From Emma Darwin to W. D. Darwin [c. February 1857]

My dear William

Your letter sounds very comfortable & prosperous only I can't think what you will do about slippers  you must consult M^rs W. I want to know the names of the pupils & whether one of them is an old acquaintance

I have not got the cardboard yet  I will send you the photographs when I have done them.

Uncle Harry came yesterday by Bus. I guess he goes on Monday. Lenny is much better & has hardly touched the sofa these 3 days. I am afraid you won't have any skating this winter.

Papa & Etty got so desperate I have allowed them to read aloud Mrs Marsh's Emilia Wyndham which I expect will be rather too harrowing to yr Daddy.

Horace is absorbed in working a little cottage on perforated card with a silver fir tree at the side. I must get Parslow to take Franky a ride. Georgy's 1^st letter was not interesting chiefly about his things being put by. I think we shall stick to whist pretty often. I don't know whether Effie will be flattered at your comparing her to a regular stunner when she is grown up & sobered down. Goodbye my dear old man. Every one (but the stair carpet which you nearly wear out in a month) is very sorry to lose you.

yours affectly my dear old man. | E. D.