Berlin Sunday 21st Dearest Mother. I was so glad to have your letter from London. I don't quite see how my plans can be independent from yours! still I shall stick to my intention of coming home on Thursday 4th unless you have anything different to propose. Please tell me about tips here - do you think I need tip Thorn? she has done my hair once or twice, but only Edith has waited on me. I think if I were to give Edith 20 marks and tip the two housemaids - 10 marks each? - and must I tip the two English footmen? if so will 10 marks each be enough for them? Please tell me this by return. I shall not have enough money to pay for my ticket, but I will ask Uncle Frank to take it for me.
We went to another ball on Friday night at Frau von Kurowsky's. It was very amusing and the cotillon was extremely gay. I dance on Monday and Tuesday this week and after that no more. That's quite enough; I've been to as many balls as I want.

Gerald left yesterday evening. He went off in very good spirits and I think on the whole he is glad to go. Poor dear Aunt Mary was dreadfully saddened. All the Chancery and Lord Elphinstone went to see Gerald off.

This morning I went to the Museum; Aunt Mary, Florence and Mr Spring Rice picked me up after church. The thaw goes on and we hope that in a day or two we shall be able to play golf. I should very much like to see Mariana on Wednesday week if it is still running - shall I write to Caroline and ask her if she will go with me? and have you got places as a subscriber or shall we have to buy them? Miss Pereira is coming here tonight to stay - we don't know for how long. I hope she will prove nice. It will be awfully nice to be at home again. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude.

Tell Papa Aunt Mary will be much disappointed if he does not manage to come.