My dear Hooker

I have been thinking that as I have to attend the Council before the anniversary² it is a great chance whether I shall not have a headache You must, if you can, get me an invitation with the chance of my not being able to come. But you may rely on it, I shall if I possibly can. Moreover I do not think I shall anyhow have time to dress. So that under all these circumstances I think you had better say nothing about me, for remember I hardly know Lindley at all & it is taking too great a liberty with him.³ But do whatever is best for me: I know I sh^d like above all things to come, but I feel that it will be a mere chance whether able.

Ever yours | C. Darwin

I hate differing in opinion from you, & I wish I had never tried the Charlock seed;⁴ generally when I differ from you I doubt my own judgment, but this time I doubt your’s, & I declare I hate this almost as much as misdoubting my own.—