From Emma Darwin to Ida Darwin [after 12 October 1878]

My dear Ida

I was very glad to have your pleasant letter & I sent it on to Bessy— Here is a cheerful card from 31— I felt very empty & sad all day after seeing At F. off she was not nervous & at her best in the comf. carriage which made no sound as it rolled off on its India rubber tires.

We are so quiet & studious now—no more folly.

Leo & Fr. walked yesterday to call at Holwood & found Miss Drummond looking better than they expected & thinking of Malta, about w. she enquired of Leo—

Horace bicycled to the Spottiswoodes & found a large assembly of philosophers. The distance was 22 miles & he had to bustle to get home before dark—

Bessy will tell you her own news. She is always happy there as they are very open & great talkers besides being warmly affectionate to her. Bernard’s last accomp. is sitting on the music stool with his book open & singing nonsense words—occasionally calling to Babba if he thinks he is not listening attentively.

You have had 3 lovely days to enjoy that pretty place w. Laura— Horace is gone about water pipes to L.H.P & is also employed by Alice B.C. & soon will be off to Scotland on the same sort of errand— I wonder how your virtue held about the Brodie visit! Goodbye my dear Ida—do not let it be very long before we see you again. We old folks enjoyed your visit too & I am very glad Tom has found his way here & will feel quite tame another time. Did you see the credit the R.E photos got noticed in the Times. Leo’s sergeant will be m. pleased tho’ L. himself had something to do with it.

My best love to Laura— yours my dear E D—

B. fixes on Idy for several of his pictures—