From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [27 September 1877?]

Dearest Hen.

Events are thickening yesterday came a tel. from W^m saying he wd be here about 10 o'clock/so we were sure at any rate that he had not had a positive refusal) I caught him as he came in & he shewed me S S. letter—very simple & true & saying she felt a great deal of dread of leaving her family &c—but implying that otherwise &c—on receipt of this he telegraphed for an interview— She is w. her Uncle in London. She appointed this morning & he is gone up— But he is so full of the disadvantages on her side that he will not make good play— F. had a little interview w. him to express his opinion of her & W^m was m. overcome. I gathered by her letter that W^m's^ had been a very feeling one—

I should feel sure almost that she w^d consent if W^m w^d be more headlong— Horace's comf. little note & yrs this morning posted at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

I had got Mr Smith packed up ready for W^m to take but in the scrimmage it was forgotten— I will send it by rail this p.m—& a note to Mary by post— I am afraid it is doubtful whether she will keep the parcel for it.

Such a nice letter of Uncle H—the autograph he speaks of from At F—said she missed him from his arm chair by her side— He & Snow are keeping guard & T.H.F— Effie & Ida gone their little tour—

Does Horace think of a French master— A fortnights French (a lesson every day) wd be worth having & get on m. more than the same time in German—

Lovely weather—

Mr Mozeley turned unpleasant on the tour w. Mr Nash & had such bad manners to the people Mr N— was m. annoyed—

Oregon seems such a happy place no gentry & no poor—-my best love to R—it is nice his finding the day short I am afraid poor old Pouts does not & has to be more studious than he likes