1838-1839] Sismondi s Sympathy with Emma 9 



sa joie, que si je 1'avois vu encore hier. Rappelez-moi avec 

 une sincere ami tie a tout les votres, preparez votre epoux 

 a me vouloir un peu de bien, et aimez-moi adieu. 



J. C. L. DE SISMONDI. 



Madame Sismondi to her niece Emma Wedgwood. 



Sismondi has taken the first place on my sheet of paper 

 because he would not be limited in space, for the expression 

 of his sympathy in your happiness. Dearest Emma, I 

 conceive no greater happiness this side heaven than that 

 you are at this moment enjoying. Everything I have 

 ever heard of C. Darwin I have particularly liked, and 

 have long wished for what has now taken place, that he 

 would woo and win you. I love him all the better that 

 he unites to all his other qualifications that most rare 

 one of knowing how well to chuse a wife, a friend, com- 

 panion, mother of his children, all of which men in general 

 never think of. I am glad you bring Elizabeth as voucher 

 of the pretty character you have given of him, I might per- 

 haps not have believed all on your word only, but I should 

 have believed you thought so, and have enjoyed with you 

 the exquisite happiness you must necessarily feel in saying, 

 such is my protector, guide, friend, companion for the rest 

 of life, and God grant you a long and happy one together. 

 I hope some of your larks may bring you out to us before 

 your cares and business make you prisoners. I know I 

 shall love him. I knew you would be a Mrs Darwin from 

 your hands. 1 . . . Now that your person will belong to 

 another as well as yourself, I beg you not to go to Cran- 

 bourne Alley to cloathe it, nor even to the Palais Royal. 

 I do not believe in the economy of it ; a substantially good 

 thing is never to be found in such places. I will answer 

 for Jessie's Paris hat, lasting at least two of yours. But 

 be that as it will, if you do pay a little more, be always 

 dressed in good taste; do not despise those little cares 



1 Palmistry. Madame Sismondi loved the minor .superstitions. 



