My dear Darwin

I have just received & read your letters, and I need not tell you how how concerned I feel about it. It was only this morning I had a note from her, informing me that she intended to accompany the Spottiswoodes to Lubbock’s lecture, but giving no hint that she was ill.¹ This, however, is like her. She is quite capable of dying without giving any sign.

I will so arrange matters that I may have an hour’s earnest conversation with her. I do not know that she will pay any attention to me; but I think if she listens to anybody she will be inclined to listen to me.

I quite think with you that Andrew Clark is the man most likely to give her sound advice, and I shall do my best to induce her to consult him.

Last night I returned from Kew, whither I went on Thursday. Hooker passed the crisis well.² On christmas day he had some skating, and without our making any effort which would assuredly defeat itself, his mind was kept cheerfully occupied throughout— It was a happiness to me to be able to be at his side during this time of trial.

He told me about Mivart, and allowed me to read the correspondence.³ On à priori ground, & by an indescribable intuition, I could predict Mivart’s act as the natural outflow of his character.

always yours | John Tyndall