166 A Century of Family Letters [CHAP, xvin 



Emma Darwin to Maud Dupuy. 



MY DEAR MAUD, THE GBOVE, Tuesday [1884]. 



This is only a line to wish you good-bye. I have 

 been so vexed at George's attack, which is so ill-timed and 

 prevents the enjoyment of your last days together. 



Your visit here was a great happiness to me, as some- 

 thing in you (I don't know what) made me feel sure you 

 would always be sweet and kind to George when he is ill 

 and uncomfortable. . . . 



My dear Maud, 



Yours affectionately, 



E. DARWIN. 



Emma Darwin to her daughter Henrietta Litchfield. 



May 2lst [1884]. 



As far as I make out you will naturally be with us till 

 the Whit Tuesday, and I hope you and R. might be tempted 

 to stay and see the first day's race. I don't know whether 

 you feel above such frivolities, but I should like it even 

 at my age but for being tired. Bessy and I had a pleasant 

 tea at the Myers'. She showed me many photos., one 

 lovely one of Mrs Langtry with nothing particular on. 

 My two old gents 1 came quite fresh and not tired, and were 

 quite ready to talk all evening. Their first impression in 

 driving here was of meanness and smaUness in the streets. 



THE GROVE, Monday [1884]. 



The Hookers' visit has been very pleasant. William 

 came late on Friday night. He and Sir Joseph had a great 

 deal of talk with Frank about the Life. Sir J. pleased me 

 last night by saying : ' : The boys are not a bit altered just 

 as nice as they were at Down." 



1 Her two brothers Harry and Frank, who probably had not been 

 In Cambridge since they were there as undergraduates some sixty 

 years since. 





