Marseille Thursday Dearest Mother. I've had a very prosperous journey but the train and boat were unspeakably crowded. I met Lady Ottoline Morell [Morrell] on the boat with her husband who were very friendly - she quite preposterously clothed with an enormous hat and quantities of chiffon veils. We were 3/4 of an hour late in Paris so the 7.30 train was out of the question tell Hugo. However by great good luck I managed to get a sleeper - my fellow traveller, a girl going to Egypt told me that the other berth had been taken for her maid and the maid had fallen ill at the last moment. I could not regret it. I dined at the Gare de Lyon with Mr Lascelles and then met (Father will be thrilled to hear) Major Archer! His leave has been cut short and he is hurrying back to Baluchistan. She met him here this morning and we had a long talk while we were waiting for the luggage. She is delighted to go back but he is annoyed at having had his time cut short. I forgot to ask if there had been any reason for it. It's very delicious weather, the fruit trees all out as we came this morning - I slept like a top and didn't wake till 8 however, so I didn't see much of the scenery. It's not warm, though it's a good deal warmer than when Father and I were here last. There's quite a cold wind - it's no better than London. I did feel relieved when I saw my luggage appear this time. Now I hope I shall find my camp on board. I've just had an early lunch here and I shall go down to the boat now having nothing particular to do in Marseilles. Your affectionate daughter Gertrude