From W. S. Dallas   10 December 1867

My dear Sir

Your letter received this morning was written I suppose before you received a letter from me, which I thought would have reached you yesterday morning.—¹

I am pushing forward as fast as I can with the second volume & hope to finish it this week, which I hope will obviate all chance of injurious delay—² The work is, however, fearfully heavy, & my only hope is that when the Index is finished you will think it worth the labour bestowed upon it.—

Believe me | Your’s very truly | W. S. Dallas

Cha^s Darwin Esq