From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 26 September 1892

My dear George

I have just been reading your letter of the 15^th & Maud's of the 14^th It is v. disappointing that you have been so long unwell. I think the prescrip. given me by Dolby w^d suit you, a v. little Vaseline rubbed in w. a camel's hair brush— I have the same effect in an easier way (by D^r C's advice) a few drops of Almond oil poured in once a week— It is perfectly limpid

We are expecting the dear little bodies this ev^g— Hen. heard from Gwen & she explained that the round os meant loves, & the crosses kisses—

Hen will enjoy having them as m. as I shall—

I am glad you had such a pleasant visit to M^rs Crofts & in such a lovely country—

Also within reach of such a good D^r for your ear—

Bessy is in Cornwall but I ventured to open Maud's letter & enjoyed its pleasant account of Emma's birthday.

Lily Norton sailed last week, & I trust she will escape all annoyance— The doings at Fish. J. have made such a noise that they are sure not to be repeated— I have been v. comf. in Bessy's absence w. Caroline W. & also later with the Litches from Kreuznach— Hen. nice & well— M^r Juke is dead & R. is gone to Cheltenham—to pay about £700 of debts with about £300—- He did not suffer at last his death is an enormous relief—

I have had 3 visits from Lady Derby—The last to say Goodbye on their departure to Knowsley. She is very much depressed about Lord Derby's health. His complaint is Asthma & I think it must be the state of her spirits that makes her take so low a view. On one of her visits she brought Lord Sackville (of American memory) & v. unceremoniously sent him straight thro' to the garden, to my satisfac. as she never talks easily before a 3^rd person.

There is not a scrap of politics to be had— The Irish say that Morley is treating them just the same as the last Govt. only worse. W. E. G. has been going about Wales twaddling & flattering the Welch as being oppressed tenantry & of course giving them hope

His false facts have brought forth a torrent of contradictions from Welch landlords— I suppose M^rs G. takes care he does not see them. Leonard & Bee are settled for a month at a house at Trent valley station— I see his speeches (at diff^t functions) in the Lich. Mercury— I hope they will come here before very long for a quiet fortnight—

I am sorry that H & Ida have a worry tho' not a serious one, in discovering that both the little girls are not straight. They are to be under Roth (no irons only exercises) for 3 months in London & at Brighton. J. & his wife are cordial in asking to have them— She is promising to be a great acquisition to Ida—

Our lovely weather broke up about a week ago & has been showery w. gleams; but Bessy has had more sun & enjoyed a v. comf. time w. M^lle Gonin, who however is not a good walker, & B. finds Matheson such a good companion enjoying every thing, & minding nothing. They will be home this week. Polly Durling (you remember the little half witted half blind woman always wandering about & peering up w. one eye—has enjoyed a week of ectasy—Anne having done up an old hat of Bessy's & given her a dress— She came into Anne's shop—

"Don't I look beautiful? I hope she won't be too miserable at going back— I will fix a time for another visit.

Sara had many hankerings to go w. Lily & I am afraid she will regret her decision. An American has been looking over Horace's shop & regretting that he has given orders to a London shop for things wh. w^d be better done there. I hope some good may come of his visit.

Edward Clark is well, but is off on a long voyage as a measure of precaution to Australia.

Tell me your ship & day of departure. I hope we shall still be here & that you will come & pick up the children—

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

The Times telegraphed W. E. Gs' article in the Amer. Rev. on Home Rule— I think it was paying him too great a compliment. As his facts are never reliable all he says goes for nothing.