From W. E. Darwin to H. E. Darwin 26 May 1868

My dear Hen,

I am at work again. I had to leave yesterday sooner than I expected partly on account of the illness of one head clerk. I was very loath to come away yesterday was such a day; as far as water cure goes I had only 12 days, but I have made out the best system for home practice, and am instructing my man. We were a most plesant party, and the partings yesterday were heartbreaking, I got to like Butler extremely, and as to the little scotch Miss Rodger I was getting so severely smut it was quite time to be off. We went on Friday a charming exhibition to see Witley Court, Lord Dudleys, I never before saw such gorgeousness. Combined with—such perfect taste. The furnishing & decorating was said to have cost £250,000, & every carpet & paper & each piece of furniture was specially designed under L^o. Dudley's eye. The morning room of white & gold is the most beautiful design one could imagine possible. I never before remember going into a room where one had absolute satisfaction with the trace of a feeing that there was something wanting. I had arranged to go on Sunday & Monday with Butler to Hereford Ross & down the Wye to Tintern & Chepstow. So that on Saturday when I found I must retrun, I groaned some. Please send me an autograph of papa for Butler. He says Geo's place made F Galton crow v. much 'cos of his thoery.

I hope to write to papa in a day or two on business.

I hope you are going on picking up.

Lucretius I have found him.

Have you ever read Emily Bronte's poems to be found at end of "Professor". I saw one quoted in Saturday that I liked; there seems a stern power about her; & I intend looking at them.

I envy your concerts bitterly.

Your affect brother. | W.E. Darwin