My dearest Henrietta

I must write a line to tell you how deeply I have sympathized with you in all your dreadful anxiety— We were at first quite panic-struck—& how we rejoice over Litchfields much better state. It astonished & delighted us to receive his nice long letter.² How I wish you were safe at home, & that a law was passed that no one sh^d. go abroad. I want to advise you to take a courier³ from Lucerne; & so have no bothers on the journey.

There ought to be another law not to ride horses or play at lawn-tennis⁴ Poor dear old Lenny lies on the sofa a bulky monument of patience, & never grumbles a bit. We have had lately many callers & this has been good for him, as it has made talk. Elinor Dicey was here for luncheon today & she talked about Sarah Sedgwick. You ought to have seen your mother she looked as if she had committed a murder & told a fib about Sara going back to America with the most innocent face.⁵ She afterwards said the fib slipped out quite unconsciously.— Good Lord what nonsense all this secrecy is. It is a grand thing for William’s happiness that the whole affair is settled, & I hope they may be soon buckled fast together, & then no fine feelings can come into play.—

When you return you had better come to Down; it is safer than London; & in earnest I sh^d. think country air must be better for convalescence, & there will be no business to bother Litchfield.

I am tired so good bye. Frank & I have been working very hard at bloom & the automatic movement of plants, from morning to night & we have made out a good deal.—⁶ Good Bye my dear— Love to Litchfield— How I rejoice that your anxiety is over. | Your affect Father | C. Darwin