From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [4 September 1875]

My dearest H.

F. is wonderfully better today after a good night. He had no sickness yesterday w. in old days wd have been the case. We put off the Teesdales & I shall ask them to combine w. the Reeds next week—

F. has recd an immense letter in Russian & wants to get it translated.

Is Ralston in London he mt know of somebody or does R—

I have just been down to poor At E. who had had so bad an account from C.L. that Miss Hall's with a little skipping cheered her a v. little. She does not think of going down, & if she can have a little false hope for a few days, it will be all over I think. I wonder they don't mention Lena however little she has to do in the matter. She was chiefly pleased to find that Ed. cared for her letters. She was pleased w. a cordial invite from Effie to Abinger & tho' she does not feel up to it now, she will do so later on I hope— George was cheered by his visit to Andrew. He has been at his worst, bringing up blood & his stomach feeling q. raw. I shall not now feel uncomf. at his being so far off at Malta, as I feel confident he will not have a dangerous illness.

Dr C. strongly advised a warm climate to him, & I trust he will be well enough to go.

The Q. Rev. on drunkenness is q. horrid, but I hope a little exagg.