My Dear M^r. Darwin

I observe with some shame that I forgot to answer one question in your note¹   I answered by return Post in a tremendous hurry, because y^r. letter arrived on the day of the opening of our Fresh Water Reading Room & as I had under taken the establishing of the Room I could not let it fail for want of every moment I could give to it— hence the hurry & I am sure you will excuse it

We shall be delighted that you should extend your stay here a week— We must only ask you as soon as you can decide this point to let us know because in the season months there is such a demand at Fresh Water for the few Houses that are at all comfortable & good that I am sure you would not like us for the sake of one uncertain week to lose a Tenant for one or two months if offered. Still less should we like to hurry or anticipate your departure by a day—

We only ask to know, as soon as your experience of the place enables you to decide also on what day would you like the Inventory taken   our day will be y^r. day—whenever you appoint a person & time—

We are looking forward with pleasure to your coming & Fresh Water is wearing all its smiles this year—but the emerald green of the Island is getting brown, burnt up with the sun.

Your’s truly | Julia Margaret Cameron

July 10^th. 1868

Fresh Water Bay | Isle of Wight—