From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [5 July 1877]

My dear W^m

Many thanks for the pocket book— F. & I both forgot to wish you Goodbye— He was in such a bustle I don't wonder, but I had not that excuse for my cold heartedness. Our journey was most peaceful & I think Baby was a help to F. by amusing him— He was as good as gold & went to sleep—

We got home by 12.45 & found all well; but Lettington who is very unwell something like he was a year ago; but also with great depression of Spirits & he told Fr. that he felt as if he had committed some dreadful crime—

I am afraid Doctoring will do him little good; I must try to make him eat as he has no sort of appetite.

The garden looks very gay in a rough way w. white Campanulas v. fine & tall larkspurs & yellow linum (above all) you must have some of all these— Hen. hopes to start on Thursday— They had been a row on the river their last lark.

She is amused with the questioning of M^me Salomon the Jewess (who is quite a lady) what wages she gives her maids & how many she has—&c &c—however she was quite ready to tell all her own affairs. We expect M. Rajon today with the picture & a proof sheet of etching, which I expect willl exaggerate the faults of the picture viz. roughness & dismality—

F. enjoys setting to work. I don't & like much better idleness & with nothing of more consequence on my mind than the puppies. I quite miss them.

yours my very dear old man | E. D

Geo comes today

It is quite coldish here today & yesterday  I wonder whether you are m. warmer.