From Leonard Darwin to Emma Darwin [4 June 1882?]

Dear Mother

I am down here for a very quiet Sunday. Bee is rather tired and is not up to much; she is now resting, and then we shall go for a very short walk. On Tuesday she goes to Ireland, and will have a real fortnight's rest, coming back 3 weeks before the marriage. I hear a report one of the men going up for the Staff College has resigned, and that another thinks he has no chance against me, but that does not go for much Anyhow I know I shall not do my very best, although I think I shall do well. Horace dined with me at South Kensington last night he had a headache, but otherwise seemed fairly well I thought.

I have been having to settle all about the settlements which are going very smoothly as Major Fraser is acting for his Father. I tell him he is like the cabman who says the he would "rather leave it to you sir" but I think I need not bother my head about this any more now till after the Exam, as it is all right. I had a nice long talk with Horace about several things— houses at Carmbridge amongst the number.

I must do a hard weeks work next-week, and then hope to come to down for a day or two's rest before the Exam.

Your affec son | Leonard Darwin

P.S. I wonder whether Prince Napoleon wrote because thought-it-the right thing,or because he wanted to. Perhaps his Father made him