From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [24 September 1865]

My dear Body

Papa had a very good day 3 times to sand walk. I took a little turn with Emily & played to her. Papa sat down stairs several times. Good Emily quite undertook Brodie & read to her & walked with her. About 5 Julia Smith called & M^rs Carter was in the carriage & drove on, but afterwards came into the garden where we were. & I was very glad to get the meeting over, she seemed quite as usual & we talked on indifferent matters. Julia said M^rs Lyell was wanting a daily governess & asked about the Miss Thorleys. Emily is out of the question & Cath. would not be clever enough I think. I called on M^rs Spengle whom I found just going to meet M^r Sp. so it was an excuse to make it very short. They have a wonderful little dog just like the fluffy dogs covered with lamb's skin you buy & it barks just the same too. It is from Constantinople brought by a brother. Then I called on M^rs Richardson & as she went off into one of her interminable mazes I soon came away. Hamilton is ordered to join a Regiment. She supposes to India.

At tea time we found Granny smirking & purring & clawing just as if she had been there every day & this m^g. at breakfast too. I approve of the stair carpet very much— I am afraid you have not such a very nice day today. I forgot that I asked Camilla but I think I shall decline her. As L. H. P. will be with us.