[1]

(Ap. 82)

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINGTON. S.E.R.

My dear George

Your last letter gave such an uncomf. account that I have been rejoicing these many days to think that you were on the sea again, & we shall be heartily glad to have you safe back —

You will find F. rather feeble & unwell. We had

[2]

Dr Clark to see him about 3 weeks ago, as he had been a good deal plagued with dull aching in the chest — He said the heart was amiss; but that great care & time wd much most probably bring him round to his usual state —

Dr C. cd only remain 1/2 an hr & wd not take a fee, so it was most unsatisfac — & as Dr Moore was at Ravensbourne

[3]

we got him to see F. He gave a most thorough exam. taking plenty of time, & his verdict was more cheerful — viz that the heart was weak; but he saw no signs of it being organically wrong — owing to Dr C's mistaken generosity & his being overwhelmed with work he is practically useless — so we are going to have Dr Moore regularly — F. is oddly feeble as his appetite is good — & he finds the days very long — but I am sure

[4]

he wd be too uncomf — away from home now — This will make yr return not so cheerful as I hoped. Leo will have told you of his engagement to Miss Fraser — He is very happy wh. is all that much matters & we like her & it is as safe a marriage as you cd have — We will tell you all when you come & I hope it may be soon my dearest old man & that the voyage will have suited you. E. Darwin

[from p. 1:] It was most unfortunate yr having that horrid operation w. yr teeth —