From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [19 February 1862]

My dear William

I have written to M^r Woodhouse but I think it very doubtful if he can give you an appointment so soon. I suppose on a Saturday w^d suit you best in case he can't see you next Sat. It seems a very bally neighbourhood & I hope your waltzing prospers. Horace has had 3 pretty good days. He is quite merry & cheerful between whiles   His carpentering tools are his great resource.

Now for points of eqtiquette you need not give any dinners to family people indeed it w^d be out of the question. You can invite M^r Sanders by himself without the least incivility to the sisters. I think you might mention him again to M^r Atherley which does not at all involve M^rs A. calling on them. Papa is in bed today after an unusually good 3 weeks in which small doses of quinine seem to have done him good. Yesterday Aunt Eliz. Hen. & I went to lunch with the Hawks who are staying at the Queens Hotel Sydenham. We found only M^rs & Mary. They were very nice & Mary very open & happy about Godfrey & his letters & her ring & every thing. He was coming up the next day & they are going to Barl. on Saturday. There is something very nice about her. Hen. goes on Monday to Sudbrook for a few days.

Goodbye my dear old man.