My dear Sir

We returned on Saturday night from Eastbourne where we were detained by another severe attack of illness in my poor girl.² She has rallied surprisingly & stood the journey very well; but after six months illness she is very weak & I fear in rather precarious state, though thank God there is no immediate danger.—   I tell you all this, because we know we have your sympathy.—

If I do not hear from you, I will send Leonard on Thursday morning;³ I say morning for the days are now so short, he would hardly have time to return by daylight, if he started after our midday dinner.—   In the Spring, if then not inconvenient to you, we will change to the afternoon.—   Franky seems getting on capitally, thanks to your kindness.⁴

Pray believe me | My dear Sir | Yours very sincerely | Charles Darwin