From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [31 August 1880]

Dearest Hen—

I feel sure the medecine is doing me good as I have felt q. brisk these several days— The Godfrey's are gone. Hope was v. pleasant & cordial; but I felt it dangerous to enter upon that topic— It is a wonderful baby in point of size & placidity; but I shd like it to begin to scramble after things w. its hands more at nearly 7. m. old—

They came up to dinner— Cecil does not look comf. r. a fish out of water; but we were all, so to speak, old & there was nobody to suit him. He carried the baby when wanted & we talked to him about his tour in Scot. He is a perfect giant, & looks awkward. George went over to call M^me. Mohl, not feeling up to a dinner there. He found only Alice, & was surprized at her agreeableness, w. every body is, who has only seen her in company— I am sure Alice must have been tired by this v. long visit of M^me. Mohl—who has still nature & vivacity, tho' she has almost lost her memory— Frank came home from the Shaens— He liked Mr Shaen & c^d not abide Godfrey who he says is a cad. He had a pleasant exped. to Broom Hall & a game of lawn Tennis & another at the Wells's. The Miss W's play beautifully & have artistical white flannels, very loose.

The weather keeps steady & corn was carrying yesterday— Your tour has been most prosperous & it is a pleasant wind up to have the Tansleys for a bit at Holne. you have been capital in writing I hope R. keeps q. spry. Send this happy letter of Horace to W^m. but not Leo's as he has had that. I am glad Horace likes ""abroad"" in suitable circes. Miss Julia is nibbling after one of the villas, but she will not be allowed I am sure—or else it would be v. awful—

I hope you will find El. tol—

Poor G. has been v. bad—

yours my dear | E. D