From Emma Darwin to Sara Darwin [27 June 1878]

My dear Sara

It was very nice of you writing such a pleasant full acct of your doings in the middle of your bustle— I am astonished at Mr Balfour's want of caution. I hope it also reflects Lord Salisbury's opinion of Dizzy & that Lord S. will be the chief mover in the Congress–- I know from Lady S. that he has an utterly bad opinion of the Turks, & that is a wholesome element at any rate. I am puzzled who W^m's^ friend Carr is as I never heard of him— I am glad you made him dine out yesterday—

Though you c^d not rival Hen. in strength I hope you were not much knocked up—

We expect Bessy today & Theo. tomorrow, & I expect T. will have had an interesting time w. Mrs Kemble— I am very glad she spares time just to see us & feel it very affectionate of her— Our annals are small & I cannot order little enough dinner for two. Bernard's remarks are our chief events. Yesterday he collected 5 pencils & carried them off; but generously left me one little shabby one when I asked for one. When he went to sleep on M's lap he had his 4 pencils again & nursed them to sleep—

Uncle Harry & the Kempsons are down below. Leo. had brought a telephone but it is rather a disappting creature— They did not bring a long enough wire so that we kept hearing the talking outside the room in the natural way, & I could not hear Leo's voice at all (hardly tho' I c^d Elinor's very well. Aunt Eliz. was m. interested but could not hear v. well—

A call from Albert & Elinor has been our only outside event. Louisa K. is quite cheerful & looks in better health—& I hope in a better state of nerves— Her poor husband's illness in danger of sudden death any minute for years must have worn her out. It was aneurism, & at last when he died he escaped the fearful pain he had had so often in the attacks.

We have solemnly fixed to go on the 14^th Aug. for a week to Barlaston. I have not been there for 14 years & I want to see the whole colony—

I am getting rather thirsty for a sight of you & W^m. but it will not be just yet I fear. Horace must have had a horrid passage on Tuesd. mg. we have had such rain & wind that every thing looks battered— I am glad it held up for you tol. till Tuesday—

yours my dear Sara. George w^d enjoy the success of his luncheon

with love to W— | E . D .

Charley Norman was married on Tuesday to a Miss Mangles of Surrey—a nice woman not too young. There are 6 children & the eldest daughter not promising, as she has had g^t aspirations after managing, so I think the step—mother may have difficulties.