From H. E. Litchfield to Emma Darwin [1889]

Dearest Mother—

I've had a nice lazy day & except that every now & then I have felt it such a pity we weren't at Down have enjoyed it & have felt brisker.

Kitty & R. sat out in the garden & talked off & on all morning & in the afternoon I went a little drive & paid one call on poor dethroned Miss Bryce— She was cordial & nice but I felt as if she was oppressed & low— It will be a terrible change for her—to leave her dashing life. Entertaining the G.O.M. etc & to go off to a quiet silly old scotch Mother at Streatham.

Then Col. Fraser came in for a short call & was very friendly & nice— I was sorry to learn how serious ""Sams"" condition is—at least was—for I think he hopes he is making progress now. I liked him much better than I have ever done before & did not feel him [assumptious] in any way & really very kindly natured. He said with such pleasant warmth he was so glad to see Horace so much better—& evidently felt it. I wonder if a gorgeous hamper of vegetables I ordered you got to you on Sat— I trust so. For if the poor things sit at Orpⁿ. till Monday they won't be much good. If it answers I can send more.

Goodbye | your H.E.L.