Dear Cresy

I have just received your kind note.—² You will see where we are. My third son (not the former invalid, who is better) had the Scarlet Fever dreadfully badly³ and on our road here, at Southampton, M^rs. Darwin sickened;⁴ but both our patients are at last going on capitally. We shall remain here some weeks longer.— This incessant illness has utterly stopped all work, except a few miscellaneous observations. I intend to give up my beloved Drosera till I have got out a separate volume on Variation; and Heaven knows when that will be.—⁵ I am very glad to hear that you have had a good holiday and feel yourself rested; for I am sure your incessant work is enough to tire out anyone.⁶ One week of your work would send me to bed for half a year.— Kippist to whom you allude is a good-hearted little man; but not one whose opinion one would value.⁷

M^rs. Darwin sends her kind remembrances to M^rs. Cresy⁸ and yourself.— I am sorry that I shall miss seeing you.

Pray believe me | Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin