From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [12 September 1874]

Just got your letter of the 8th & glad u have fixed for the Lakes—You will find one better at Lugano & 2 besides this at Comeo. I do trust you will be better soon. We have had a provoking vexation. When Frank took the jewels out of the strong box Bessy's necklace & gold brooch were missing.

We were quite certain we had observed the necklace when they were put away, and George described the brooch. However that must have been second sight as he c^d never have seen it. F. & A went to Q. A. [symbol for yesterday] & found the necklace w. some silver there, so now I feel sure the brooch will turn up.

2 things missing made it so v. disagreeable tho' their being stolen seemed physically imposs. They had pouring rain [symbol for yesterday] for their shopping & return today. G. went up w. Eras. to dine at Q. A. & go on at 9 P.M. & he w^d have a v. warm night. I will write tomorrow to B. It is v. depressing my poor body to be sick in foreign parts when one wants so partic. to be well.