Dear Darwin

I write by return of post. Come on Wednesday; I am so happy to think you can— I have never liked to worry you by asking— thank goodness you know that—²

Fanny called on you the other day with some such a proposal on the tip of her tongue.³ She had suggested to me the paying to Huxleys bankers the amount of his law expences (to be raised by you, I, & a couple or so more)—⁴ I asked Tyndall⁵ the night before F. called on you, & he thought the affair too small, & that H. would not like the “stealing a march upon him.” so we agreed that F. should say nothing to you about it. The matter has however never left our minds—

My impression is, that the thing (raising £3000 or so) should be done, if we can assure ourselves that H. will have it: but I feel sure that this will be a difficulty. He & I have been railing at the testimonial system within the last few weeks; & as a public testimonial I feel sure he would not accept.

I have beaten my brains to find out if we could practise a pious fraud, & hand it over to him as a legacy from a defunct friend— but he is a deal too sharp, & no one could be other than open with Huxley.— I can’t conceive deception, however innocent, in his presence.

I have no time to say more, but do, I pray, cudgel your brains.— I will come & lunch with you tomorrow Tuesday, lest weather or health should prevent you coming here on Wednesday⁶

Ever yours | J D Hooker