My dear Sir,

I am much obliged for your kind note & the present of the volume.² I did not know that you were still in England—otherwise I should have written to you. I saw that you were at Glasgow, but we were then suffering terrible grief from the sudden death of a dear daughter-in-law & some anxiety from a very dangerous accident to one of my sons. and we thought we should have to leave home,—³ But we are now more tranquil— If you could spare the time it would give me the greatest pleasure to see you here though I am not capable of prolonged conversation  I would suggest your coming here, by the train which leaves Charing Cross at 11^o—35′ for Orpington Stⁿ. & you could return by the train which leaves Orpington at 4^o— 33′ If you would let me hear on what day you could come (if this is possible) I would send a carriage to meet you— If M^rs. Cohn would accompany you, it would give my wife much pleasure.⁴

We expect to see Häckel here today.⁵

With the greatest respect | Believe me. | My dear Sir. | Yours sincerely. | Charles Darwin.