From Emma Darwin to R. B. Litchfield [4 September 1872]

My dear Richard

It was very nice of you to write to me. Although, we Wedgwoods are so bad about anniversaries I sh^d have thought of the 31^st even if Elinor's marriage had not put me in mind of it.

I think it must have been second sight that made you two know so well how you w^d suit. It c^d not have been knowing each other in the common acception. There are so many sad things to think of that I so often feel, well there are 2 belonging to me whose happenings it is a comfort to think of. I never took the low view of H's health that you & she did in the winter, but I did not hope that she w^d so soon be able to do & enjoy much. I have no doubt she will lose this miraculous degree of strength when she comes home. I am rather afraid of her being out so long in the rain–length of time makes a g^t difference. We have soaking rain again today—

M^r Chauncey Wright is coming today & I am sorry Geo. is away. I am glad you are reading Plato, as you will be able to tell me whether I c^d endure any of it; as I have always had some curiosity to know something about the ancients.

yours affectly | my dear Richard | E. Darwin