From H. E. Litchfield to Emma Darwin [1883 or later]

I mean especially in the way of industry—because he had a clever pen— But his was a wretched character! It slightly disturbs one that Johnson cd have been so fond of him. I suppose there must have been something very engaging in him wh. blinded him—

M^rs Campbell was extremely busy all yesterday working away at her flat. First their was great loss of time because the vans didn't turn up, but one appeared in the afternoon & they hope for the other today. I shall like very much having her for a near neighbour. We have got the Boyces tonight & a real D.P. on Tuesday. I'm half afraid we may turn out to be twelve wh. I loathe, but I found late on in the day I had to ask M^rs Campbell's niece but I shan't succeed in getting her a gentleman I'm sure, so we shall not be more than 11— I'm v. glad Bessy & [Dub] are coming for the night. And of course she'll bring Mat. or Harriet—

I don't thk Leo looks very well. he was here yesterday.

I don't thk I told you abt my sight of Mary Ernest— I believe I did tho'— She was very decided that it was right to take the boys as much away as possible from Maggie—