From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [3 May 1878]

Dearest H—

Theo duly came on Wed. in great spirits She certainly keeps a house alive— She is always doing something or scheming something e.g. today she is going into Southampton to buy a needle (a crooked one to mend the beaut. screen) & yesterday she & Sara poisoned the house with ribbing in paraffine into the cracks of the oak chest, & screaming whenever a live creature appeared—

Your letter is just come in. No Theo—did not seem tired but v. jolly.

It is most discouraging about Herr F— I certainly think Mabel & her family ought to know; but it will make no difference as they will not believe it— The poor man will grind on for some years finding he makes no progress & has not income enough to marry on; & I am sure Mabel has not affection enough for him to bear that. I am most sorry for him. I wonder whether a man in his position ever has a friend to tell him when he plays out of time. I think it might help him. Yesterday was a charming day—a hot little walk did not suit me, & I shall not try it again.

Today Miss Gordon is coming in the p. m—which will be interesting if she has any thing to tell us.

W^m went in the evg to the Hartley to watch a drawing class of competitors to see [this] did not crib (w. it was q. imposs. they should)—

Jackson went to the play to see old Charles Mathews 75 years old—& said it was nearly as good as the London play— I am r. sorry Theo. & B. did not go—

What a swinging speech that of Bright's must have been to hear. It seems to have carried away the audience. F—quite rejoices that his name is made public—chiefly for his Russian friends to see it. Bright's meeting made me have some hopes that there was some reaction, also the Times seemed a little more on the balance for a swing round.

Bessy thinks her cabinet cost £20—but she must be mistaken Do you remember tell me privately We have had great symposiums on Bessy's gown & with a mixture of 2 have concocted a v. safe pattern to follow—plain but not quite plain

I was so glad to hear from Theo—how m Richard was doing & that he went to the Bach—