From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin [25? June 1872]

My Dear Mother

I am glad you got home all comfortably—so I suppose you found the compartment engaged. Breakfast seemed so odd & quiet after you were gone; it will take me some days to settle down to my usual quiet routine. I enjoyed your visit so very much, & it was very wholesome for the whole household.

The afternoon at the [Balthyary's] was delicious; it is just about the most perfect place of its kind in England, a large lawn about 30 feet above the sea exactly facing Cowes, and a charming view up & down the Solent and a long one storied house, with many Yachts anchored temporarily in front, while the owners were on the lawn— We had lawn tennis, which a firstrate Game, & a band and perhaps 60 people— there was also a Roman Cattr: Children school feast on the other side of the house whom the Countess had got tugged up from Southampton in 4 or 5 boats by a small stearn tug belonging to a friend of hers. They [illeg] on the way home in the evening just as I did, and it was a very pretty sight the 4 boats gradually dwindling down to a small pair on the tub, which took a hit at the tail for want of a breeze, and all these dragged by a little puffing steam tug. I hear poor Hankin is now out of his mind & has been sent to his friends, one of his crazes is that he is eternally damned.

I have just come in for one paying 2 calls over the [illeg] ride which were long overdue.

I hope to get off for leave by Sep^t 9^th and go to Plymouth.

I hope Father still keeps up— I send him the [illeg] and sent the keys yesterday

Yours affect^ly | WED