Dear M^rs. Darwin

I am writing to as⁠⟨⁠k if⁠⟩⁠ M^r. Darwin could be pe⁠⟨⁠rsuaded⁠⟩⁠ to come here next Sunday either to early dinner at $\frac{1}{4}$ before one o’clock—or to stay all night— He would see nobody but John, not even me, most likely, for I am not quite strong yet—² & I will take care his bed is well aired, ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ will tell me ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ likes & has at ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ I will take care ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ all just the same— ⁠⟨⁠Jo⁠⟩⁠hn doesn’t know I am writing this, but I have heard him lately so often wish he “could only have a talk with M^r. Darwin”, & I know he can’t manage to get over to Downe³ now as he used to do from High Elms—so I thought I would just try what I could do to persuade M^r. Darwin to come here—⁴ If you will send me a line by post I shall get it on Sunday morning.

With my best wishes for very many Happy New Years to you all I am always yours very truly | E F Lubbock