From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin [16 January 1887]

My dear Mother,

I send you a bill of Jonn's for doing again the work done so villainously badly by Lewis. I think the £9 may fairly be paid as there was a good deal of work to do, & Arthur Parslow examined it first for me.

I am afraid there is little chance for Leonard if he was to get it I should be sorry that he should throw up his profession so soon.

We had a pleasant visit from the Franks, and I much enjoyed the 2 days golf, thou I could not play as I have had so little practice. I mean to stick to it, as being the best old man's game invented.

We still have a hard frost & skating.

I was much interested by your news as to Lord Iddesleigh though I cannot understand why L^d S. should have been rude to him, and think that must have been some misunderstanding. Bismarks speeches were very interesting, I see the spectator says it is a direct challenge to France to come on.

I think all he says goes to prove what a blunder they make in taking territory from France at all. I do not understand what is a parliamentary army as opposed to an imperial one. Sara is pretty well & I hope the arsenic & iron pills are suiting her.

I hope by this time you are down stairs and have quite got rid of your cough.

It is 11 p.m. so I must go to bed.

I hope to go & see old M^r Rich for a Sunday soon

Your affectionate son | W. E. D.