From Leonard Darwin to Emma Darwin [7 or 28 August 1882]

My dear Mother

Bee has gone off to Wimbledon for a night to see the last of her brother, who sails tomorrow for Egypt. So I am alone, and find time for letter writing. Major Fraser came here on Saturday for about an hour to buy some horses. He was very low— as he thought that Arabi had caved in, and that he should not go. It is of great importance to go as it is about his only chance of getting a step in promotion, without which he is turned out in a few years. Few soldiers here sacrificed themselves so completely to their work as he as done; he has often only taken a week or two's leave in the year on account of his work. And now he finds himself no better off than if he had been completely idle.

On Tuesday we went up to London for Bee to see Gull; he said she was all right, and took his fee; that was about all, but it was another it even for that. I have not myself been able quite to get right; and dont think I shall till the voyage. I am trying a strick Andrew Clarke diet for a bit, but so far it has had no effect on me. We are rather bothered by our friends. Last week we dined at the Max M(u)ller's and had a fairly pleasant evening, only we would both sooner have stayed at home. The ship we were going by "the Orient" has been taken out to Egypt, which is a nuisance. But they are sending a very fine ship in her place and I am only unhappy because I dont so much like the position of our cabin. But it cant be helped. My plans not yet fixed will write directly they are

Your affec son | Leonard Darwin