From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [26 January 1868]

My dearest Body

We had a pleasant interlude yesterday in the appearance of L & H from school. They flied to Kerston M & then came on foot. George's success made a trememdous stir at Clapham. Wrigley had never been seen in such a state. He gave the fact out from the platform as if he was going to cry & gave a half holiday & sent them all to the C. P. Lenny however staid at home at his work. Spitta got into Woolwich at the same time which cased immense surprize. They say there never was so easy an exam for Woolwich. Spitta had been 30^th at Sandhurst & was 48^th at Woolwich. When the boys heard about G. in the 1^st class room they had a regular saturnalia & played at football for some time to the great danger of the windows & pictures. Louisa was very comfortable over her gown & we went down to buy a lining which will make it look much better. Lizzy set out a ride on Tommy with Mark on Peggy. She appeared again immediately rather agitated having heard a tremendous splutter behind her just at M^r Allen's & looking behind saw Peggy & Mark rolling over the side of the road. They both got up a little the worse Peggy having cut her eye & knee & Mark only his hands. It appears a cow looked out suddenly & Peggy started & tumbled at the same time & c^d not recover herself. Lizzy had spirit to take a little ride by herself as far as Holwood Park & then up Luxted, & I really think she may take such short rides as that by herself on Tommy. She sits very well if she c^d but manage her hands. They don't thik Peggy seriously damaged.

Then the new table came & is very lovely, but I forsee that the scratches on it will embitter my life. I shall leave Frank to tell you all the Cambridge news which was very juicy. Only think of G. lying in bed till the awful hour was over & then all his friends rushed in to his little bed room to congrat. Smith was quite as great a novelty to G. as to all of us. They say the Pall Mall was certainly written before hand. Poor Settenham is 16^th & a good deal disappointed.

Tell me how you are.

My dear Body. | Yesterday mg was quite pleasant— | yours E. D.

The boys go back this evg. They luckily thought George was to be here which was the reason they gave to Wrigley. But I think he w^d have given leave at all events.

yours my dear | E. D.

We have a good account in the Star which we will send you & you must send it to Brodie