From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [23 November 1880]

Dearest H—

Snow came early & agreed to take up her abode here; but disappeared till dinner time. After which I liked my talk w. her. She had a v. dark day for beginning today she has sunshine. Frank came home from Cam. & after a joyful meeting w. B. collected his apparatus for shewing the spectroscope to Sir John & went to dine there. The Monty's & Norman Lockyer—not so pleasant quite as the other time 

A letter from Caroline to Hensleigh does not shew the least mortification, & as I & Jos & C. L. are in the same boat I hope she does not feel it. Hensleigh did not mention that she rescinded it after Jos's death. Hensleigh evidently thinks the provision for the servants handsome; & but for F's strong opinion I believe I shd have thought so too. But he says he will agree with the others.

The valuer comes today—

Hensleigh suggests your having the little seal given by the Grand Duchess to Aunt Jessie— (I find my pen acts well when I write upright)

I am v. near at the end of all my answers. It is rather disagreeable getting into the way of saying the same thing to every body—tho' almost all I wrote to really cared— I want to know how you & yr guest get on. I went out a little yesterday but I am afraid it is too windy Today—

If you know the right name of the sort of gauzy woollen shaw I want please to it on the card if not burn it—thinner than Cachmere—at about 5/—not Carmelite?

B. knew 21 words in his lesson today & was pleased—he likes writing & said w some vanity. ""I like writing better than play""—several times over. He begins dining downstairs 

yours my dear | E. D.

If R. happens to remember where he put the little brown Schuberts wd he tell me— He has tidied the music beaut. but I can't find those.