To G. W. Norman   1 December 1881

My dear M^r. Norman

I should be a strange creature if I did not feel real pleasure in seeing you; after having received kindness from you for about 40 years. In old days I remember well saying to myself, “if any emergence ever occurs, & I want good advice, I will go to M^r. Norman, as I feel sure that he will give it to me.” I hope that you will be able before very long to drive here; but if not, I must come, & see you at Bromley Common.¹

Believe me, my dear M^r. Norman | Yours very sincerely | Charles Darwin