York 9.20 Dearest Father. I must write you a little line from here I think to wish you a good evening. I have travelled with such a dowdy lady from Thirsk and she was clothed in white alpaca which gave me a shiver for I shall be clothed in white alpaca tomorrow! I do hope I shall not look like her. I shall try not to wear a pair of thick lace boots, nor red kid gloves, nor a hat à la the excellent Miss Thomson, as the advertisement book would say. I meant to make an economy and get out of my comfy first class carriage at Northallerton where my pass ends, but Providence intervened - the train didn't stop till Thirsk! So I've been travelling like a Lord up to here. I'm going to travel like a Lord still for I have got a very nice third class carriage all to myself.
What did Mother mean by telling me to have a meal here? I can't have another meal at this hour. I shall wait till Peterborough.

I am reading the Renan book and am fascinated with it. It is really a beautiful book. I daresay I shall finish it before I get to London and will post it back to you. You ought to read it - it's a comfort to come across anything so distinguished.

My dear love to Mother. I wonder if she has written any plays today. Much much love to both of you. Ever your devoted daughter Gertrude

There's not a breath of wind here!