1876-1880] A Fur-Coat Surprise 239 



Francis Darwin to his sister Henrietta Litch field. 



MY DEAR HENRIETTA, DOWN, Jan., 1880. 



I think the coat exploded very well. I left it on 

 the study table, furry side out and letter on the top at 3, 

 so that he would find it at 4 when he started his walk. 

 Jackson was 2nd conspirator, with a broad grin and the 

 coat over his arm peeping thro' the green baize door while 

 I saw the coast clear in the study. 



You will see from Father's delightful letter to us how 

 much pleased he was. He was quite affected and had 

 tears in his eyes when he came out to see me, and said 

 something like what dear good children you all are. I 

 think it does very well being long and loose. 



Yours affec., 



F. D. 



I told mother just before, so that she might come and 

 see the fun. 



Charles Darwin to his children. 



MY DEAR CHILDREN, Dowx ' 17 Jan " 188 - 



I have just found on my table your present of the 

 magnificent fur-coat. If I have to trayel in the winter it 

 will be a wonderful comfort, for the last time I went to 

 London I did not get over the cold for 2 or 3 days. The 

 coat, however, will never warm my body so much as your 

 dear affection has warmed my heart. 

 My good dear children, 



Your affectionate Father, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



N.B. I should not be myself if I did not protest that 

 you have all been shamefully extravagant to spend so 

 much money over your old father, however deeply you 

 may have pleased him. 



