From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [early June 1878?]

Dearest H—

I think you will get off v. cheaply by having the little boy— What a provoking accident about your thumb, as it is sure to make it weak for some time. I hope it is not the right one which I hear it is— Here is the rain come & tho' it is still quite cold it may turn into something better.— At Eliz keeps just the same with her breath v. short but not unwell—I persuaded her to take a little wine & tho' she has only arrived gradually to 3 teaspoonfuls at a time she enjoys it v. m— She expects U. Harry every day & will like to have him, tho' I am sure she must talk but little to him. but he is excellent at reading

In a letter from At C. she says that Reichel wants Sophy to come up once a week to have something done to her eye—(some applications I suppose)—& doubts whether it is congestion.

We find Freda quite good fun by resolutely ignoring all probability— The poor Vicar is well drawn I think. I suppose the Author has but one character, as Freda is just the same as the Runaway.

Bessy's lark quite answered to her & Bernard enjoyed Idy's apple v. m. on his stool—

Surman duly arrived [symbol for yesterday] & F says he looks sadly altered. I am afraid it was a risk coming here from a London house—I shall see him this mg. & preach clothing up.

I think we had certainly better stay with you all the time, which I am sorry to say will be only 8 days as F is obstinate. He & Fr. have just got thro' the tiresome job of classing all the accumulations of books & pamphlets. I am glad the frost is gone for Emily & I are v. glad the Huxleys dont come this time.

There never was so useful a present as the apple sent by Idy to B— Besides the pleasure of eating it, there has been a new story invented about it which he required at least 6 times.

yours my dear— | E. D

By the way we will come to you on the 19—not because of your being away; but because I think it will be best for my concert