From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [30 May 1878]

Dearest H—

I wish you had been here to see B's arrival it was so pretty. He recognized us all at once so as to have a very sweet modest smile & directly F. put his hand in his waistcoat pocket he went & sat on his lap & had the bright spots just as usual. He remembered all about Daisy too.

He wanted to go & see Mrs Evans but w^d not let Parslow carry him so Frank went. He was perfectly fresh & in a rapture with the windmill as he came along; as brown & red as poss. so I don't believe he has worn his hat w. I don't approve of—

Frank was cheerful, but every now & then looked sad. I was very glad to get your card, & on the whole glad you went as it w^d be more comf. for you.

B. went to call on the Akers w. the usual fate (in her new gown which I have improved & her stays too in taking off that angular look)—

I read Fawcett. but Gladstone was too tiresome. I can't help hoping that Parliament's backs may be a little up— The affair in the H. of Lords was utterly useless I shd think but perhaps a solemn protest of Lord Selborne would be a thing to refer to. The weather is horrid today—a cold rain—

Uncle Jos went off quite well— Sophy asked Carry to give them music wh. was a wonderful stroke of energy on her part & C. sang & played a good deal— Eliz. had thought of it but had had delicacy about Sophy, w. I am sure she need not— Carry made her self v. pleasant & Alice & Tony stuck to her all the time— It makes me hope that her fondness for children will make things smooth when she lives w. Louisa

Frank cannot tell whether he will be at home the Sat after next. He will be off by then if he possibly can, but it is doubtful.