From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [25 February 1862]

My dear George

We had come to the conclusion that Sat w^d be the best division & I think we may then possibly ask for you till Tuesday. You can let W^m know. It will be very nice if he can come. I think M^r Wrigley seems to be a great catch. & if he preaches generally it will be a comfort.

Horace had 4 such good days that we were quite in spirits about him but he has fallen back again tho he is not near so bad as he was at one time.

M^r Engleheart comes to see him occasionally & is convinced that it is irritation of the stomach. I am puzzled how W^m got that grand coat of arms as it does not look modern We are puzzled what to do with Quiz. Yesterday he & Tartar were out walking with Papa & Lizzy. They heard a great outcry in the wood Papa ran up & found Quizzy almost throttled by Tartar. Papa then almost choked Tartar to get him off when that little goose flew at him again & it was all to do over again. They were both hurt & bleeding. We are puzzled what to do as we may not give away Quiz. & nobody would have Tartar.

Henrietta & Williams went yesterday to Sudbrook D^r Lane & return on Friday. She is a great loss to Horace in the way of billiards. You may as well send this to William.

Good bye my dear G.

The cabinet will come on Friday.

Papa has paid for it. Papa thanks Lenny for his letter & Horace ditto to F.