My dear M^r. Darwin

When yours of yesterday reached me² I was being bewildered with an architect over plans, measurements, changes, charges likely to be brought upon me by the perverse conduct of a kitchen boiler! which has given me unceasing cause of trouble during its struggle for existence, and has been at last condemned as a survival of the unfittest. When he left for the rail I was wearied out. Otherwise I would not have allowed a single post to pass without writing to say how pleased I shall be to see you, and make your personal acquaintance, at Worthing at the time you mention, or indeed any other which may suit you.³ What reconciles me to the thought of your going to the Hotel is the knowledge that a disabled kitchen makes it impossible for me to suggest even that the hotel should be the Chappell Croft—..⁴

It is more than probable that you may be fatigued with travelling when you reach Worthing on Tuesday. Pray do not think of going out again that afternoon if you should find yourself in any way unequal to the exertion. But I would go down and call on you if you would send up a message upon your arrival to say you would like to see me, otherwise I shall not leave home for fear of missing you on the way—

As I do not wish to loose another post I close this at once— with a reiteration of the pleasure I anticipate in meeting you next week—and remain | Very truly yours | Anthony Rich.