From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [10 June 1885]

My dear William

Bessie arrived (w. M^rs Fraser) about 7– & came at once to give us her news— No doubt you got to the speech of Sir I. Sulivan & Capt Mellersh. M. Shaen observed among the Trustees of the B. Mus. an old man so deeply affected— was it Sulivan I wonder— I was disappointed not to go, but feeling it quite impossible to get to London on the Monday (I don't know why I was so done up) settled it for me— also I did not feel sure enough of Hen's going on quite well to make me like the risk of being knocked up for some days She is going on well; but has not lost all trace of feverishness— I hope she will be able to get up to the sofa today— I believe M^r Carver thinks this is a sort of remnant of her attack at Oxford— She is very much pulled down— I have had a few warm lines from Mrs Ruck—delighted with the statue. Also a nice letter from Leo— telling me all his impression— that of dignity & repose— & saying very truly that my first view of it will be more suitable quietly alone, than in a crowd— You & he managed so pleasantly for the Down servants. Bessy thought they were very much pleased—

I am staying at the Orchard & I went across yesterday evg– to see M^rs Fraser— I always like her so much; & note the less for her having adopted you into her list of perfections nearly as completely as she has done in Leo's case—

Sara has been started 4 days wh. is nice to think of—

Yours my dear W^m— | E D.