To George King   2 October 1880

My dear Sir,

I am very glad that you will come here, but am sorry that you cannot keep.—¹ Monday will be better than tomorrow, for we shall tomorrow have a very large party of my children & relations here, most of whom will be gone on Monday.—² I do not know how you will be able best to get here.— Orpington station is 4 miles—Bromley 6 miles from Down. You can get a fly at either place, & keep it here.— We dine at 7$\frac{1}{2}$, but if the trains suit, will you not come about an hour before dinner?— I must tell you one thing with much regret viz that I cannot talk long to any one, as the excitement of much conversation brings on giddiness. Therefore I am sure that you will allow me to leave you for a time after dinner.— It is very good of you to come such a distance to make my acquaintance.—

My dear Sir | Your sincerely | Ch. Darwin

P.S. Beckenham is full 7 miles from Down.— I fear from your note that you think that Down is close to Beckenham.—³