[1]

(Feb 20 1882)

Down Beckenham

My dear George

We saw your arrival on the 15th at St Thomas — the news reaching us on the 17 & now I hope you are just landing at King — That was just a fortnight. We have had find & mild weather every since you went, but especially bad fogs in London — We were all assembled on Sat. except you — The Williams taking us in their way to London, where they will stay for a fortnight in lodgings in Albemarle St —

[2]

The Horaces go to Bry Sq tomorrow & I fully believe every thing will be smooth. Indeed Ida is so fully occupied with the baby that there is not much time for any thing. He is a placid satisfac. baby but not pretty — Ida had a return of feverishness yesterday, so I hope she will take care of herself at Bry Sq. Fr. & Horace have only managed 2 rides together which is a pity as both

[3]

the horses are so pleasant. The new tennis court is more & more approved of & they had many hours of play yesterday.

Marianne has safely got thro' her confinement a week ago — Bernard said "Nanna has got a baby too, I wonder who else will have a baby — I wonder whether Tina will" — we are much excited about the cloture debate wh. begins today — The spec. makes sure it will pass, but that may be policy —

[4]

Message from F.

"Newbury the author of the first article in Nature is a trustworthy man, & what he says about the nature of the most ancient sediments quite agrees with my impression"

Wm is very much bent upon buying his house, & has some grand notions of enlarging his drawing room & dining room which I think is nonsense. They have got Prince Leopold for the British Assoc [insertion:] Assoc.

quite owing to William's perseverance &

[5]

wiliness in not taking a denial. Wm has been washing the picture of Wm Darwin & has improved it a good deal, especially the waistcoat — The new fire engine & buckets are arrived & we have some difficulty in hanging up 8 scarlet buckets in inconspicuous situations. They are now pumping it with great force out of doors & it reaches the roof of the house —

[6]

There are a good many pamphlets here some I open & am sure you don't want — shall I send any of them.

We may hear from you now in about a fortnight — Lady Musgrove's letter to Sara about you was very nice & cordial —

yours my dear George.

E. D

F. had an attack of sickness yesterday. It was only an odd accident.