From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [13 December 1886]

My dear William

I should much like to see M^r Lowell's & Pres. Cleveland's speeches that you liked so much— Will you bring the Nation w. you or send it, whichever is the least trouble—

I am very angry w. all the Gladstonians, especially J. Morley, for not speaking out on the question of the plan of campaign about rents— Lord Spencer too, it is most extraordinary that all feelings in favour of honesty sh^d be so warped by politics.

Bessy went to Leeds (the Wicksteeds) on Sat. & the Litches came to me— Today I go across to Wychfield.

I shall be glad to get acquainted w. the baby, which one can only do by being in the house—

Poor little Pauline goes to her situation today— It is such an easy one (w. M^rs Wolrych Whitmore) that I hope she may be equal to it— 3 children & no house work whatever—

Bernard is getting through his exam— very prosperously as he thinks. Frank has nearly decided on sending him to school (preparatory) next winter. He has not much companionship with the boys at the High School but as they are mostly the sons of Shopkeepers, it is perhaps as well he sh^d be w. his own rank of life. He is very much pleased & flattered by Gwen's adoration of him, wh. is very amusing & curious, as she does not often see him; but she thinks him even more charming that Dicky— I hope the "Pigamy" will take to him as much— I am thinking of instituting M^rs Jackson as Deputy Reader while Bessy is away; but I am afraid she is too nervous—

My best love to Sara. | yours my dear William | E. D–

Sam. Fraser seems to succeed in the Limerick Railway

He is soon coming to Leinard's