From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin 29 November [1878]

My dear Mother

It was very good of you to remember our 29^th of Nov^r. It has indeed been a happy year for me; no one who has not tried it can tell what going back home after one's days work means now compared to what it did.

I think Sara is better for her visit to the U. S. It has satisfied her craving for the time for a sight of her own people, which was weighing on her & making her anxious before we started; directly we were fairly off she began to mend. Of course her Basset life appears lonely now after the contrast, but I think she is more used to it.

She has been a little used up just now, as on Thursday we drove over to lunch with the Atherley's and back, this was very tiring, but she enjoyed it and gets on very well with M^r A. We felt it right to offer to go as they have so often asked us & she has just lost her Mother.

On Friday we had to go thro a 16 dinner party at the [Hankinson's] this was severe work.

On Saturday M^r Richards came down which gave S. a good deal of pumping to do. He is an insignificant little man, and very dry, but I found him decidedly interesting to talk with, and heard a great deal about California & American Railways on which he is learned. S. says he is very fond of A. Ashburner & he seems a kind thoughtful man. He went off this morning and I think liked his visit— the poor man has to go home now shortly, & hopes to return in January to be married— M^rs A. is much better we heard though hardly out of bed.

Christmas will soon be here & it will be very nice coming home, I shall only get a day or two & I am glad S. means to stay after me, especially as I have to be much at Bank at the end & beginning of the year.

I have been very busy since my return & so have not found time to write.

I am very glad your London visit was so good, though it is an odd form of resting for Father.

It was kind of the Dean asking us to dinner, it gives us an excuse to call & see him.

It is 11.15 & bedtime; the weather has gone cold & raw with N. E. wind.

Goodnight, dear Mother, S. if here would send her love to all

Your affect son | W. E. D.

I want to hear about Leo.