From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin 8 March [1884]

My dear William

I do rejoice that you have entered the Ath. in such a pleasant way— We saw Mr Huxley on Sunday at K. Sq. & he had not the smallest doubt of your success— What a warm hearted letter of Sir J. Hooker's—

We came home on Tuesday. I waited in K. sq one day to see Mrs Haliburton. She is very cordial, but I am afraid after we have talked a little of old times we shall find but little to say to each other— I have invited her here however—

The Lushingtons came in on Sunday evg—& we had a charming concert— They have such wonderful good taste & simplicity & no exagg. Kitty the eldest's tone on the violin is so perfectly sweet— They are full of chatter & talk; but one can't judge how they are when not in company— Kitty was affected & cried a little at one time in the music— Poor Vernon much as usual & ready to talk— I think Hen. will be a good deal to the girls—

Ellen Tollet has been very ill since I left her—but Minnie is with her— I think she is recovering. Fr. & Ellen have been for 2 days to K. Sq. & we enjoyed having B. all day with us, & hearing him singing to himself in the dining room early in the mg— He has been entirely absorbed with poor Tony's funeral—helped by Jackson, & they have made a pretty little grave covered w. primroses. He thought it proper at first to be a little sorry; but when he thought of the funeral he c^d not keep up any decorum in the matter

Poor Mrs Jackson has been really in deep grief. Tony took to her in the same exclusive way he did to At Eliz. He had a short & not suffering illness. I have short scraps from G—

He is now at Florence—

I enclose one

My best love to Sara yours E.D—