1838-1839] Happiness in Solitude 23 



very pale drab, slate, or grey colour: Now will you send me 

 word by return of post whether you would like me to do so 

 and choose to trust to my taste and that of the Dyers, or 

 whether you choose to wait till after our marriage. . . . 



The marriage was fixed for January 29th, 1839, at Maer 

 Charles made one hurried visit there in the middle of 

 January, and on his return to Gower Street, wrote : 



Charles Darwin to Emma Wedgwood. 



Sunday Night, ATHEN^UM [20 Jan., 1839]. 



... I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my Maer 

 visit, I felt in anticipation my future tranquil life: how I 

 do hope you may be as happy as I know I shall be: but 

 it frightens me, as often as I think of what a family you 

 have been one of. I was thinking this morning how it 

 came that I, who am fond of talking and am scarcely ever 

 out of spirits, should so entirely rest my notions of happi- 

 ness on quietness and a good deal of solitude. But I believe 

 the explanation is very simple. It is that during the five 

 years of my voyage (and indeed I may add these two last), 

 which from the active manner in which they have been 

 passed may be said to be the commencement of my real 

 life, the whole of my pleasure was derived from what passed 

 in my mind while admiring views by myself, travelling 

 across the wild deserts or glorious forests, or pacing the deck 

 of the poor little Beagle at night. Excuse this much egotism, 

 I give it you because I think you will humanize me, and soon 

 teach me there is greater happiness than building theories 

 and accumulating facts in silence and solitude. My own 

 dearest Emma, I earnestly pray you may never regret 

 the great, and I will add very good deed, you are to per- 

 form on the Tuesday. My own dear future wife, God bless 

 you. 



I will not be solemn any more, but will tell you of an 

 addition to our plate-room, which is to astonish all Gower 

 Street. My good old friend Herbert, sent me a very nice 



