From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [26 September 1866]

My dearest Hen.

It was very nice getting your prosperous letter. You don't mention M^r Lushington. Is he as charming as Lady Cran. implied. We have actually had 2 days without rain, but it rained again last night. I did my call on M^rs Comfort yesterday & found her careworn & sad but quite composed. Por Comfort seems to have died away in a very sudden way. I took the opp. of calling on several dirty drabs in Knock. but they were all out. I never did see such a set the family I mean. I returned home by the Westerham road & passed many fields of oats cut & looking very bad. I called on M^rs Staples (M^r Hingston's convert) & she & her children (especially) certainly look softened & quite different.

There is to be a confirmation in Nov. & I want you to try to remember the sort of exam. M^r S. gave you, & especially how much Cat? Lizzy says she sh^d feel hypocritical to have any thing to do with the Cat. & that as she does not believe in the Trinity or in Baptism she does not feel much heart for it. The per contra is that I think it would give her a zest in searching in the Bible (I remember thinking it was good for you) & though the doctrine w^d most likely slip over her mind without any impression I think the ceremony itself is impressive & simple. Otherwise I have no doubt M^r S. w^d give her the Sacrament without enquiry. Please write soon. She half wishes it herself if she c^d get rid of the Cat. only think of poor dear Aunt Susan wanting to see the boys letters. Lizzy copied George's as it was quite unreadable. I am in hopes Susan owing to the opium & staying in bed will suffer very much less. Please return Eras & Caroline

Yours my dear | E. D.

Papa had a bad night 2 nights ago but is as well as usual again— Lizzy is going a side today.

We laughed at your bed clothes in that N. climate.