From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [11 September 1885]

My dear Sara

I am vexed about William. The only comfort is, as you say, that he had not already set out, & also that this weather is partic. dismal & that it may have taken a turn by next week. I liked the comfortable old brother's visit. & Frank was very glad to have Rose—

She manages to be hopeful & happy in spite of all– & had not seen her father for so long a time that she valued this little sight— He drove to Chislehurst & approved of their cottage & domain, which does seem wonderfully cheap for £40 a year. It has quite roomy garden & lawn.

Frank D. comes tomorrow for a week or so & carries off B. to school— I am intensely interested in the Pall Mall trial, & do not wonder that they did not like to return Eliza to such a horried home & parents—

I suppose the mob enjoy the fun of hunting some one, as they can hardly believe that there were any bad intentions towards the girl— The craziness of sending her to the S. of France is inexplicable. The Litches are at Barlaston w. the Godfreys also. I think she is pretty well & she had enjoyed intensely "Elijah at Hereford—

The Leonard are at Villars but soon moving South—

yours my dear Sara | w. love to the poor sick man | E D–

I feel as if we were moving to the Grove wh. is tiresome.