From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [4 July 1881]

Dearest H.

Here is Ida, & as we have to do it I am very glad they think it a good thing to try. but as you say trying to be at ease is the most hopeless of undertakings. A cordial acceptance from Jane Lush— Bessy heard B.' saying to Pauline just now ""I like being young better than old, don't you."" To return. Sat was a nice day & Bessy & Harriet & the nice man you had, had a successful walk to St Sunday Crag—& Grisedale Tarn— I drove that far to start them & enjoyed it  Friday was v. pretty p. m. & we enjoyed our little sight of How Town by steam boat—& back in an hour, Geo. & Bessy crossing in row—boat to Hallsteads & a carriage to meet them. They found Mr W. Marshall & little girls & governess there & I think Mr M. goes about w. them a good deal. F. went to see the garden on Sat & was m. struck w. the beauty & views. & Bessy called yesterday on the governess & met Mr W. Marshall, who shewed her about a little & was v. civil— I am so glad you had a fine day for your W. M. C—& what a pity Mr Tansley c^d not come—

yours my dear— | E. D

We had Mrs Smith & her people to tea— She had had a humble letter from Ithel 

Tomorrow will be a treat compared to today— It is a blessing having Geo. who is as good a courier as Leo