[1]

(1886)

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT.

Wed —

My dear Maud

We go on most comf. I have Gwen every mg before I get up & she is v. comf. examining the bell ropes & my watch c & this mg. eating a tiny morsal of sponge biscuit wh. made

[2]

her talk & grumble with deep approval —

Helen thought she was getting tired of her rusks tho' still very fond of the food — Her last accomplishment has been squealing vehemently at the lawn tennis court to make an echo —

We have had the Harrisons

[3]

for 2 days & Arthur W. who, being nearly blind, enjoys the country more than most people & took no less than 4 walks yesterday, one of them being to Knockholt beeches w. James Harrison —

Lucy [insertion:] (Harrison) youngest d. of Jos Wedgwood II & Caroline Darwin talked more than usual & I like her even when dead silent —

I hope you had fine weather

[4]

for Warwick Castle & Kenilworth no that was unlucky & that Carrie enjoyed the sights. I am afraid the handsome dinners &c have been r tiring for George after his day's work —

[insertion:] (Brit. Assocn meeting Warwick)

A letter from Leonard is on its travels. They were located in a small empty house close to the coast of Granada & had a smooth passage — Leo liked his coadjutor Dr Schuster the best of the set.

[from p. 1:] Goodbye my dear Maud —

yours E. Darwin

your pleasant letter just come — What a lively time you have had — I am glad you are going to Barlaston & I direct this there —