From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield 13 May 1882

Dearest Hen

After luncheon my head came on worse & I went to bed— I suppose it was the fruits of our little exped—tho' I was not the least tired— I slept some hours, & had a visit after dinner from all 4 & then a read of Carlyle from Bessy & was all right yesterday mg— I really think Froude must deliberately wish to defame Carlyle— After the most elaborate display of his intense selfishness & (hardness about old Mrs Welsh) & pointing each particular out to the reader for fear you shd not sufficiently observe it, he says that few people would come out so well if all their thoughts were laid bare—or something of that sort— Yesterday I was gloating over the Irish bill & enjoying the rage of the Irish in a truly Carlylian fashion. I always admire Mr Forster's speech; but this was better than usual—

The S^t Gingo too is more than usually spiteful about it, so that I trust some good will really be done— (I mean in the imputations against the motives of ministers viz only wishing to keep their places)  I quite agree about the cards & now they are written I shall leave them at peace in the drawer— I long to know how you found my dear Laura— Bernard could hardly eat his dinner yesterday for looking at his new soldiers; & the little lazy dog knows all his letters now & might write to thank her quite well. Bessy & Ida went to Westerham & left Babsy to walk with Harriet which he took rather amiss to Mary's satisfaction—

She is better & I don't know what will be done—

How I hope this lovely weather will last for your visit.

It has so often played you false at West H—

I went in the Bath chair to see Mrs Wood & found a most horrid looking sister there who w^d have it that she was dying; but I hope she is not, & she thought 2 doses of quinine 19 each which I had sent her, had already given her an appetite poor soul— She looked cheerful & said she had excellent nights. Mr Ffinden had been to see her to her surprize & was ""quite pleasant""— I sent her an arm chair—

The Graphic man came, desolate feeling that there is nothing I need do & I think of your true words ""poor mother you have time enough now""— The regularity of my life was such an element of happiness, & to be received every time I joined him by some word of welcome, & to feel that he was happier that very minute for my being with him.

Some regrets will still come [in] but I don't encourage them. I look forward to Wednesday my dearest & feel it such a comfort to write & tell you every thing.

Sara does not give a very good acct of W^m—who does not recover his spirits

Happy man to have had no real grief before the age of 42

my best love to R. & Laura

yours E. D.