Dec 28 95 Sloane Street Dearest Mother. We have had a successful, but a very rushing afternoon. I picked up Florence at Carlos Place and we spent the time till 5 o'clock shopping together. She was very low, poor little dear, at going back to that empty house, so we consoled each other and were much more cheerful by tea time. Uncle Frank was here when we came in. He then and there sat down and wrote me various letters of introduction, bless him! There will come a bill for me from Bassett's for about 25/ - would you mind paying it for me? It is an Xmas present for F. and as it had to be ordered and made I cd not pay for it on the spot. Perhaps Papa wd pay it and deduct it from my salery [sic]! (Grandpapa has sent me a cheque for £20, isn't it nice of him!) Also a Quaritch bill for 18/ for an Arabic book is part of my Xmas present please tell Papa! I drove F. home after tea and on the way back bought myself some knitting materials which I am sure will be a joy. Aunt Bessie has gone to see the Ls off, Sophie is going to a party at the Kitcats' and M and I to Mansfield St for a bit. I'm so sleepy I can't fail to pass a delightful night. I thought last night I had never been so miserable before! but now I feel better. Love to all my dear family. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude