My dear Hooker

I propose to give myself the pleasure of paying you a morning visit on Thursday. I have to be in town on Wednesday & will come in my light tax cart,¹ about ten oclock in the morning & at midday return across country home. As I shall be in town, I will certainly come without the weather be atrociously bad.— W^d you send me one single line to say whether Thursday would suit you, if not I w^d come on Friday, but Thursday w^d suit me best.—

W^d you send your answer as soon as you receive this—then perhaps I shall receive it on Tuesday morning.

M^rs. Darwin is very much obliged for your kind invitation, but is afraid of the length of the drive.—²

Believe me Ever yours | C. Darwin

P.S. | I ought to apologise for coming in the morning & thus causing you to lose your best hours, but my visit will not be very long.—

N.B. As my health is always extremely uncertain, you must not be surprised if I fail: if I am not with you before eleven, you will understand that my health is to blame.—