From H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin 17 March 1882

Dear Geo.

Mother says you have not heard anything for a few days so I shall try & catch you with this letter. He has had no pain since Monday or at least only the faintest tinches of it— The day before yesterday he made a decided step, but yesterday went back a little.

Today, however, he is certainly better. He has tried a little atom of work, but it didn't answer. He has also been a little turn in the garden wh. I have never seen him do before but always stick to the verandah. His appetite is good & I think his nights are as good as usual. Yesterday afternoon he staid a goodish bit in the drawing room & went to bed before dinner but got up again on the sofa for a bit in the evening. Mother keeps very well—tho' she is depressed for Father. I am afraid he is a good deal depressed about himself. I fully hope & believe that he has not near such reason to be depressed as he thinks and that tho' he will always have more restrictions he will get back to his former health & ways of life.

As it is doubtful whether you'll get this I won't waste good pen & ink & will only add every body else is quite well. Laura getting on splendidly & the most heavenly spring weather I ever knew in my life. We have got [Kensgton] Square!

yours ever affec | HEL