Rounton Grange Aug 17 Dearest Mother. Unless you particularly want me to do this, I would rather not. It would mean, as you say an immense amount of work, and I should have to abandon this winter a great deal of the archaeology I want to do. I should say that SiBell J. would do it better anyhow, if she will undertake it. I hope you don't think I'm a beast for saying so; if you thought that I would give up writing a travel book, which after all is not of the first importance.
Sylvia has just arrived for 2 nights. I am going with the Machells to tea with the Chaloners. You sound as if you were having a very successful tour.

Our expedition to R...... did not come off yesterday. Hugo arrived with a charming little friend called Parsons (and also of that calling) but there were violent thunderstorms and the rain came down in sheets most of the afternoon. So they went to Mount G. [Mount Grace] and came back here to tea. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude.

I'm drawing my castle and it is coming out beautifully. I can scarcely bear to leave it for a moment.