226 A Century of Family Letters [CHAP, xv 



Friday morning carne the Owens pressed the Leightons 

 and us so much to stay that we did till to-day. It was a 

 grand puzzle how in the world to dine 29; it was at last 

 settled to have two side- tables, each of 6; 2 gentlemen, 

 a President and Vice-President, and 4 ladies. We drew 

 lots for our places, and each had a ticket; the rival side- 

 tables betted who could make most noise. Of course each 

 party stand up for themselves ; we certainly had famous fun 

 this evening. There were quantities of waltzing, dancing, 

 games, &c. till about 1, when the Leightons drove home to 

 Shrewsbury. The whole party I should think must be 

 pretty well fagged to-day, as this has gone on for nearly a 

 week. Fanny Owen was the belle. I do not wonder, for I 

 never saw such a charming girl altogether as she is. Susan 

 was in her glory and in violent spirits. She would call this 

 a most unfair account of things if she was to see it, and 

 would send you a far more flaming description. I should 

 think that I enjoyed it about half as much as she did. At 

 last my journal is come to an end. I have just heard from 

 Charles to say that he comes home on Monday, and I am 

 so glad to find that he likes the Foxes as much as I did, as 

 he says, " that they are all perfect." I am afraid you will 

 hear as much about them from him, as you did from me. 

 Good-bye, dear Emma, my best love to my dear old Fan. 



Ever yours, E. C. DARWIN. 



I have just been talking to Susan over our gay doings 

 and she has just said " what a delightful visit I have had. 

 I never enjoyed anything like it so gay we never talked 

 a word of common sense all day." Guaranteed by me. 

 Susan gives leave for this anecdote. 



My father told many stories of all that went on at Wood- 

 house. He was very fond of all the Owens, and he had 

 evidently been greatly attracted by Fanny Owen. He told 

 me once how charming she looked when she insisted on firing 

 off one of their guns, and showed no sign of pain though the 



