My dear Sir

You gave me the enclosed charming photograph.² Now I am going to beg a great favour, which it is quite likely you may not wish to grant.— In my little book on Expression I wish to give a plate by the Heliotype process of 2 or 3 smiling faces. For this process the negative is required. Now sh^d you object to lending me the negative, with the permission to state that the Photograph was done by you.—³

You must, of course, have not the slightest scruple in refusing me.— But if you grant this favour, could you send me the negative to above address by Delivery Co^y soon, as I want much to get the Heliotypes plates finished soon.—

Was the smile intentionally assumed? or taken when the sitter did not know what you were doing?

My dear Sir | yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin