From Emma Darwin to T. H. Farrer 21 February 1880

My dear Mr Farrer

I will begin with business first. Charles is very much pleased to hear that Lord Sandon is at last taking some heed of the potatoe question.

I cannot tell you what pleasure your letter gave to both of us & it was so very kind of you to take the trouble to assure us that you were satisfied with H. & Ida’s prospects of happiness & usefulness—

I have seen a pair as happy as they appear, e.g. poor Frank & Amy; but I never saw such lightheartedness & enjoyment of every trifle. You may be sure that my mind has been very full of the worshippers of the little Queen of Thompson’s Hotel & of all their happiness. I cannot think how Effie will bear to part with her. I should have liked to hear what Sir J. Stokes said of dear old Leo—but it is nearly as good to hear it from you—

Is there any chance of your being able to come & see us. Of course it would be still nicer if Effie w^d come also; but I have no hopes of that for ever so long; & we should be so very glad to see you on a Saturday for the Sunday if possible, as then Leo. wd be at home, but any day.

With my best love to my dear Effie | yours affectly | E. Darwin

P.S. I must repeat how pleasant it is to think that you feel that Ida is valued as she ought to be & your standard must be very high (not strictly grammat—but you will know what I mean)