My dear Sir

I was truly sorry to break my engagement, but I was in bed on Tuesday & Wednesday & have been very unwell all this week.—

I am most anxious to profit by your advice: could you spare me an hour or hour & half on next, Wednesday, or Thursday or Friday Evening: I w^d come up on purpose & w^d next morning order a microscope— Your note has finally determined me to get one as soon as possible,² & I groan to think over the 3 or 4 months.

I w^d. start from West End a few minutes after 5 & I suppose I sh^d arrive at your house, a little before 7 oclock. If you cannot see me on the 3 mentioned days, w^d you kindly appoint the next earliest in the ensuing week.—

Will you send me a line by General Post on Monday.—

Yours truly obliged | C. Darwin

P.S. | If you chance to know that you will be at home two evenings perhaps you will give me the liberty of the choice; though I assure you, nothing but incapacity shall prevent my coming up on the first appointed day.

P.S. 2^d. If you are engaged on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, perhaps I sh^d be well enough on Tuesday, & I w^d. then try & answer your note in person.