From Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin [before 11 March 1882]

My dear Leo

We are rejoiced to hear that the departure is put off: & now about our seeing her— If things had been prosperous I shd have gone to see her, but that wd not help F. to a sight of her—& as it is I cannot leave him comfortably— Would you bring her over or we should be so glad to see Mrs Fraser whom Laura knows & liked so much as a Miss Wilding. Dear me what things were brewing when Hen. went off on Tuesday as innocent as poss. She says it is so hard on me the head of the ghataks not to have known about it first—

She gives such a nice graceful & cordial acct of her— you did not make enough of her nice looks— I have no doubt of our being fond of her—& I trust she will like us—& get to feel a confidence that we do sympathize in & entirely respect her deepest feelings tho' we may differ in opinions. F. has just taken a turn out & is better today— You have stirred him up & have done him good— Gull's account of her health is very reassuring  What do you think of Betty— It is so old fashioned as to have lost all vulgarity

Yours my dear old man. I long to see you— I advise you to let alone all study for a few day.— till you are sobered—

yours my dear | ED

It will be delightful to see you on Sat. I have had such a nice feeling note from B.