From Emma Darwin   [19 April 1851]

My own dearest

The conclusion of your letter does leave me with some hopes, almost as much as I had yesterday. It is a blessing that our darling does not suffer, & I hope that even the vomitting does not cause much. How kind of Dr Gully to sleep in the house. & must have been a great support to you Now dear Fanny is with you, you must let her experienced eye do some of the watching,¹ tho’ I know what an effort it must be to leave her for a moment, but you will be quite exhausted. Aunt F.² helps me through the long hours of suspense, & I feel quite unnatural sometimes in being able to talk of other things. Poor little sweet child I often think of the precious look she gave you the only one I suppose. No wonder she would brighten up at your sight you were always the tenderest of human beings to her & comforted her so on all occasions.

I am sadly afraid we shall not hear tomorrow The morning is the only chance M^r Acton³ says.

Goodbye my dearest. I shall probably send for Etty⁴ on Monday. God bless you I know you would suffer. Yours my beloved E.D.