barlaston & I direct this there—