From H. E. Darwin to W. E. Darwin [September or October 1863]

My dear William—

As Mama is going to write this is only a scap to thank you for your two letters which we were very glad to get & which arrived just after I had despatched my laconic epistle. I had been busy & as I said before I didn't think you were too virtuous yourself or I wouldn't have been so short & scant of breath as [Hamblik] says.

The boys are staying till Tuesday evening which is very jolly. They spend the most of their day in eating pears & walnuts, & listening to Trollopes tales of all countries wh. is a capital book. It is wonderful how much of their company Papa stands. I think it shows his head must be much stronger. He has escaped sickness these 4 nights now & had good days between.

Goodbye dear W.

Yours | H.E.D.