From Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin 23 February [1875]

My dear Leo

We were rejoiced to receive your letter of Dec 15 yesterday, as it was some little time after we expected one to arrive— As I do not expect this letter to reach you, I shall only say the needful, that we are all well & how pleasant it is to think that you may turn up any within the next 3 months. Mr Ouless is painting F. & me! He cannot nearly fill up his time with F. so it was a convenient time for me to sit—

Both portraits are unutterable as yet; but he puts in the youth & beauty at the very last. Frank repeated the 2 lectures (on health & temperance &c) he gave at Keston, here—w good success— The winter has rather told on George, but he keeps up his strength & flesh.

Frank's new Piano from Zurich has come & they like it & Amy is taking lessons from Miss Latter. Your account of the fatal 9^th was even more dismal & provoking than I expected.

Yours my dear Old Man | how pleasant it will | be to see you— | E. Darwin