Dear Lubbock

I should like you very much to meet my best of old friends, Prof. Henslow & I have been thinking that perhaps you would come & dine here (if not engaged) on Thursday at 7$\frac{1}{4}$, for I am sure you will forgive me, if tired, going & sitting by myself for $\frac{1}{2}$ an hour after dinner.² It is an intolerable evil my being so easily done up.— you may remember the last time you dined here I was not able to appear; but if you will come & take chance, I think you would like Henslow.—

We had intended asking you to persuade M^rs. Lubbock to come with you, but my wife was quite suddenly called to London by dangerous illness of a relation.—³ & I fear there is hardly a chance of her returning tomorrow by the Omnibus, but I mean to have dinner late for the chance. Do not trouble yourself to answer this, but come if you can & are so inclined.

Ever yours | C. Darwin