From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [17 May 1879]

Dearest H—

I will begin w. B. anecdotes 1^stly he had quite forgotten your message to Sara— The sugar anecdote was that I found him in a v. bad way in his tub refusing to sit down & I told him that if he did not cry the next day he wd have a lump of sugar; but he assured me rubbadubba will [try] tomorrow. So then I said very well perhaps he w^d cry the next day, he did keep to his programme; & did cry the next day but was v. triumphant the third & did not cry—. & has gone on pretty well since. Today the hair cutter is to come & I must improvise some feeties for the occasion.

On Thursday Marianne went an exped to Portsmouth (but I told you I think)—

Yesterday B & I called on Mrs Langstaff & Mrs Annesley, but only found Mrs A. at home— A friend of Mrs Ruck a Mrs Johnson was there & it va sans dire that she was r vulgar & v. tiresome; but B. was grateful to her for talking incessantly. I saw the little girl w. v. fine eyes but not pretty. Lara & W^m rode all round S. Stoneham park & she came home quite full of enjoyment & not tired. I really believe it will do her permanent good. Also she saw a v. promising parlour maid— F. has been v. uncomf & unwell these 3 days; but is able to do a little. I don't think he minds being here especially. W^m has just put up an advert. for little Button, who after her last absence has taken herself off for good. I feel sure some one has taken a fancy to her & she is v. engaging.

Here is Uncle Frank—

Poor Rowland! It is a misfortune, but not a heavy one. It stops him from the only way of being useful he c^d have in England— I think Newman was most guilty in allowing him to take such a step without more consideration. Lady Herbert I dare say is a fool & knows no better. I trust he will not take Catholic orders in the same sudden way—

Yesterday was pleasant & fit for loitering about—& today very tol. What a talent you have of exciting the openness of yr French mistress