From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [10 July 1879]

My dear William

I must let you know how things are going on. The ""stern [parient]"" wrote to ask Horace to dine w. him at Kensington or any where on Tuesday, & he went—a good deal nervous; but nothing c^d be more cordial & pleasant than T.H.F. & he made himself so very agreeable to H—that I am sure the liking must have been mutual— They talked chiefly about H's work & F. had primed him to be as boastful as he could. H. joined T.H at the office & said that T.H. seemed quite as m. alarmed as he was himself; but after some talk of the beaut. view &c they walked off to Kensington & got q. at ease—

He has engaged H. to go w. him to York on Monday night to look at brakes & I have no doubt they will get more to know each other—.

After all this it will be too absurd if there is any restriction of intercourse.

I had a v. charming & playful note fr. Ida; which I cannot send you as I duly gave it to H. & have not asked for it again—

She almost fainted at the Fr play the other night which might have a good effect—

Bessy & Mrs A. have been v. prosperous— They have had no absolutely rainy days & only one or two dull ones. They think Zermatt the most beaut place they have seen & were just going up to the Riffel; but doubted whether it w^d not be too cold— They are now turning their face homewards— The little boys are perfectly good & happy; but the youngest is a goose & spoils B's manners by causing him constantly to snub him, w. poor Rob^t takes w. perfect temper.

We are expecting Lady Derby—

So Good bye my dear— | E . D—

I think Sara may certainly write to Ida in a short time—