From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin 12 November [1888]

My dear William

I was v. glad to have your pleasant letter. It is wholesome to hear what can be said for America on the Sackville question. We have only given the Gov^t credit for the lowest truckling to the Irish— It is a g^t pity. Yes I read all the trial, but shortened in the Mg. Post, which picks out the plums.— The poor widows evidence is most affecting — & the Graphic gives a picture of an ugly old peasant in a fashionable bonnet. I am afraid few of the other side read it.

Hen. is certainly better, but v. easily knocked up— I hope she is coming today. I don't wonder Sara was overtired w. 2 sets of visitors. Do you find Ad. Masse a v. melancholy man— Hen. or some of our folks met him abroad & had that impression of him—

Frank has got his readership (I believe) & 100 a year, & m. more work, wh. Ellen says rather oppresses him. F. used to wonder long ago how little work he c^d get thro! I think it is his diffidence & indecision. He is certain to have the appt; but I believe he has it.

M^rs Routh called, quite beaming w. satisfac. at D^r R's honours & glory— I am v. glad as they were so mortified about the Plumian Prof.

We have had a nice visit from Leo & Bee. He talks over his machine by the hour w. Horace— I am afraid it is not going quite right— Horace keeps on at his work, w. frequent headaches, but altogether in a better state. M^r Harris has at last paid his rent after 1$\frac{1}{2}$ years botheration, & is much hurt at my giving him notice to quit. M^r Forrest & M^r Filmer of Luxted are my tenants now—I am reading Snow's book w. m. intent, in spite of passages of fancifulness wh. give me little idea—

The pictures of the Grecian & Roman mind, entirely without what we call humanity are v. curious. I believe you w^d like it— She is an immense reader & must have some of her grandf. Sir I. Mack's memory. I am sure she has given orders to the Spec. not to review it wh. is a pity. It w^d just suit M^r Hutton.

Bessy finds the change to the sociable life here v. pleasant. We are brewing a dinner party of Lyttletons &c—

G. & Mrs L. had a long Home Rule talk— She believes that the present race of blackguards (excuse the word but none other suits) would be at once turned out of Parl^t— I dare say they w^d— but Parnell, Dillon ^c w^d be kept in—

Maud's Aunt Miss Reynolds is gone to Paris, with g^t spirit as she does not speak a word of French— She hopes to be under the wing of some American friends— She is a good simple soul but G. will like to have her away for a bit I hope L. H P will soon be done Sophy feels it deeply on y^r acct— my best love to Sara yr^s E. D.

You have not told us of the visit at the Duttons & Sara's lovely new gown—