From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [27 February 1881?]

My dear William

We are going home on Tuesday— I am delighted with this house, it is so airy & so light, & coming from Queen Anne St the atmosphere is quite different. Yesterday they had quite a brilliant tea party. Mr Simon, who asked m. about Sara, & told about your name being up at the Ath. when there was no doubt of your success. The F. Galtons, Romanes & Mrs—George Allen & Nanny—Mabel—also Uncle Hensleigh & Arthur. Hen. is a good hostess & things went well—also the Flowers. My 2 Queen Anne visits were not cheerful— At Fanny not in good spirits & U. Hensleigh in his study, living his separate life among the spirits, & with nobody to sympathize with him— He came upstairs to sit w. Fanny & was cheerful & pleasant & Ernest was very pleasant—

Poor Ellen was in one of her bad bouts, with her heart & could bear very little talking; She however liked me being there & I read to her as much as she c^d stand. Minnie & Mr Bridgeman were to come the day I left.

Last night the poor girls next door came, & it was almost more pathetic seeing them so cheerful. They spoke often of their mother, & so did Hen. as she seemed sure they liked it. They are to come in tomorrow ev. to play some thing with me.

I think Hen. will be a pleasure to them, she is so sympathetic w. the young. Miss Lushington is still w. them; but a lady is going to take her place, who will not find it an easy situation I fear— The R. Ritchies are coming today— Stimulated by Leo's example, Bessy has been Banting for 3 weeks & will continue it. You gave me some information before about it but I have forgotten some particulars, so I put down some queries on the opposite page to save you trouble. She is going a long pilgrimage to see Miss Schau today, wh. she always enjoys—

I am impatient to be at home again. I was grieved to hear of Mrs Richards happiness being so soon over. The Longfellows came up to see the unveiling of the bust— I am glad it has been done—

The beginning in Egypt is good—but I feel very anxious

yours my dear | E. D—

This scrap of George may be burnt