1847-1848] Charles at Shrewsbury 117 



dying sensation, which he now very seldom has. That he 

 thought with care he might live a good time longer, and that 

 when he died it would probably be suddenly, which was 

 best. Thrice over he has said that he was very comfortable, 

 which was so much more than I expected. . . . 



Thanks for your very nice letter received this morning, 

 with all the news about the dear children: I suppose now 

 and be-hanged to you, you will allow Annie is " something." 

 I believe as Sir J. L. said of his friend, that she is a second 

 Mozart; anyhow she is more than a Mozart considering her 

 Darwin blood. Farewell for to-day. 



Sunday. All goes on flourishing. Susan arrived at 

 8 o'clock in tremendous spirits. The tour had answered 

 most brilliantly. She never saw such trees, such post- 

 horses, such civil waiters, and such good dinners, and as for 

 Frank Parker, she is in love with him. It has done her a 

 world of good. 



Monday [SHREWSBURY, 22nd May, 1848]. 



... I was speculating yesterday how fortunate it was 

 I had plenty of employment (and an employment which / 

 do not consider mere amusement) for being employed alone 

 makes me forget myself : really yesterday I was not able to 

 forget my stomach for 5 minutes all day long. I have read, 

 since being here, Evelyn's Life of Mrs Godolphin ; it is very 

 pretty, but she is too virtuous, and too nun-like; her great 

 beauty counterbalances some of her virtue : if she had been 

 ugly and so very good she would have been odious. Tell 

 this sentiment to your Aunt Sarah and see what she will say. 

 I am also reading an English translation of Mme de Sevigne 

 and like it much. Give my love to all the dear children and 



bless them : 



Yours, C. D. 



The black- caps sing here so beautifully. 



[SHREWSBURY], Tuesday [23 May, 1848]. 



This lovely day makes me pine rather to be with you 

 and the dear little ones on the lawn. Thank Willy and 



