My dear William.—

I enclose Bacon’s letter.² The case seems simpler about the guarantee as the money is wanted for works in progress. Let me hear when you hear from Langton,³ & then if you keep of the same opinion I will take the shares & pay first call, & afterwards sell out, if calls are too frequent—

My luncheon was a failure, as there was an immense crowd of all the greatest scientific swells & much delay & I was half dead before luncheon began—⁴ I sat close opposite to the Prince, & between Virchow & Donders,⁵ who both spoke bad English incessantly & this completed my killing.— I was a fool to go, but I could hardly have declined.— The Prince spoke only a few civil words to me.

The Crown Prince of Germany was there, to whom I was presented, & he looks a very nice & sensible & fine man.⁶ Huxley⁷ was standing near when I was introduced to half a dozen high & mighty savants, & he then said to Paget, “pray introduce me to M^r Darwin”. & bowed to me like a foreigner until his back was horizontal.

Good Bye | my dear old William | C. Darwin

I hope Sara may be able to come to us on the Sunday.⁸ Order her!!