From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [after 15 November 1890]

My dear George

Poor things what a time you have had— I got your Thursday's letter & I felt afraid you would break down— It was a mercy Maud held up so well— I trust you have got Helen now, it will feel such a rest— What a good children they are— We have had warmish days since Sat. when the Diceys & Litchfields came— Elinor is perfectly wonderful, & really enjoying life & doing things like any one else— Albert was in great spirits too & rejoicing about her— When she went to D^r Eccles she was unable to take any solid food, which gave her g^t pain— He said she must not mind & she underwent his treatment for 3 weeks, when he was disapp^t at her progress & advised her to leave— Since then she has made steady progress; & the eczema seems quite gone. I heard from W^m that they were expecting you this week at Basset— You will find the roominess a great comfort, among all the other advantages, & I hope you will go.

Do you get the Cam. Review & did you see the account of J. Stephen's speech— It seems to have made a great impression by its firy eloquence— Miss Stephen was calling here when it was mentioned. She looked depressed & did not continue the subject. I suppose she thought the excitement bad for him. There must be great family distress about her father— His break down is attributed to distress about J. Frank reached S^t Moritz before the storm. He finds that Ellen has been more ill than he thought from the influenza & rheumatism; but the D^r assured him that he heart was better in spite of that. She had not been out for 3 weeks— They have settled to have Bernard at Ragatz to which place they move, as she is sure he will not tire her. Frank has sent me a collection of Frances sayings, which horrified Albert Dicey by their cleverness—& they do make one wish that she sh^d be always w. children, & play to keep back her precocity.

Please to send me a card.

Bessy had the good luck to hear Balfour's Irish speech— It was a clear statement of facts & called for hardly any controversy. She was struck by his attitutde of calm contempt—wh. is bad policy. What horros have taken place at New Orleans & the Gov^t seems powerless— How I hope you have got Helen

yours my dear G. & M. | E. D.

The last letter from Japan is come—rather flat & glad to get away—