From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield 31 December 1880

Dearest H.

Here is r. a deep snow—& I shall not go out. I went out yesterday & it did not quite suit & I think a respirator might be a good thing if you wd bring me one on Sat. week

Here is a very sad letter from Mary Hancock. I did not require that to make me feel how mad the Gov^t delay has been; but a special instance of the misery brings it closer before one’s mind.

Now Leo & Frank are poorly I am expecting to hear of B. following w. a cold, & I am in a fidget to have them safe at home— It is truly a blessing that George did not go— G. had quite a pleasant call at M. Lennan’s [symbol for yesterday] saw them all & taught Ella the word game. M. was better & talked of other things besides his health—

I was afraid F. wd be a good deal vexed by Leo’s note saying “as F. had stated what was not the fact in the preface he shd not like to sell any more”— It was quite a new idea to F. & he does not agree that the words mean what Butler says they do. I don’t think it troubles him, but I am sorry Huxley is not coming that they mt have talked it over.

The egregious has managed to persuade Polly to spend her evgs in pantry, & I I am sure she is the happier— Now I must do my accounts for the last day in the year— So Good bye my dear

yours E. D.

Burn. U. Hensleigh

Please return Mary Hancock