Jan 7. Red Barns, Coatham, Redcar. Dearest Mother. It is very good learning that Father is still contemplating returning on Saturday. I hope he will be able to do so. But it's horrid cold here now! It has been sleeting all day and I have had the full benefit of it for I have spent an interminable afternoon in Clarence and Middlesbrough. Tomorrow I have to go up to haul over my library and Wed. is the M.M. and my lecture at Brotton! What a week! Yes, I see the GD is dead. I expect that means that Elsa's court gown must be white, but of course you will find out from Florence. A terrible tragedy is happening here - both the Stead boys are very ill with typhoid - Arnold has a touch of pneumonia as well. They don't know how they caught it, probably in London from whence they have recently returned. I fear that Arnold at least has a very poor chance. It's too dreadful.
Mr Dodds will send Father M [Maurice]'s pass book in two or three days. Does he want the cheque book as well? Odysseus' book is thrillingly interesting. When I have finished it I will either send it you or bring it or keep it for you. I think you would like to look at it. It's the best book on Turkey I have ever read. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude

The latest news is that Arnold has had a good sleep and the doctor is quite pleased with him and Kenneth is just about the same.