You must be very glad to be settled in your house, and I hope all the
improvements satisfy you. As far as my experience goes, improvements are
never perfection. I am very sorry to hear that you are still so very busy,
and have so much work. And now for the main purport of my note, which is
to ask and beg you and Mrs. Hooker (whom it is really an age since I have
seen), and all your children, if you like, to come and spend a week here.
It would be a great pleasure to me and to my wife...As far as we can see,
we shall be at home all the winter; and all times probably would be equally
convenient; but if you can, do not put it off very late, as it may slip
through. Think of this and persuade Mrs. Hooker, and be a good man and
come.

Farewell, my kind and dear friend,
Yours affectionately,
C. DARWIN.

P.S.--I shall be very curious to hear what you think of my discussion on
Classification in Chapter XIII.; I believe Huxley demurs to the whole, and
says he has nailed his colours to the mast, and I would sooner die than
give up; so that we are in as fine a frame of mind to discuss the point as
any two religionists.

Embryology is my pet bit in my book, and, confound my friends, not one has
noticed this to me.


CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY.
Down, December 21st [1859].

My dear Gray,