Gare de Lyon Tuesday. Dearest Mother. I have prospered extremely so far. I had carriages to myself a good crossing, I have got my sleeper and dined at the buffet here, a nasty little place, but a better dinner than you get at Palmyra [Tadmur]. I meant to say in my letter this morning, but paper gave out, that the more I see Mr Tyrrell the more I love him. He has a heart of gold and an unerring judgement about people - this must have grown on him since[?] he married Mrs T.! He talked last night of Uncle Arthur and Bertie - you know he spent a week at Smeaton at Easter - in the most delightful manner. He's like a good little fairy, that's what he is like.
Mr Platt came to see me off, ha ha! I laughed in my sleeve. However he made himself useful for he found an empty carriage and put me into it.

Love to my dear Papa, with whom I couple the name of Tavish. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude