1847-1848] The Death of Dr Darwin 119 



stand, for he really could not endure affectation. But I 

 think it was a certain grace of manner combined with an 

 intention to please. 



diaries Darwin to Emma Darwin. 



Saturday [Postmark 21th May, 1843]. 



I was so very glad to get your letter this morning with 

 as good an account of the Baby as could be expected, 

 am so thankful you had Elizabeth with you; for she of all 

 human beings would be of the greatest comfort to you. 

 Her presence is a blessing and joy to everyone. I am weak 

 enough to-day, but think I am improving. My attack was 

 very sudden : Susan was very kind to me but I did yearn for 

 you. Without you when sick I feel most desolate. I almost 

 doubt whether I shall be able to travel on Monday; but I 

 can write no more now. I do long to be with you and under 

 your protection for then I feel safe. God bless you. 



C.D. 



Thank my dear Etty for her nice little letter and give 

 my love to all our dear children, whom I shall be so glad 

 to see again. 



Francis, my mother's seventh child, was born on 

 August 16, 1848. 



Dr Darwin died on November 13th in the same year: I 

 remember feeling awe-struck, and crying bitterly out of 

 sympathy with my father. 



Catherine Darwin wrote to her brother Charles (llth Nov., 

 1848): "My father is perfectly collected, and placid in his 

 mind in every way, and one of the most beautiful and 

 pathetic sights that can be imagined, so sweet, so uncom- 

 plaining, so full of everybody else, of all the servants, the 

 servants' children, etc. Susan was up all last night, and 

 the greatest part of the night before ; she is wonderfully able 

 to go through her most trying part, all his directions being 

 given to her. He attempted to speak about you this 

 morning, but was so excessively overcome he was utterly 

 unable; we begged him not to speak as we knew what he 

 would have said ; the least emotion or excitement exhausts 

 him so, it is quite dangerous. . . ." And the day following. 



