Cairo. Sunday 20 Dearest Mother. At last Father really does seem to be recovering. He has had 2 very fairly good days and last night an excellent night, quite the best he has had. He is as cheerful as possible this morning and we begin to think we may get away to Mena on Wed. or Thursday and even perhaps leave altogether next Monday. Sir John Ardagh, on the other hand, is rather bad. I think he'll die here; his wife is very anxious about him and I don't wonder. She has been most kind in coming to have talks with Father. He has liked seeing her. I lent Mrs Napier Periwinkle. Her comment is that maidens rush in where sages femmes fear to tread! Sir William Garstin came to see us yesterday and was very agreeable.
Blanche and I have been shopping in the bazaar this morning. She and Lady St H. leave on Tuesday morning. Oppenheim has asked me to a ball on Monday but I'm not going. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude