From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [19–20 April 1870]

Dearest Hen

Many thanks for your nice long letter. I'm glad to think I shall soon see you in the flesh so not much now only to say if you have any time in Paris could you send & ask at the Hotel de France et de Bath of Sarah Ginlet is still among the living & if that is still her address. I have written to her (not for myself) but she is so changeable she may have gone elsewhere. if also you go to my dress maker Mlle. Koll 39 Rue Richelieu, ask her why she has not acknowledged the payment for my dress & sent the bill receipted as I desired ages ago dont go on purpose, but if you do bring word of any nice dress & a little good chocolate w^d be acceptable as a commission. Have you heard anything of M^r Bellenden Ker Aunt Julia says at Cannes. Are you bringing any roots of cyclamen or gladiolus? What a facty letter ever your G.  April 19/70

P.S. I have just opened y^rs to G. by w. I see you do not start on Sat. It came from Cam. Place & Effie gives a good acct of Hope who is eating but she has had a sharp attack of pain they don't say what sort.

April 20 | 1870

I wish George may have this weather as well as you—He starts on Thursday —Polly is getting quite rantipole I am glad to say & takes to worrying fingers & poodling as of old. F. cannot get her to worry him—She thinks him too sacred—yours my dearest| E.D.