My dear Falconer

I thank you for your most interesting note.² The facts are really grand. We have had a melancholy household for some time; as my eldest girl has been very ill for a long time and we have brought her here for a change.³ I have been bad enough of late, and have not been in London for an age. Whenever I do come I must pay you a visit and have one of those chats with you, which I so much enjoy. But our plans are all uncertain being dependent on my daughter’s health.

I must say I do heartily enjoy Owen having had a good setting down—his arrogance and malignity are too bad.

My good old friend | Yours most truly | C. Darwin