[1]

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINGTON. S.E.R.

Sunday Jan 7th (83) Springfield

 

My dear George

I am glad you have gone to Freshwater as it is sure to be pleasant — I wonder whether you will see the old houses — I believe Mrs Cameron built a theatre or something equally foolish — Frank is gone to High Elms so B. & I are alone, with Rasmus — as Horace & I. [Ida] are at the W. Farrers — Rasmus is such a different child

[2]

from B. & cries a good deal at all the necessary operations of life, & I fell foul on Grace yesterday for not managing to avoid an unnecessary trouble. Mary is very ill at 66. [insertion:] (Hills Rd Cambridge)

The Horace's saw Leo's house yesterday in their way to the Farrers — It is a staring house close to the station. The grounds of Sandhurst college are beaut. but I don't know how near they are — H. & Ida are in an atmosphere of hunting & ball dresses, a great change for them.

[66 refers to Horace and Ida's home, 66 Hills Road.]

[3]

B. is following in your footsteps— He remembered the arms of 18 Colleges & has drawn them from memory, very roughly, but so that he can recognize them. This is rather driving out soldiers. —

I had a friendly call from Dr Paget & found him very nice & agreeable — Mrs Seeley has called not pleasant, on the contrary at first sight. I drove to the Grove yesterday by Grata Quies — I own that the entrance is v. cheerful & pleasant but Bessy says that is the only pleasant part—

[4]

Bourne's wife died before he cd reach her. Jackson & his wife are going to lodge with him & do for him — Poor little Mrs Jackson was frightened to death at the Grove as soon as it was dark— The Mackays are delighted w. Sandhurst— I am keeping very well— but don't like to boast— I dare say you have a nice bright day— Here it is not cold but dull & muggy — yours my dear George

E. Darwin

The photo for Dr. A. Clark is come & I am keeping it for you to see