From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [18 June 1877]

Dearest Hen—

I got both your letters yesterday. I hope you have kept tolerable after your little drawback— I agree that it w^d be interesting to know a Dutch family, & I think you may manage it, esp. if you give yourselves out as [d]. of the great D. Yesterday came a note from Sir Joseph, saying he had pacified the Emp—who he thinks has worn himself out & grown silly— Sir J. remembered afterwards that we were from home.

Leo. came on Sat. p.m. & was brisk eno' to play ever so much lawn tennis. The weather is q. enchanting but it quite does me up by dinner time as our room is v. hot— I tried a little turn in a pretty wood of Mrs Bullar's close by yesterday p.m. but it did not suit & I shall do 0 today but sit about.

The boys are v. happy & hot w. everlasting lawn tennis & quarts of AppolinarisQQQQ water by w. I believe they make themselves less comf— Leo. goes back this p.m. & is thinking of offering himself to L. H. P. next Sat & Sund—as the following Monday he begins work at Dorking on a week's photog.

We are really going to Stone henge tomorrow— I may stop at Salisbury & read my book & see the Cath: but I shall go if I can— I am afraid it will $\frac{1}{2}$ kill F— 2 hours rail & 24 miles drive; but he is bent on going, chiefly for the worms, but also he has always wished to see it. We don't think sleeping at Salisbury w^d help us much as an hours rail on our return w. a carriage to ourselves will not be fatiguing, & the drive is the chief thing w. can't be divided.

I have been wr. to P to say we will have 2 footmen & that he is not to wait— Fr says he is q. of that opinion too, but I am afraid he may be tempted when we have company—

I hardly ever touch Babsey—he won't come to me— He likes sitting on the lawn surrounded by admirers you will not hear tomorrow. I am glad B. takes walks—

yours my | dear | E. D