From Leonard Darwin to G. H. Darwin 5 March [1882]

Dear George

I have been very hard at work during the last three weeks I have had my last Chemistry class, and that, and doing a little reading for the Staff. College, and finishing up everything in preparation for a months leave has kept my nose pretty well to the grindstone. I am now most comfortably located at 12 S^t James Place, which is rapidly turning into a family hotel. He first said he would let me have the ground floor at £3.3 a week all told; but something, I don't what prevented it  He now lets me have the first floor at £4.4 as a special favor It is rather a lot, but they are so comfortable, and what is £16.16.0 out of £1600. Which will be about my income this year. So much for myself.

Frank went up last night to play at Marlborough House which sound a good deal grander than it was. They appear to have been treated rather like a paid band, playing before all the swells, and no one taking much notice of them. The Princess of W. did talk to the Conductor, and make a sort of bow to them. They had a sort of supper with nothing much to eat. Frank was opposite one of the few plates of sandwiches and took advantage of the Darwin faculty of eating quick. But it is fair to say they had plenty to drink. Frank was not much pleased, but said it was one comfort it was a very bad band. Then Tennis Court is a great success, and we had Miss Lubbock up to play; the brothers are too great swells.

I am going down to the Docks tomorrow to see about steamers for Australia. I suspect I shall sail about the end of August.

"The Post is just going out". All well at home.

Yours ever | L Darwin