My dear Hooker

I got your note, just as I was setting out for the Geolog. Council.—² Your invitation has tempted me much; owing to the Horners’ coming here Tuesday or Wednesday is the first day I c^d. come. But will you oblige me by sending me one line to say whether Gay³ speaks English, for to my shame & utter disgrace I cannot speak French. When in Chile I talked with him in Spanish & I now have forgotten that! So that if he cannot speak English, it w^d be quite disagreeable to meet him & I w^d much prefer visiting you in Spring, when the 4 to 5 hour’s drive would be pleasanter.

If he does not speak English & therefore I do not come, pray remember me very kindly to him (though perhaps he has quite forgotten me) & say I remember with much pleasure our short interviews.— I sh^d also much like to see M^r Miers.—⁴ If I come, I will, (if convenient to you) come about 4 oclock on Wednesday & return the middle of the next day.— You cannot well imagine what a bold step I feel this, I literally have not slept out of near relations house or inn for five years!!

I have not thanked you for a long & as usual interesting letter, received some time since

Ever most truly yrs | C. Darwin