From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [22 May 1880]

Dearest Hen

The Fiskes went early & liked their visit—as sentimental as Germans asking for a flower to take away as a memento. F. looked foolish & did not know how to take it— They have the American qualities of openness & trustingness, w. makes people so easy; but they are quite dreadfully American in voice & tone. which makes them appear vulgar. She brought the photos of all her children to shew, w. was also German. I find Bessy does mean to go to Barl. so that makes it all easy as she & Frank will divide the visit.

It is a terrible long suspense for the poor Harrisons— R—must have been a gt comfort to them. I am sorry about the Concert. Minnie was there & said she thought it the finest Orchestra she had ever heard—

I wish Sara w^d follow yr advice about Embley—but she will be too scrupulous. Mr Fegan has scarlet play bills all about announcing his performances in the ""big tent""" in Osborne's field—twice on Sunday & once every evg— I wish it might be the last straw for Mr Ffinden.

Is Prince Leopold's Miss Baring dau. of Lord Northbrook. If she cares for him she had better marry him (as the Q. approves) & let the rest of the R. family be as surly as they please (my gossip is from Ellen T. & Milnes). I shall long to hear what you think of Laura. Bessy's last day was v. brilliant a large party in boat to see the races & supper afterwards in which there was great folly & laughter  Miss Gladstone very merry & Mr Prothero insisting upon their all eating some very heavy cake made by the housemaid. He took it up & weighed it in his hand to shew off its solidity.