Palazzo Gritti. Sunday. Dearest Mother. I have been spending most of the day with the Wards - poor dear Mrs Green was not very well, but we went out together in the morning and saw some nice pictures, then she retired home and had a frugal lunch while I feasted with the Wards. Afterwards she was going to the Edens' garden, so I who was rather at a loose end, accepted joyfully Mrs Ward's proposition that I should accompany them to the Lido. It was very delicious; we went in two gondolas and it was warm and nice and low tide which is what I like in the lagoons. Tell Papa I went to our garden and got some violets, the white thorn was over and the peach blossom past its best. Tonight Mrs G. and I and the Wards are going out to see the show. There is to be a great illumination. I saw the King and Queen today quite close; they passed us in a gondola, just like that and we suddenly realized it must be they because he was always taking off his hat. The Queen looked very pretty. I am nearly well today but I'm rather glad to get away for I expect I shall be all right on the mainland. Your affectionate daughter Gertrude.
Papa's suggestions for journeys sound very nice - I shall propose them to Caroline.